Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, as chair of the bipartisan California Big City Mayors Coalition, brought together California's 13 largest cities on October 22 in San Francisco for the inaugural C13 Summit, bringing together mayors representing more than 11 million residents to address the state's most pressing challenges: homelessness, housing affordability and economic development.
As chair of the bipartisan California Big City Mayors Coalition, Lock Dawson helped convene the summit hosted by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and emphasized the power of unified action from local leaders who face these issues daily.
"When 13 mayors representing more than 11 million Californians stand united, we send a powerful message," Lock Dawson said at a press conference outside San Francisco City Hall. "Local leaders are aligned in our determination to confront the state's most pressing challenges together."
The summit focused on three urgent priorities that resonate deeply in Riverside: advancing economic development, addressing homelessness and expanding housing supply. Lock Dawson highlighted the fundamental issue connecting all three challenges.
"At the heart of these challenges lies the issue of affordability," she said. "The dream of homeownership has become increasingly out of reach, and rents continue to climb, leaving far too many Californians just one paycheck away from homelessness."
Riverside's Progress Highlighted
Lock Dawson shared Riverside's achievements as examples of local innovation making a difference. She highlighted the city's progress on housing development and its achievement of functional zero for youth homelessness, meaning the City has the capacity to meet the housing needs of every young person aged 18 to 24.
The mayor also highlighted Riverside's economic transformation, particularly in green technology manufacturing, part of the City's broader efforts during its "Year of Arts & Culture" to strengthen Riverside's identity as a city of arts and innovation.
"We've opened green businesses who are producing the next generation of clean transportation and innovation," Lock Dawson said.
Call for State Partnership
The mayors' central message focused on the need for sustained state funding, particularly for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. According to the coalition, cities have used these funds to add more than 17,700 shelter and housing beds statewide, serve over 152,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and create nearly 2,300 new permanent housing units.
However, mayors expressed concern about recent cuts to the program. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who spoke after Lock Dawson, said the funding was "cut in half" this year and emphasized that without consistent state support, "lives are at risk."
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan declared he would not support any gubernatorial candidate who does not commit to ongoing HHAP funding.
"The path forward is clear," Lock Dawson said. "We must continue to fund programs that keep people housed, and we must accelerate the construction of new homes. Expanding supply is essential to restoring affordability and stability for our residents."
Economic Vision
Beyond housing and homelessness, Lock Dawson articulated a vision for maintaining California's position as the world's fourth-largest economy. She stressed the need for a business climate that encourages innovation, investment and job creation.
"By fostering an environment where industries of the future can grow and thrive, we will ensure that prosperity is both lasting and inclusive," she said.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson reinforced this economic message, highlighting how his city has attracted aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses while calling for state support to retain California-born innovation.
Action Agenda Released
The summit concluded with the release of the coalition's first-ever Big City Mayors Action Agenda, outlining legislative and local priorities. The document serves as a bipartisan commitment to demand bold action in Sacramento while delivering results in local communities.
"As mayors, we don't have the luxury of waiting for solutions to emerge," Lock Dawson said. "Our responsibility is to lead with urgency, take action, and deliver measurable progress that improves people's lives."
In her recent monthly message, Lock Dawson emphasized that fighting for Riverside's voice in Sacramento means showing up, speaking up, and fighting for results. The coalition plans to work with the governor and legislature to implement regulatory reforms, expand housing production tools and restore homelessness funding to previous levels. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who hosted the summit, highlighted his city's progress in reducing tent encampments and violent crime while maintaining its values.
"Every mayor standing with me today is working tirelessly to strengthen their communities," Lock Dawson concluded. "Yet our discussions today make clear there is still much more to do to achieve the progress that Californians deserve."
The Big City Mayors Coalition includes the mayors of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Stockton, Riverside and Irvine.
