Annual Report
2025
Navigating Change
Powering Progress
Message from
the Executive
Director and CEO
Carolyn Coleman
Recovering from devastating wildfires. Bal -
ancing budgets in the face of economic
uncertainty. Countering misinformation
and polarization. Dealing with immigration
enforcement efforts. Harnessing technol -
ogy that is rapidly changing city opera -
tions. Driving solutions to the housing and
homelessness crisis.
This year has tested the resolve and
strength of our communities and our city
leaders. As local leaders, you faced these
challenges with courage, resilience, and
passion for your cities.
And Cal Cities, the organization created
by you, has been with you every step of
the way. Together, we’re navigating the
changing political, social, and economic
realities to power your progress and uplift
your communities.
With over 98% of California cities as mem -
bers, Cal Cities is the only organization
that can genuinely say that it represents
California cities.
Our success lies in the fact that we deliver
results that benefit cities: funding, legisla -
tion, resources, legal clarity, and opportuni -
ties to learn from and lean on each other.
Our collective achievements would not
have been possible without all of you,
the 2024-25 Cal Cities Officers and Board
members, and the dynamic Cal Cities
staff.
I am honored to present the 2025 Annual
Report, which captures all we accom -
plished together this year. I am excited for
what the future holds.
Carolyn M. Coleman
Executive Director and CEO
League of California Cities
League of California Cities1
Annual Report 2025 2
The Cal Cities 2024-25 Board of Directors
Mission
Vision
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate
for the common interests of California’s cities.
Cal Cities is a beacon for collaboration and advocacy. Our unity is our strength. When we speak with one voice — on housing, public safety, infrastructure, fiscal stability, or climate resilience — we amplify the needs of our residents and the hopes of our communities.
Lynne Kennedy, Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem
and Cal Cities Board President
Who we are
Cal Cities is a member-informed organization powered by the voices of city officials. Together, we elevate Cal Cities as the leading voice for California cities.
We serve
thousands of city officials and staff...
• Mayors and
Council Members
• City Managers
• City Attorneys
• City Clerks
• Fire Chiefs
• Fiscal Officers
• Human Resources
Directors
• Planning
Commissioners
• Police Chiefs
• Public Works
Officers
...and cities of ALL population sizes.
Less than 50KLess than 50K
50K-100K50K-100K
100K-200K100K-200K
200K-500K200K-500K
500K-4M500K-4M
305 cities
104 cities
51 cities
17 cities
6 cities
League of California Cities3
Mobilizing members to power advocacy
Cal Cities is a powerhouse, member-driven organization that advances the interests of cities in the Legislature, in the courts, and at the ballot box. Grassroots mobilization through our public affairs team is key to advancing those efforts.
State and federal courts play an increasingly out-
sized role in shaping the laws that affect cities,
and city voices are integral to our efforts to fur-
ther cities’ collective legal interests. Over the last
year, Cal Cities filed 30 amicus briefs and letters
in support of cities in state and federal courts.
In the Legislature, Cal Cities sponsored 15 bills
— the most in recent history! Eight of those bills
made it to the Governor’s desk, and six were
signed into law.
City officials traveled from every corner of the
state to testify in Sacramento. Cities sent over
1,300 letters to the Capitol. Regional divisions
hosted forums with lawmakers to highlight how
legislation would impact their communities and
led lobby days that shaped the outcomes of
legislative debates.
All of this helped us advance legislation that will
serve communities throughout California and
stop bills that would harm our cities.
Heather Ferbert, San Diego City Attorney
Local government plays an essential role in shaping the day- to-day lives of Californians. Through Cal Cities, we are able to elevate the legal issues cities are facing, contribute to statewide policy, and help shape effective, practical solutions. I’m grateful for the chance to support that work and strengthen the legal tools that help cities protect and serve their communities.
Annual Report 2025 4
Local Revenues
In a time of significant state and national fiscal un-
certainty, we must fight more than ever to protect
local revenues. This year, we sponsored a bill that
would crack down on illegal short-term rentals
and enable cities to capture the millions of tax
dollars left uncollected each year. Deep-pock-
eted corporations pushed back with a robust
disinformation campaign, but ultimately, SB 346
(Durazo) sailed through the Legislature with bipar-
tisan support before being signed into law.
