Each year just after the California Legislature begins its new session the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) journeys up to Sacramento for its State Legislative Orientation Tour (SLOT) to promote intergovernmental relations with elected State leaders. This January marked the 49th year the CCCA has made this journey with a theme of “Collaborative Governance.”
The Legislative Committee Chair for CCCA is South Gate Mayor Jorge Morales. Mayor Morales has been working in the public service sector for 15 years and has been serving on the South Gate Council since 2011. The CCCA Legislative Committee works for many months to plan the agenda and meetings with the leadership for the two day SLOT. “I was impressed with Attorney General Kamala Harris and proud Kevin DeLeon, President of the Senate took the time to address the assembled CCCA membership,” said Morales.
The efforts of the CCCA through the years have often been focused on broadcasting the voice of the smaller contract city to those in Sacramento. “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” says Morales. Being “At The Table” has been a constant battle for the CCCA through the years since their inception in 1957. Mayor Morales continued, “I strongly believe that the CCCA has a seat at the table due to our efforts in Sacramento.”
The conference is a two day event that opened on Monday with registration, lunch and an evening reception.
Tuesday began with briefing sessions at the Capitol building with the leadership followed by an educational session in the afternoon, then concluded with the Annual Legislative Reception hosted in partnership with The California Coalition of Law Enforcement Agencies.
Many of the triumphs of the CCCA have been reached through their involvement and 50 year presence in Sacramento. CCCA President Gustavo Camacho noted, “CCCA is committed to bringing the voice of our local cities to Sacramento through quality representation and support service while we transition into the next chapter of CCCA.”
The CCCA is comprised of 66 member cities throughout California and provides education, advocacy and networking opportunities for their membership. Learn more on their website at www.contractcities.org