ATTACHMENT C
Sample Letter – Coalition to
Protect Community Services
MEMORANDUM
To: California local government agencies
From: Margaret Finlay, President, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Date: May 10, 2026
RE: Sample Letter of Support – Action Requested
As local governments face a growing liability crisis that diverts taxpayer dollars from essential services, the California JPIA has formed the Coalition to Protect Community Services to advance practical policy solutions. We are seeking your support and request a signed letter by July 4 th.
Your jurisdiction’s support will help build the foundation of this Coalition and demonstrate to statewide local government associations and the Legislature that California’s cities and special districts are united on these issues.
Instructions
1. Review the attached sample letter outlining the Coalition's principles.
2. Customize it on your letterhead, replacing bracketed placeholders with your information.
3. Email a signed PDF to [email protected]. Letters will be accepted through the summer.
What Happens Next
Letters will be held by the Coalition and used to demonstrate local government support as we engage with statewide associations and policymakers. Your jurisdiction will be notified before any letter is shared publicly.
Questions? Please contact Tim Townsend on our lobbying team at [email protected].
[CITY / SPECIAL DISTRICT LETTERHEAD]
[DATE]
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
8081 Moody Street
La Palma, CA 90623
RE: Coalition to Protect Community Services – Statement of Support
Dear California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board of Directors:
On behalf of the [City / District] of [NAME], we write to express our strong support for the Coalition to Protect Community Services and its efforts to keep local taxpayer dollars available for the essential services our residents depend on.
Local governments across California are facing a growing liability crisis. Large claims against local agencies—arising from public roadways , public property, and routine government services—have increased sharply, and the rising costs are unsustainable. According to an analysis of claims data from 1,979 local government agencies conducted by the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, claims exceeding $1 million increased 67% between 2015 and 2022. Insurance premiums rose from $115 million in 2016 to $541 million in 2025—an increase of 370%. Every dollar consumed by excessive liability judgments and settlements is a dollar taken away from parks, libraries, public safety, road maintenance, senior services and youth programs.
Individuals who sustain legitimate injuries resulting from local government negligence deserve fair compensation. We are fully committed to that obligation. But balanced reforms are needed to ensure that compensation reflects true harm and proportionate responsibility—which serves the interests of both injured parties and the communities who rely on public services.
As you work to address this issue, we encourage you to consider the following principles:
Proportionality
Each party responsible for harm should bear liability in proportion to their actual share of fault— not based on which defendant happens to have the deepest pocket. Local government agencies should not be forced to subsidize damages caused by drunk drivers, uninsured motorists, careless contractors, or criminal actors who bear primary responsibility. An equitable system ensures that responsibility follows conduct, and that no single party is unfairly targeted simply because they have the ability to pay.
Accountability
Local governments must remain fully responsible for their own negligence. Sound reforms should preserve that accountability—not create bl anket immunity, and not prevent injured parties from recovering the share of damages attributable to a local agency.
Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars
Public funds are a public trust. Policy solutions should protect taxpayer dollars for their intended public purposes, and prevent local agencies from being used as a backstop for the liabilities of others. Durable, forward-looking reforms are needed to protect the long-term sustainability of local government services—the current trajectory of claim costs and insurance premiums is not sustainable.
We stand ready to support the Coalition and build the kind of just liability system our communities deserve.
Thank you for your consideration. Please contact [NAME, TITLE] at [PHONE] or [EMAIL] if we can provide additional information.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
[TITLE]
[City / District of NAME]