California Big City Mayors Push for Homeless Funding

The coalition convened at Riverside City Hall to advocate for state support and back the Proposition 1 housing bond.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an arched civic facade, evoking the institutional nature of California housing policy. — A coalition of 13 California mayors met in Riverside to demand $1 billion in annual homelessness funding and support Proposition 1. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support using large-scale bond measures to fund affordable housing and homelessness programs?

A coalition representing 13 California cities and 11 million residents met in Riverside to demand at least $1 billion in annual state funding for homelessness programs. The mayors also announced their formal support for the $11.25 billion Proposition 1 housing bond measure.

Why it matters

Cities require sustained state partnership to deliver essential housing and infrastructure services. This coalition aims to secure these resources by working directly with state leadership to address the ongoing homelessness crisis.

The coalition is calling for at least $1 billion in annual Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding. Riverside specifically received $10.3 million in this funding in both 2025 and 2026.

The players

Big City Mayors coalition

This advocacy group represents 13 of California's largest cities and a combined population of nearly 11 million residents.

Riverside City Hall

This municipal government building served as the venue for the coalition's most recent policy summit.

The details

Mayors gather at regular summits to align on shared legislative priorities and coordinate with the governor's office. Their collective focus remains on securing long-term state investments while backing measures like Proposition 1 to boost affordable housing production and home ownership.

2025: Riverside received $10.3 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding.
2026: Riverside received $10.3 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding.
October 30, 2026: The Big City Mayors coalition held a meeting at Riverside City Hall.
November 3, 2026: Election day for the Proposition 1 housing bond measure.

Political Context

The coalition's push for increased state funding directly follows the existing framework of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. This move intensifies pressure on state legislators to formalize these allocations against potential budget cuts or shifts in state priorities.

Residents may see significant changes in local housing availability and homelessness services if the $11.25 billion Proposition 1 bond passes. The coalition's effort to secure state funding aims to prevent service gaps in cities that rely on annual HHAP grants.

The takeaway

The coalition demonstrates that local leaders are increasingly coordinating their efforts to influence statewide housing and homelessness policy. Voters should review the specific provisions of Proposition 1 to understand how it will affect housing production in their own communities.