Item 10a.
Councilmember Steward
Councilmember Amy Steward
League of California Cities Representative
Coastal Cities Leadership Group – San Diego Coast Representative League of California Cities City Leaders Summit
Sacramento, CA | April 23–25, 2025
Celebrated California Cities Week (April 20-26)
Leadership Summit Summary
I recently attended the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit, where I participated in legislative advocacy meetings, networking events, and conference sessions focused on key issues impacting California cities.
Advocacy Highlights
• Met with Assemblymembers Laurie Davies, Tasha Boerner, Jacqui Irwin, and Senator Catherine Blakespear.
• Advocated for Coronado on issues including cross-border pollution, RHNA housing allocation concerns, sea-level rise mitigation, and coastal project approvals. • Supported legislation such as AB 650 (housing element reform), AB 262 (disaster assistance), SB 74 (local infrastructure funding), and SB 454 (PFAS removal). • Provided feedback on AB 452 (surfing reserves) to protect local coastal management authority.
Networking and Collaboration
• Strengthened Coronado’s relationships with the California Coastal Commission, Cal Cities Coastal Leadership Group, and regional leaders.
• Collaborated with Coronado’s legislative advocate, Kyra Ross, and Cal Cities Coast Cities Leadership Group advocate, Melissa Sparks-Kranz.
Key Conference Takeaways
• California’s economy faces challenges from tariffs, deportations, climate change, and rising costs, but retains major advantages through its skilled workforce. • Cities are navigating growing risks from PFAS litigation, disaster recovery funding gaps, and infrastructure needs.
• Legislative advocacy and proactive planning remain essential for local resilience and community success.
Conclusion
Ongoing engagement with state leaders, regional coalitions, and legislative advocates is critical to representing Coronado’s interests and advancing policies that support sustainable, resilient communities.