Long Beach Mayor To Lead Coalition Of California’s 13 Biggest Cities

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson was elected to lead the California Big City Mayors coalition, a nonpartisan group representing the state's 13 largest cities, his office announced Friday.

Richardson will begin a term as the coalition's chair in December, succeeding Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer will continue as vice chair.

The coalition represents nearly 11 million Californians, or more than one-quarter of the state's population, according to Richardson's office.

As chair, Richardson will lead the group's advocacy on affordability, housing production, homelessness, public safety, behavioral health and economic opportunity.

"California's big cities are where some of our greatest challenges are felt most directly — and where some of our most promising solutions are taking shape," Richardson said in a statement. "With a new governor, new legislature and a new Congress, it's essential that mayors have a seat at the table in shaping the decisions that affect our communities."

Lock Dawson led the coalition for two years, including efforts to restore state homelessness funding, according to the Long Beach mayor's office.

"Mayor Richardson understands the power of regional collaboration and the importance of delivering results for residents," Lock Dawson said. "His leadership experience and commitment to practical solutions will help build on that momentum."

Richardson previously served as president of the Southern California Association of Governments and chair of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency. He also serves on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.

City News Service