Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr., who showed that every act of service matters. Let’s continue uplifting others through purposeful, compassionate action to strengthen the cities we call home.

Trust in local government is earned — not given. 🤝 ILG shares strategies for city leaders to strengthen public trust through transparency, ethical leadership, inclusive engagement, and storytelling. www.westerncity.com/article/how-...

The state auditor today released a review of the housing element process, confirming that increased support is critical for cities to complete housing plans on time. www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2024...

Workplace investigations don’t end when the report is filed. 💼 Learn how post-investigation strategies — from open communication to leadership accountability — can rebuild trust, repair relationships, and strengthen culture. www.westerncity.com/article/navi...

Thank you to Garden Grove Council Member Ariana Arestegui for coming to Sacramento to testify in support of Cal Cities-sponsored SB 490 (Umberg). The bill strengthens oversight of alcohol and drug treatment facilities — and it passed the Senate Health Committee yesterday! City voices matter.👏

CA Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw unveiled the Governor’s $348.9 billion #CABudget proposal last Friday. The proposal was light on details and new investments in housing, climate resilience, public safety, and sustains major cuts to HHAP. ➡️ www.calcities.org/home/post/20...

Cal Cities stalls development fee bill, pushes hard for clean-up changes to SB 79 + other #CalCitiesAdvocate highlights: 🔸 Cal Cities' #CABudget analysis 🔸 Eastvale's “concierge” approach to economic development. Learn more ➡️ lcc.informz.net/informzdatas...

Figuring out what to advocate for and how can be tricky. We’ve compiled a list of key dates, terms, and resources to help ensure that your city has the tools it needs to be an effective advocate. ➡️ www.calcities.org/home/post/20...

🤝 Cal Cities teamed up with @senatorumberg.bsky.social and the California Narcotic Officers’ Association to introduce SB 758, which would ban tobacco license holders from selling nitrous oxide. Recreational use of nitrous oxide is dangerous and increasing in California cities.

No new funding for the state’s main homelessness program leaves cities to rely on limited, uncertain dollars. Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman says it “endangers thousands of Californians at risk of falling into homelessness.” Via @mercurynews.com www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/09/n...

#CALeg is back in full swing. 🏛️ Cal Cities is laser-focused on cleaning up a bad housing bill from last year, advancing stalled sponsored bills, and finding new ways to advance city priorities. Here are the top pending bills for cities (so far). www.calcities.org/home/post/20...

Cal Cities was proud to present Sen. @benallenca.bsky.social with the Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award at our LA County Division meeting in Torrance last week! We appreciate his leadership in aligning environmental stewardship with local government action. 🌱

ICYMI: The Governor’s #CABudget proposal includes cuts to homelessness funding and no new significant investments in housing, public safety, or climate resilience. Our values should move us forward, not backward.

“Our cities are all about accountability, but you can't pull the funding and then try to hold us accountable for the funds," said Cal Cities Sr. Director of Legislative Affairs Jason Rhine. Via CapRadio. www.capradio.org/articles/202...

Childcare in California remains costly — and early educator wages are low — putting pressure on families and workers. Learn how cities are taking action to make quality care more accessible and build stronger communities. www.westerncity.com/article/high...

“No matter the fiscal challenges ahead in 2026, I continue to be confident in and inspired by the local leaders who continue to rise to the occasion ...,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman. www.westerncity.com/article/new-...

A wait-and-see #CABudget drops the ball on Californians’ biggest priorities. Check out our special edition #CalCitiesAdvocate — including a statement from our CEO and a budget breakdown from our legislative team. ➡️ bit.ly/3LvQ2XT

Budgets reflect our values — and this #CABudget proposal misses the mark for CA’s cities. Cuts to homelessness funding and zero new investments in housing, public safety, or climate put local services and vulnerable residents at risk. We can’t afford for the state to step backwards. bit.ly/3Lj3azH

This #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay, we thank the dedicated officers who keep our communities safe. Public safety is a top priority for California cities — and that progress must be sustained. Cities need strong state partnerships and the resources to fully implement Prop. 36.

For years, athletes with disabilities in Burbank faced steep hurdles — limited programs, costly equipment, long distances, and social stigma. That changed in 2024 when the city launched the Adaptive Sports Expo, bringing opportunities closer to home. 🏀🎾 www.westerncity.com/article/i-di...

New or seasoned city leaders — sharpen your skills, get legislative updates, and connect with peers at the 2026 Mayors and Council Members Academy! 🗓️ Register by Jan. 14! bit.ly/MCMA-Register

Our first #CalCitiesAdvocate issue of 2026 is packed with updates! 🔸 Cities urge state leaders to back up promises with funding ahead of the Governor's #CABudget proposal 🔸 Top pending bills for cities (so far) 🔸 Key dates, terms + lawmakers for the 2026 legislative session. ➡️ bit.ly/3N6fOmd

One year ago, Los Angeles communities faced devastating wildfires that tested the strength and resilience of our cities. Today, we remember the lives impacted and recognize the pivotal role cities played in responding to the crisis. Together, we are stronger.

NEW: Ahead of the Governor's #CABudget proposal, Cal Cities urges the Governor and Legislature to invest in what matters most: housing, public safety, climate resilience, and strong local economies. Cities need support — not cuts — to deliver results for all Californians. bit.ly/4psComn

Hello, 2026! ✨ Dive into the latest stories on #WesternCity — from Burbank’s Adaptive Sports Expo to how cities are tackling childcare challenges, budget uncertainty, and more. https://www.westerncity.com/#WesternCity

It’s a new year, and Cal Cities is ready to get to work 💪 Last year, the Cal Cities Board of Directors adopted our 2025-26 Advocacy Priorities — the issues that matter most to cities and the communities they serve. Here’s what we’re focused on in the Legislature this year ⬇️

Congratulations to Senator Monique Limón on being sworn in today as California’s new Senate President pro Tempore! We’re eager to partner with you on solutions that support California cities and the residents they serve.

