California mayors demand $1 billion annual homeless funding before Nov. 3 vote

The mayors of California's 13 largest cities demanded that the state maintain at least $1 billion in annual funding for homeless programs as they prepare for the November 3 election. The leaders met at Riverside City Hall on Friday, October 30, to formalize their collective stance on housing and public safety resources.

The coalition represents nearly 11 million residents across the state. Patricia Lock Dawson, the Riverside mayor and chair of the Big City Mayors group, stated that the group has already succeeded in restoring Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding. She described the Friday meeting as a step to turn that funding into long-term action by working directly with the governor and legislature.

The coalition began meeting formally last year in San Francisco. It does not follow a fixed schedule but convenes when policy issues require joint discussion. Other mayors who spoke on Friday included Jerry Dyer of Fresno, Todd Gloria of San Diego, Matt Mahan of San Jose, Rex Richardson of Long Beach, Ashleigh Aitken of Anaheim, Christina Fugazi of Stockton, and Larry Agran of Irvine.

The group publicly supported Proposition 1, a proposed $11.25 billion bond measure on the upcoming ballot. The measure aims to provide housing for veterans and low- and moderate-income households while accelerating housing production. Agran called the bond essential for maintaining the momentum needed to address homelessness, transitional housing, and emergency shelter needs.

Lock Dawson specified that the request for HHAP funding is not just for one year. She said the goal is to keep the funding at a minimum of $1 billion annually and ensure it is continuous. Riverside itself received $10.3 million from the state in both 2025 and 2026 under this program.

Mahan argued that solving homelessness requires a partnership between cities and counties rather than a division of responsibility. He stated that the next governor and legislature must provide tools that allow local systems to share data and track outcomes. This includes making mental health assessments available on demand and ensuring treatment beds or sober living environments are accessible.

Mahan emphasized that the cities have worked to create pragmatic systems for helping residents. He asked the state to apply the same level of urgency and accountability to the broader system. He noted that transparency into the journey of individuals through public systems is necessary to refine laws and funding streams.

Gloria highlighted that while California is a large state, many cities face identical challenges regarding infrastructure and housing. He stated that mayors are responsible for delivering safe neighborhoods and reliable parks. He concluded that maintaining these services requires a consistent partnership with Sacramento.