Homelessness
Cal Cities has long urged state leaders to pro-
vide ongoing, reliable homelessness funding.
But in June, the state zeroed out the biggest
homeless prevention grant program for the
fiscal year and set aside half of the normal
amount in the next budget. Cal Cities fought
back to prevent any interruption in services,
despite the significant funding cuts. We also
forced changes to SB 634 (Perez), which threat-
ened cities’ ability to address encampments.
After overwhelming opposition from nearly 100
cities, the measure was significantly amended
to address our concerns.
Housing
Over 180 cities joined Cal Cities in the fight
against SB 79 (Wiener), a measure that gives tran-
sit agencies unprecedented land use authority
while disregarding local zoning and state-certified
housing elements. The groundswell of opposition
resulted in the bill being amended 13 times, sig-
nificantly narrowing its impact before becoming
law. Cal Cities also channeled long-simmering
frustrations from city officials about the timeliness,
consistency, and fairness of the state’s housing
element approval process and sponsored AB
650 (Papan). The common-sense bill would have
made it easier for cities to plan for homes faster
and more effectively. Although it received unan-
imous bipartisan support, the Governor vetoed it
based on cost concerns.
Climate change
The climate crisis is affecting cities’ core func-
tions: infrastructure, public safety, and housing.
To respond to these impacts, cities need resourc-
es and a strong partnership with the state. This
year, Cal Cities and a broad coalition secured
an extension of the Cap-and-Trade program,
which invests millions of dollars into communities
to help meet the state’s climate goals. Cal Cities
fought to ensure that the program continues to
fund city priorities and includes specific funding
for affordable housing and wildfire resilience.
Legislative highlights
League of California Cities5
For a decade, cities have struggled with the lack of accountability and transparency over recovery housing facilities. Despite efforts by Cal Cities, the Legislature refused to act — until recently. Thanks in part to strong engagement from Orange County Division city officials, Cal Cities successfully pushed through two new laws, AB 492 (Valencia) and AB 424 (Davies), that will bring much-needed oversight to recovery housing facilities. City leaders traveled to the Capitol to testify in favor of the Cal Cities-sponsored bills and joined Cal Cities for a press conference alongside lawmakers calling for reforms.
Recovery housing reforms bring transparency
and accountability
The political heft of the League of California Cities has helped push the reform agenda forward this session.”
Columnist Teri Sforza, writing for the Orange County Register Other legislative achievements
Recent changes to state licensing require -
ments were stalling city efforts to commis -
sion murals. Cal Cities sprang into action
and built a coalition with city officials and
artists to secure much-needed reform. The
new law, SB 456 (Ashby), provides a narrow
exemption to state licensing requirements,
making it easier for cities to commission lo -
cal artists and uplift their communities.
Annual Report 2025 6
City officials connecting and learning together
The Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo
had its highest attendance in 20 years, as over
2,300 city officials, partners, sponsors, and ven -
dors came together for three days to explore
solutions to city issues, learn from each other,
and celebrate achievements.
Five of Cal Cities’ department conferences
sold out in 2025, a strong indicator of just how
much city officials value coming together with
colleagues from throughout the state.
The City Leaders Summit saw a record number
of city officials come together in Sacramento.
Cal Cities led delegations of city officials to
meet with all 120 legislative offices, celebrated
California Cities Week, and held a rally and
press event on the Capitol lawn calling atten -
tion to city priorities in the state budget. City
officials also explored local solutions to state -
wide problems through educational sessions.
As a young, Latina/AAPI, woman who started as a
councilmember and now, mayor, and being the first in many aspects, I was met with empowerment by Cal Cities. It empowers elected officials to advocate and share their experiences to create better cities and a stronger voice at the state level.
Rachel Hernandez, Riverbank Mayor
League of California Cities7
Cal Cities builds community
The diversity caucuses strengthen Cal Cities'
role as the leading advocate for city interests.
The caucuses provide crucial support for
Cal Cities members from our state's diverse
demographic groups and make meaningful
connections with historically underrepresented
communities throughout California.
Jeffrey Koji Maloney, Alhambra Vice Mayor
CCLI celebrates
20 years!
