Los Angeles Lobbies D.C.

A recent LA Times article highlights a prime example of local governments lobbying at the national level. A delegation of nearly 200 business owners and civic leaders from Los Angeles traveled to D.C. to lobby Congress for greater funding for transportation, education, small businesses, and many other interests. Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, Santa Monica Mayor Herb Katz, and LAUSD Superintendent Brewer were among the high-profile delegates on the annual "Access Washington" trip sponsored by the LA Chamber of Commerce. Villaraigosa rallied the delegation, saying "Our job is to advocate for our fair share. Most of you know full well that when you look at what California gets for its tax dollars, and what Los Angeles gets, it's obviously nothing of what we could or should receive." The group held meetings and news conferences with Members of Congress, such as Rep. Dreir (R-San Dimas), Rep. Clyburn (D-SC), Sen. Murray (D-WA), and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), among others. Pelosi told the delegation, "Know your power. [...] When you come, it makes a big difference. People listen." The delegation also lobbied for national issues affecting Los Angeles, such as immigration reform and passage of the Colombia FTA.