Cal Cities Honors Three Lawmakers with Legislative Leadership Award

Contact: Kayla [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento - The League of California Cities today honored Senator Ben Allen (D - Santa Monica), Assembly Member Laurie Davies (R - Laguna Niguel), and Assembly Member Diane Papan (D - San Mateo) for their support and dedication to local communities with its Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award during the Cal Cities' Annual Conference and Expo.

"These three lawmakers recognize the value of local government and introduced legislation to ensure cities have the resources and tools they need to meet the needs of California residents," said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "Cal Cities deeply appreciates their steadfast leadership, collaborative relationships, and voice for cities."

Senator Allen is a well-recognized climate leader who successfully aligns environmental stewardship with local government roles and responsibilities in the waste, recycling, and environmental planning sectors. In 2024, he authored the $10 billion Prop. 4 Climate Bond, which Cal Cities supported and voters approved last November. This funding will help cities be better prepared when the next drought, flood, wildfire, and extreme heat disasters occurs.

"Government is most effective when we're able to collaborate across its various levels to align services, resources, and policies that meet the needs of local communities," said Senator Ben Allen. "I have been proud to work directly with local cities to address mounting challenges that threaten our critical infrastructure, public health, and environmental sustainability for current and future generations. Thank you for this tremendous honor today that recognizes the work we've been able to accomplish together."

Assembly Member Davies has been a strong champion of Cal Cities' efforts to increase state oversight of recovery housing facilities. She has authored two Cal Cities-sponsored bills on this issue: AB 2081, signed into law last year, and AB 424, which has advanced all the way to the Governor for consideration this year. Asm Davies' support for Cal Cities extends beyond the Capitol building. She stood with Cal Cities during a recovery housing press conference in Santa Ana earlier this year and co-authored an op-ed on recovery housing reform with former La Palma Mayor Marshall Goodman.

"I'm truly honored to be a recipient of the Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award from the League of California Cities," said Assembly Member Laurie Davies. "Cal Cities continues to be the premier voice fighting to preserve the agency of local governments in our state, and I'm proud to stand alongside them in that mission. Together, we've worked hard to bring greater oversight and transparency to recovery housing facilities, an issue that hits close to home for many in our communities. I'm grateful for the strong partnership we've built, and I'm committed to continuing this important work alongside Cal Cities to ensure local governments have the authority and support they need to effectively serve the people of California."

Assembly Member Papan regularly collaborates with Cal Cities on legislation. This year, she teamed up with Cal Cities and authored AB 650, which would significantly improve the housing element review process and provide much-needed clarity to the law. As the bill moved through the legislative process, Assembly Member Papan fought for her bill and repeatedly resisted amendments that would have watered it down. AB 650 is currently on the Governor's desk.

"State mandates on cities are frequent and often difficult to manage," said Assembly Member Diane Papan. "As a former mayor and councilmember, I know firsthand how critical it is for the Legislature to work with local governments-providing not just requirements, but also the tools and flexibility they need to succeed in serving their communities."

The lawmakers will receive their awards at Cal Cities events later this year.

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. Cal Cities' mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.

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