06/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2025 16:16
Sacramento - Following the Legislature's announcement of their FY 2025-26 State Budget agreement, League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman issued the following statement:
"Cities play an integral role in carrying out the state's goals, and in a climate of fiscal uncertainty, the Legislature's budget blueprint makes progress on several city priorities. But there's more work to be done.
We are pleased that lawmakers listened to the will of the voters and cities' calls by providing initial investments to support Prop. 36. This one-time funding is a crucial first step in implementing this common-sense public safety measure and providing more tools for cities to protect the safety of all who live in their communities.
We appreciate the Legislature rejecting the Governor's proposal to reduce funding from the state's flagship Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant program to zero and restoring it by half. However, any cuts will upend the years of progress our cities have made in addressing homelessness. As budget negotiations continue, we urge the Governor and Legislature to restore funding for the HHAP program to the previous year's level.
We also appreciate that the Legislature's proposal largely recognizes the funding voters approved as part of the Prop. 4 climate bond should remain available for its stated uses. This funding is essential to making our communities more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate. Every dollar counts when it comes to home hardening grants and water infrastructure improvements that ensure our communities can weather future catastrophes like firestorms and droughts.
As the budget process moves forward, Cal Cities will continue to advocate for a final budget package that includes ongoing funding for homelessness, funding to implement Prop. 36, and the protection of voter-approved investments in climate change."
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.
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