Cal Cities’ California Civic Lead-
ership Institute celebrated its 20th
anniversary in 2025, marking two
decades of helping local gov-
ernment officials prepare for the
state Legislature.
Established in 2005, CCLI helps
ready local leaders for state-
wide campaigns, strengthens
Cal Cities' relationships with
future legislators, and builds
connections among California’s
political leaders.
An impressive list of 54 alumni
went on to serve in higher office:
• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
• California Attorney General
Rob Bonta
• California State Treasurer
Fiona Ma
• California State
Superintendent of Public
Education Tony Thurmond
• 14 California Assembly
Members
• 11 California Senate Members
• Two California Congressional
Members
Cal Cities serves as a convener — meeting officials where they are and connecting them to resources and, more importantly, each other. This year, more than 15,000 city officials participated in a Cal Cities conference, webinar, division event, or roundtable to share ideas, hear from experts, and learn from each other.
Cal Cities’ five diversity caucuses and 10 municipal departments also bring together city leaders to advance shared solutions and connect with peers who share similar concerns. This year, diversity caucuses sponsored several panels at Cal Cities’ conferences, as well as virtual and in-person events on a wide range of issues to help educate city officials. In addition, thousands of city officials participated in member-driven department and issue-based roundtables, providing members with a safe space to learn from their peers on issues as diverse as wildfire preparedness, Brown Act reforms, federal immigration enforcement efforts, and sup- porting groups impacted by hate crimes.
New this year, Cal Cities launched the Veterans and Military City Officials member group. These local leaders have dynamic perspectives, shaped by their service to our country. This ded- icated group is another Cal Cities opportunity for members to connect and collaborate.
Annual Report 2025 8
Cal Cities elevates city voices to influence
statewide conversations
As the nation’s media landscape becomes
more fractured, local officials and city issues
must be at the forefront of conversations be -
tween lawmakers, the media, and the pub lic.
That’s why in 2025, Cal Cities made a con -
certed effort to strengthen relationships with
the media and increase its online visibility.
As a result, Cal Cities and the voices of cities
were featured in several regional publica -
tions and prominent national and statewide
Cal Cities empowers local leaders to turn challenges into opportunities for communities across California. As a city manager, I’ve seen how Cal Cities amplifies our collective voice and delivers results. Together, we’re shaping a stronger, more inclusive California.
LaTanya Bellow, Emeryville City Manager and Cal Cities Board Member media outlets, including the Associated Press,
CalMatters, Los Angeles Times, Politico , and
San Francisco Chronicle .
Strong media coverage helped get one major
measure across the finish line and significantly al-
tered another one. Cal Cities worked with an LA
city official to place an op-ed urging lawmakers
to pass SB 346 (Durazo), a bill that makes it easier
for cities to enforce short-term rental ordinances
and receive transient occupancy taxes. It also
League of California Cities9
At the end of the day, local
government is where the
rubber really meets the road…
Local government is where
government is connected to
the people, and celebrating
the work of our cities that are
tackling the big issues, from
housing to homelessness to
climate change, is so important.
Assembly Member Nick Schultz
worked with two other city officials to pen an
op-ed urging caution when ceding local land
use authority. Although the Governor signed SB
79 into law, he did so only after bruising com-
mittee fights and dozens of rounds of changes.
Also central to Cal Cities’ advocacy wins is
#LocalWorks, which highlights how cities are
meeting today’s challenges head-on. These 26
stories appeared in Western City magazine and
Cal Cities Advocate — the weekly newsletter —
as well as in advocacy materials to lawmakers.
When the state says cities aren’t doing enough,
we say, “Yes, we are: Here's how.”
At no time during the year was our visibility high-
er than during California Cities Week in April,
when hundreds of city officials converged on
the Capitol. Lawmakers heard from city officials
and recognized the many ways California’s
diverse cities make life better for all.
We are grateful to Cal Cities for its steadfast commitment to protecting local control and amplifying the voices of smaller cities. Cal Cities empowers Paramount and other cities to shape policies that reflect our local needs while working together to strengthen the foundation of local governance statewide.