Cal Cities shared 26 #LocalWorks stories this year showing how local governments are innovating, problem-solving, and powering communities forward. When the state asks if cities are doing enough, we’ve got the proof. 👏 https://www.calcities.org/about-us/annual-report

🌟 Hello 2026! 🎊 Cal Cities looks forward to another year of uplifting cities, powering progress, and supporting the local leaders who ensure our communities thrive. Here’s to a bright and successful year ahead! ✨

Cal Cities connects city leaders 🌟 Our diversity caucuses and departments bring city officials together to share ideas and learn from one another. This year, we also launched the Veterans and Military City Officials group, giving leaders shaped by service a space to connect and collaborate.

City stories matter — and this year, Cal Cities made sure they were heard. Through strategic media outreach and online engagement, our cities were featured in top publications like the AP, CalMatters, LA Times, Politico, and SF Chronicle. 📰

Cities showed up in mass numbers! 👏 Over 15,000 city officials joined Cal Cities events this year to share ideas and learn from each other. In October, 2,300+ officials, partners, and vendors attended our Annual Conference and Expo — the highest turnout in 20 years!

It was a busy year at the Capitol for Cal Cities! 🏛️ Of our 15 sponsored bills, six became law. Thank you to the cities who helped us achieve success in protecting local revenues, advancing recovery housing reform, boosting climate action, and more!

Grassroots mobilization powers our advocacy. 👏 City officials traveled from every corner of the state to testify in Sacramento this year, and cities sent over 1,300 letters to the Capitol. www.calcities.org/about-us/ann...

✨ Wishing you a joyful holiday season from Cal Cities! ❄️ As we celebrate the year’s successes, we thank all the city leaders, staff, and residents who make California shine. Here’s to peace, happiness, and community in the coming year! 🤝

2025 put city leaders to the test. Cities met all challenges head-on, demonstrating resilience and leadership every step of the way — with Cal Cities always in your corner. 💪 Explore our 2025 Annual Report. ➡️ www.calcities.org/about-us/ann...

Collaboration in action. 🤝 100+ city leaders came together in Rancho Mirage earlier this month to shape Cal Cities’ 2026 advocacy priorities through thoughtful, collaborative discussions. Watch the recap video! www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjKD...

ICYMI: The 2025 Annual Report is live! ✨ See the impact, advocacy, and leadership shaping California’s cities. Read more. https://www.calcities.org/about-us/annual-report

SB 707 — a dramatic overhaul of local government meeting requirements — goes into effect next year. We've summed up the bill's many provisions, which will create significant operational, fiscal, and legal challenges for cities. bit.ly/SB-707

Cal Cities was proud to join CSAC at the RTFH Conference on Homelessness last week. Our CEO Carolyn Coleman participated in a panel highlighting how city–county partnerships, joint advocacy, and a unified voice are critical to addressing homelessness across California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed hundreds of new laws this year — many taking effect Jan. 1. 🖊️ See how they could impact your community, including key bills like SB 707 and SB 79. Get the report. www.calcities.org/docs/default...

Berkeley was the first U.S. city to enact single-family zoning. 🏗️ 🏠 Now, it’s among cities upzoning large areas to encourage courtyard apartments and other modest multi-unit housing. Learn about the city’s housing evolution. www.westerncity.com/article/how-...

🏠 Balancing ADU growth with neighborhood capacity is key for cities. Learn how clear rules, smart parking, and transparent updates can help meet community needs. https://www.westerncity.com/article/practical-strategies-balancing-state-adu-goals-neighborhood-capacity

Our 2025 Annual Report is here! 🎉 Wildfires, budget challenges, housing and homelessness — cities faced big hurdles this year. Local leaders met them with courage and resilience. See what we accomplished together. https://www.calcities.org/about-us/annual-report

📄 Navigating CPRA requests can be tricky. This guide covers deadlines, exemptions, tech considerations, and strategies to stay compliant while managing tough requesters. https://www.westerncity.com/article/how-manage-public-records-requests-california-including-difficult-ones

📅 Dec. 15: Cal Cities and other local government partners are breaking down AB 339, the state’s new public contracting notice and procedural rules. Get clear guidance on what’s new and how to implement it. https://rcrcnet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pa5KAlFYRpurtq33d08Upg#/registration

Federal leaders are working to make big changes to broadband permitting. The goal: faster, cheaper deployments for private providers. The concern: proposals that could create costly, sweeping challenges for cities. www.calcities.org/home/post/20...

What began with a legendary “Hot Tub Bear” is now a staple of Monrovia’s public art program. The vibrant installations uplift residents and strengthen community pride. 🐻✨ Learn more how #LocalWorks to enhance public art. ➡️ https://bit.ly/Monrovia-bears

ICYMI: Cal Cities' 2026 advocacy priorities are set! Cities are a smart and essential investment for a strong California. We’re ready to push for the resources our residents need. ➡️ www.calcities.org/home/post/20...

Immigration sweeps this summer left many California communities confused, afraid, and searching for answers. Cities across the state are working to educate residents, rebuild trust, and share clear information about rights and local services. www.westerncity.com/article/we-c...