Cal Cities Board holds its annual summer meeting in San Jose

By Cal Cities Staff

The Cal Cities Board met last week in San Jose to take stock of progress made on key legislation and act on member-led initiatives.

First up on the agenda was a review of pending legislation - including sponsored bills that would make it easier to collect taxes on short-term rentals, reduce fire risk, prepare for sea level rise, plan for housing, enforce recovery home rules, and address cooper wire theft.

The legislative team also flagged that two high-profile measures aimed at addressing homelessness are on pause until next year. The outcome is a mixed result for Cal Cities, which will work to address cities' concerns before the bills resurface for consideration.

Board members had a robust discussion on SB 707 (Durazo), a bill that makes changes to the state's open public meetings law, the Brown Act. The Board voted to take an oppose unless amended position.

The legislative team also updated Board members on Cal Cities' leadership role in the Climate Safe Infrastructure coalition. The diverse group of stakeholders is urging lawmakers to include investments in infrastructure projects that maximize emissions reductions, enhance climate safety, and support middle-class jobs when they reauthorize the Cap-and-Trade program.

The coalition- including three city leaders and Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman - rallied at the Capitol for the changes before summer recess. Coleman focused on how the program helps boost the supply of affordable housing.

Board members then heard updates on Cal Cities' legal advocacy in federal and state courts, as well as a legal challenge from California cities on the Trump administration's federal funding and immigration enforcement actions.

During the meeting's opening remarks, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed gratitude for the effectiveness of Cal Cities' work to improve the quality of life for California residents.

State and federal funding for cities

The Board discussed cuts in state funding to homelessness and uncertainty over how the federal tax and spending bill will impact cities. The Board also reviewed efforts to preserve access to federal grants. Earlier this month, Cal Cities and the National League of Cities endorsed a letter by Rep. Jim Costa calling for protection of the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Member-led initiatives

The Board voted unanimously to create a new member group for veterans and military city officers. The proposal came from Dr. Michael Cao, the mayor of Arcadia, a Cal Cities board member, and a former veteran.

The Board also discussed a draft statement of principles submitted by the Advancing Equity Advisory Committee that included statements about Cal Cities' past and more recent actions of the organization, as well as a commitment to continue building on the progress that has already been made. After a lengthy and fruitful discussion, the Board asked for the statement to be revised to include several comments from the Board. The revised statement will be reviewed at a future Board meeting.

The next Board meeting is Oct. 9 at the Annual Conference and Expo in Long Beach.