California mayors advocate for ongoing state funding for homeless programs.
On October 30, mayors from several major cities in California convened at Riverside City Hall to advocate for sustained state support for homelessness initiatives and various urban needs. This meeting highlighted the urgency of addressing the state’s housing crisis, with a particular focus on the significance of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding.
Patricia Lock Dawson, the mayor of Riverside and chair of the bipartisan Big City Mayors coalition, articulated the group’s accomplishments in restoring HHAP funding, emphasizing that this achievement marks just the beginning of a broader agenda. The coalition aims to harness its collective strength to identify pressing challenges that individual cities cannot tackle alone, and to engage directly with state officials in pursuit of comprehensive solutions.
Prominent mayors in attendance included Jerry Dyer of Fresno, Todd Gloria of San Diego, Matt Mahan of San Jose, Rex Richardson of Long Beach, Ashleigh Aitken of Anaheim, Christina Fugazi of Stockton, and Larry Agran of Irvine. Collectively, this group represents California’s thirteen largest cities, which house nearly 11 million residents. These mayors convene for policy summits as needed to address critical urban issues; the last formal meeting occurred the previous year in San Francisco.
As California approaches the election on November 3, the mayors expressed their support for Proposition 1. This proposed ballot measure seeks to establish an .25 billion affordable housing bond dedicated to assisting veterans and low- to moderate-income families. Proponents argue that it will accelerate the production of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, while critics caution against increasing state debt as a solution to housing challenges.
Agran emphasized the importance of Proposition 1, stating that it represents crucial funding for addressing homelessness and expanding transitional and emergency housing options. He underscored that resources from such measures are vital for cities striving to provide necessary support to those in need.
The mayors also called on the next elected governor to ensure ongoing support for HHAP grant funding. Dawson highlighted the necessity of sustaining this funding at a minimum of billion annually to effectively tackle homelessness and related concerns. Riverside itself received .3 million from the state through HHAP funding for both 2025 and 2026.
Reflecting on the meeting’s outcomes, Lock Dawson expressed hope that these collaborations would lead to clearly identified priorities and actionable strategies in partnership with state lawmakers and the governor. Gloria noted that despite the vastness of California, many cities face similar issues, underscoring the need for a robust partnership with Sacramento to continue providing essential services, including homelessness support, safe neighborhoods, and reliable infrastructure.
This initiative marks a critical step toward securing the resources necessary for cities to navigate the complicated landscape of housing and homelessness, illustrating the importance of unified action at the municipal and state levels.
Given the scale of California’s challenges, the mayors’ appeal for consistent support from the state government is both timely and pivotal in their efforts to improve conditions for the residents they serve.
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