Peggy Lemons, Paramount Mayor
Annual Report 2025 10
The Cal Cities team
Supported by a staff of over 70, Cal Cities is the leading advocate and premier educational resource for California cities and their leaders. 1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814
916.658.8200
www.calcities.org
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OFFICERS
Lynne Kennedy, Mayor Pro Tem, Rancho Cucamonga, President Gabe Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem, El Cerrito, First Vice President Teresa Acosta, Council Member, Carlsbad, Second Vice President Daniel Parra, Council Member, Fowler, Immediate Past President Carolyn M. Coleman, Executive Director and CEO
DIRECTORS
Ashleigh Aitken, Mayor, Anaheim, Large City
Paul Akinjo, Mayor, Lathrop, Central Valley Division
Walter Allen III, Council Member, Covina, At-Large
Jan Arbuckle, Council Member, Grass Valley, Mayors and Council Members Department
Karen Bass, Los Angeles, Large City
Scott Bauer, Council Member, Eureka, Redwood Empire Division LaTanya Bellow, City Manager, Emeryville, Personnel and Employee Relations Department
Priya Bhat-Patel, Mayor Pro Tem, Carlsbad, Women’s Caucus James Bozajian, Mayor Pro Tem, Calabasas, Los Angeles
County Division
Ulises Cabrera, Mayor, Moreno Valley, Latino Caucus
Michael Cao, Mayor, Arcadia, At-Large
Andrew Chou, Council Member, Diamond Bar, At-Large
David Cohen, Council Member, San Jose, Large City Representative Karen Comstock, Council Member, Chino, Inland Empire Division Christine Dietrick, City Attorney, San Luis Obispo, City Attorneys Department
Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Council Member, Auburn, Sacramento Valley Division
Jerry Dyer, Mayor, Fresno, Large City
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor, Alameda, East Bay Division Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor, Los Altos, At-Large
Todd Gloria, Mayor, San Diego, Large City
Karen Goh, Mayor, Bakersfield, Large City
Renee Golder, Council Member, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay Division Rene Guerrero, Assistant Director of Public Works, Ontario, Public Works Department
Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief, Oxnard, Fire Chiefs Department Alma Hernandez, Mayor, Suisun City, North Bay Division
Britt Huff, Council Member, Rolling Hills Estates, At-Large Randi Johl, Legislative Director/City Clerk, Temecula,
City Clerks Department
Ellen Kamei, Mayor, Mountain View, Peninsula Division
Jim Lewis, City Manager, Atascadero, City Managers Department César Macias, Special Assistant to Mayor, Oakland, Large City Representative
Jeffrey Maloney, Council Member, Alhambra, API Caucus
Caity Maple, Council Member, Sacramento, Large City Representative Ray Marquez, Council Member, Chino Hills, At-Large
Yvonne Martinez Beltran, Council Member, Morgan Hill, At-Large Rudy Mendoza, Mayor, Woodlake, At-Large
John Minto, Mayor, Santee, San Diego County Division
Eric Nelson, Planning Commissioner, Dana Point, Planning and Community Development Department
Ida Obeso-Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem, Imperial, Imperial County Division Ian Oglesby, Mayor, Seaside, African American Caucus
Jaime Patino, Council Member, Union City, At-Large
Randall Putz, Council Member, Big Bear Lake, Desert Mountain Division Ana Maria Quintana, Council Member, Bell, At-Large
Roberta Raper, Dir of Finance & Technology, West Sacramento, Fiscal Officers Department
Dana Reed, Mayor Pro Tem, Indian Wells, Riverside County Division Rex Richardson, Mayor, Long Beach, Large City
David Sander, Council Member, Rancho Cordova, NLC
Cindy Silva, Council Member, Walnut Creek, At-Large
Jeff Smith, Police Chief, Pismo Beach, Police Chiefs Department Erica A. Stewart, Mayor, San Luis Obispo, Channel Counties Division Ali Sajjad Taj, Mayor, Artesia, At-Large
John Taylor, Council Member, San Juan Capistrano, Orange County Division
Kuldip Thusu, Council Member, Dinuba, South San Joaquin Valley Division
Tyller Williamson, Mayor, Monterey, LGBTQ Caucus
The Cal Cities Board of Directors