Read the California Public Banking Alliance November 2024 Newsletter.

THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC BANKING ALLIANCE EXPANDS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA!

Welcome to Public Bank Fresno, the newest member of the growing California Public Banking Alliance! We’re excited to collaborate with you in working with local governments to establish socially and environmentally responsible public banks across California.

Led by Samuel Molina, CEO of The Academy of Financial Education, and Eric Payne, Executive Director of the Central Valley Urban Institute, Public Bank Fresno brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our shared mission.

If you’re in the Fresno or Central Valley area and interested in joining Public Bank Fresno, contact Samuel: samuel@taofe.org

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CPBA SEPTEMBER 2024 CITY/REGIONAL PROGRESS REPORTS

The California Public Banking Alliance (CPBA) continues to make significant strides in establishing public banks across the state. From Los Angeles to San Francisco, local governments are pushing forward with plans to establish financial institutions that serve the people, not just profits. This update covers our latest efforts, showing our shared commitment to flipping the script on California’s financial future and making banking work for everyone.

Central Coast
The governing bodies of ten jurisdictions have approved resolutions in support of a viability study to create the bank, and officials from two other jurisdictions have expressed support for a viability study as well. Local organizers with the People for Public Banking Central Coast are currently exploring the formation of a regional green bank that could eventually transition to a full-scale public bank.

Fresno
Fresno organizers are advocating for the Fresno City Council to introduce a motion that allocates funds for a feasibility study and business plan to explore the formation of Public Bank Fresno, which would support community economic development and partner with local financial institutions and CDFIs to strengthen Fresno’s small businesses.

East Bay
In May 2024, the City of Richmond unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the East Bay Public Bank organizers to apply to the State and Federal regulators for a bank charter in their name. The Friends of the Public Bank East Bay, its Board Candidates, and CEO are continuing negotiations with Alameda County and local municipalities regarding capitalization commitments. PBEB leadership has completed a full draft of the bank’s business plan and is working with local financial institutions on initial partnership discussions.

Los Angeles

The August 2024 Public Bank LA (PBLA) Advocacy Day at Los Angeles City Hall saw strong backing from coalition leaders: Inclusive Action for the City, United Parents and Students, ACCE Action, SEIU 721, and community allies. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez endorsed the public bank as a strategy to cut infrastructure costs, especially with the LA 2028 Olympics approaching. Following the City Council’s unanimous May 2024 vote to fund the Public Bank Feasibility Study, PBLA is now advocating for Phase 1 funding in the Fall budget, which could save the city over $1 billion annually, reduce borrowing costs, and create new revenue streams.

At the June 2024 rally at LA City Hall, the Public Bank LA coalition called on the city to establish a public bank to boost local lending power and keep profits within the community. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez stressed the importance of a public bank to tackle the housing crisis, homelessness, and budget challenges, calling for reinvestment of taxpayer money into neighborhoods and housing solutions.

Sacramento
In March 2023, the Sacramento City Council approved a budget request to fund consultants to develop plans for starting a public bank in accordance with the California Public Banking Act. An updated RFQ was released by the City in August 2024.

San Francisco
Plans for the Green Bank and Public Bank were unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors in June 2023. Currently, the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition is working with the Board of Supervisors, the Local Agency Formation Commission, and the office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector to implement the plans, including actively engaging with U.S. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund awardees to seek federal funding available for capitalizing green banks.  

Pomona Valley
The Study Group for Public Bank Pomona Valley has met for nearly five years, lobbying local elected officials and civic groups from three cities, promoting grassroots public bank education, and closely watching statewide efforts. We intend to be among the second tier of regions establishing local public banks and, until then, tilling the soil in preparation for guiding our cities toward this worthy goal, as well as assisting other regions in their efforts. Our members have also contributed to both the National Infrastructure Bank and CalAccount efforts.

If you’re interested in joining local or regional public banking efforts, please reach out to the organizers in your area in our contact list at capublicbanking.com/contact-us.

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CALACCOUNT COMMUNITY BRIEFING – OCTOBER 1ST!

Join our virtual community briefing on October 1, 2024, at 12pm as we gear up for implementation of CalAccount in 2025! Hear from experts about why CalAccount is so important, learn about the features of the new program that will be essential to the millions of workers without access to reliable, free banking services, and get your questions answered.

RSVP for the October 1 event on Zoom HERE.

Share the invitation with your base to help make CalAccount a reality.

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CALACCOUNT MEETINGS IN SACRAMENTO & LOS ANGELES

Union members and community leaders gathered in Los Angeles and Sacramento to demand a fair banking system for all, including working-class people, people of color, and immigrants. In LA, we briefed SEIU 2015 workers and community memberes to prepare them for public comment.

