In a groundbreaking moment for urban leadership, mayors from 13 of California’s largest cities converged in San Francisco this week, signaling a united front against the state’s most pressing challenges. The California Big City Mayors summit brought together municipal leaders to strategize on critical issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and economic development.

The bipartisan coalition, representing cities from Oakland to Los Angeles, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative solutions. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie highlighted the summit’s significance, stating that mayors are standing together to achieve shared goals. Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson underscored the core issue: affordability.

“The path forward is clear,” Lock Dawson declared. “We must continue to fund programs that keep people housed and accelerate new home construction. Expanding supply is essential to restoring affordability and stability for our residents”.

One promising resource discussed was the $1 billion Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program. Through this funding, the coalition has already created over 17,700 shelter beds and nearly 2,300 permanent housing units, with 5,000 more units in development.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan pointed out the critical need for state support, noting his city will open more shelter units than any other on the West Coast this year. However, he stressed that solving a statewide crisis requires comprehensive state involvement.

The mayors collectively emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and establishing clear metrics for measuring progress in housing development, homelessness reduction, and economic support.

As Lock Dawson powerfully stated, “When 13 mayors representing more than 11 million Californians stand united, we send a powerful message”. This summit represents a pivotal moment of municipal solidarity in addressing California’s most complex urban challenges.