California Big City Mayors Advocate for Ongoing State Funding for Homeless Programs
On October 30, 2026, mayors from several of California’s largest cities convened at Riverside City Hall to advocate for sustained support from the state for programs addressing homelessness and other municipal priorities. This gathering marked a significant gathering of the bipartisan Big City Mayors coalition, which represents the interests of the state’s most populous areas.
Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, who chairs the coalition, emphasized the collective achievement of restoring funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. She underscored that while restoring these funds was a critical initial step, the summit aimed to translate this collective strength into actionable policies to confront issues that individual cities cannot effectively manage on their own. The mayors emphasized the importance of collaborating directly with the governor and state legislature to develop meaningful statewide solutions.
Among the attendees were mayors from major cities including Fresno, San Diego, San Jose, Long Beach, Anaheim, Stockton, and Irvine. Together, these leaders represent approximately 11 million residents, reflecting their cities’ urgent need for state-level support in addressing housing and homelessness challenges.
With the upcoming election on November 3, the mayors expressed their collective support for Proposition 1, a proposed .25 billion bond measure aimed at funding affordable housing initiatives for veterans and low- and moderate-income families. Proponents argue that this measure could significantly expedite housing production and provide much-needed resources for addressing the state’s housing crises. Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the implications of increasing state debt.
Mayor Larry Agran of Irvine highlighted the pivotal role Proposition 1 could play in stabilizing funding for affordable housing and homelessness solutions, echoing the sentiments of fellow mayors regarding the urgency of addressing these issues. He noted that securing resources through such measures is essential for cities striving to enhance their housing support initiatives.
The mayors also called for the next gubernatorial administration to continue and expand HHAP grant funding, requesting a sustainable commitment of at least billion annually. In 2025 and 2026, Riverside received .3 million in HHAP funds, a vital resource in its efforts to combat homelessness.
Mayor Matt Mahan of San Jose underscored the need for collaboration, emphasizing that solutions to homelessness should foster genuine partnership and accountability between cities and counties. He highlighted the necessity of providing immediate access to mental health services and treatment options for those in need, aligning with a vision of integrated support within public systems.
Mayor Todd Gloria from San Diego reiterated the shared challenges faced by California cities, advocating for Sacramento’s continued partnership to secure safe neighborhoods and reliable infrastructure that residents expect.
As the mayors concluded their discussions, they delineated a focused agenda aimed at practical action, underscoring their commitment to tackling California’s homelessness and housing dilemmas with coordinated efforts and state cooperation.
This assembly reflects the pressing need for effective strategies and resources to confront homelessness, and the commitment of city leaders to work collectively with state authorities highlights a path towards sustainable solutions.
