California Mayors Press State for Homelessness Funding
The coalition of 13 major cities met in Riverside to advocate for continued housing and infrastructure support.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should the state issue more debt to fund local affordable housing and homelessness programs?
The Big City Mayors coalition, representing nearly 11 million California residents, gathered at Riverside City Hall to demand sustained annual funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. The group is advocating for at least $1 billion in yearly support from the state to maintain critical local services.
Why it matters
Cities rely on state-level partnerships to address housing shortages and infrastructure needs, making consistent fiscal support essential for their local operations. The coalition is also seeking to mobilize support for Proposition 1, an $11.25 billion bond measure aimed at expanding affordable housing.
The coalition represents 13 cities and a population of 11 million residents. Members are currently advocating for an $11.25 billion bond through Proposition 1 to boost affordable housing production.
The players
Big City Mayors
A coalition representing 13 of California's largest cities that collaborates on policy priorities.
The details
Mayors from the 13 participating cities meet regularly for policy summits to align their legislative priorities and work directly with the governor and state leaders. The coalition specifically targets the HHAP program, which provided Riverside with $10.3 million in both 2025 and 2026 to manage local housing efforts.
Timeline
The coalition held its first formal meeting in 2025.
Riverside received $10.3 million in HHAP funding in 2025.
Riverside received $10.3 million in HHAP funding in 2026.
The Big City Mayors coalition met at Riverside City Hall on October 30, 2026.
The upcoming election, which includes Proposition 1, occurs on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The coalition is backing Proposition 1, which provides $11.25 billion for affordable housing, as a key component of their legislative agenda. Opposition groups and some local advocates have raised concerns regarding the fiscal impact of such large bond measures on long-term state debt.
The push for sustained state funding aims to maintain local housing services that residents depend on for stability and infrastructure improvements. Passage of Proposition 1 could directly impact housing availability and home ownership programs for residents across participating cities.
The takeaway
The coalition serves as a unified voice to ensure local housing needs remain a priority in Sacramento's budget negotiations. Residents should review the specifics of Proposition 1 to understand how the bond measure impacts state housing production and their local community.
What happens next
Proposition 1 will be decided by voters during the statewide election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on municipal policy, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
Should the state issue more debt to fund local affordable housing and homelessness programs?