Workers shared stories about the impact of bank fees, highlighting the need for fee-free banking. Nearly 8 million un/underbanked Californians could save $3.1 billion annually, generating $5 billion in economic activity. We’ve advocated for free checking accounts with debit card access for all 40 million Californians. The RAND study confirms that CalAccount is feasible. Read the report here: Banking the Unbanked: CalAccount Market Study and Feasibility Assessment.

The struggles of workers fuel our mission to remove banking barriers. We’re grateful for the powerful testimonies from the California Fast Fod Workers Union and SEIU Local 2015. It’s time to eliminate these barriers for all Californians.

If you haven’t already endorsed CalAccount, join over 250 organizations in support of free banking!

ENDORSE CALACCOUNT

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STATE TREASURER BACKS CALACCOUNT

State Treasurer Fiona Ma supports CalAccount, recognizing its feasibility and urgent need. CalAccount is essential to protect Californians from predatory financial practices, offering everyone a fair shot at building wealth and breaking the cycle of poverty. We look forward to working with the Legislature to make this program a reality.

“In summary, a CalAccount program is, indeed, feasible. We also received a massive outpouring of public support for implementing a CalAccount program, which mirror feedback collected from throughout the state during the last six months.

… But hearing over-and-over again these real and raw, first-hand experiences make it clear as day that the time is now for a CalAccount program and that this simple program could make a lasting impact in helping Californians build wealth and end inter-generation poverty.”

– California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CLIMATE & ECONOMIC JUSTICE

CalAccount is a game-changer for economic and climate justice in California. With 1 in 5 households unbanked or underbanked, vulnerable communities are hardest hit by climate disasters. CalAccount provides a free public option for basic financial transactions, helping low-income and communities of color build resilience against climate shocks. It could save Californians $3.3 billion in fees and interest, benefiting both wallets and the environment.

Check out the latest from the Alliance’s Legislative Director Sylvia Chi for Just Solutions: How a Public Option for Basic Financial Transactions Supports Household Climate Resilience.

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CALIFORNIA STATE PUBLIC BANK REPORT

“The Case for California’s State Public Bank,” authored by Neha Singh of UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, supported by the California Public Banking Alliance and Rise Economy, outlines a plan to transform the Infrastructure Bank (IBank) into the California State Public Bank. Modeled after the Bank of North Dakota, this strategy aims to enhance local economic resilience through strategic partnerships while expanding IBank’s mission to include affordable housing, green energy, and economic development. The report also calls for governance reforms to ensure transparency and efficiency. A California State Public Bank would be a cornerstone of the state’s economic framework, advancing sustainability and social justice.

Read the report:
Download the state bank report
Read the press release

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capublicbanking.com

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Thanks to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez all our coalition partners across the country that helped craft this transformative bill! For too long, Wall Street has failed to meet the moment, pursuing profits over people’s needs. This allows us to finally build a sustainable alternative.

In California, we passed the CA Public Banking Act, AB 857, which established a regulatory structure to legalize and guide the efforts of municipalities and regions throughout the state. The federal Public Banking Act will build on and expand that framework nationally to aid efforts across the nation.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced the Public Banking Act of 2023, which facilitates the creation of state and local public banks. The bill establishes a robust federal regulatory framework, grant programs, and financial infrastructure to promote public banks and ensure their success. The bill also mandates minimum standards for public banks relating to environmental justice, tenant protections, labor standards, democratic governance, and consumer data privacy.

“Wall Street-run banks are failing to serve many of my residents who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “It’s long past time to open doors for people who have been systematically shut out. We must provide a better option for those grappling with the costs of simply trying to participate in an economy that has been rigged against them with discriminatory and predatory practices. We need a financial system that is democratically accountable and puts the livelihoods of our residents ahead of private profits.”

“The Public Banking Act provides much needed federal recognition and guidance for public banks,” said Trinity Tran, Lead Organizer for the California Public Banking Alliance. “Public banking is key to unlocking economic transformation for communities often overlooked or exploited by our current financial system, charting a path for cities and states to build a sustainable future that prioritizes environmental justice, tenant protections, democratic governance, and strong labor and workers’ rights.”

Read the press release: https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-ocasio-cortez-introduce-public-banking-act.

Introducing Our New Video: Unlocking the Power of Public Banking!

We’re excited to share a new video that will shape the future of your community and pave the way for economic prosperity. As passionate advocates in this ongoing journey, our latest explainer video shows the transformative potential of public banks and how they prioritize people over profits and drive community-focused projects. It’s a big step forward in our ongoing quest to champion public banking for a future that’s all about fairness and growth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HooU2qC4qxo&lc=Ugznmmq3S69TCfTae9x4AaABAg

Unlocking the Power of Public Banking: Public banks are a financially secure solution, dedicated to funding critical community projects like local revitalization efforts, transit systems, green infrastructure, and affordable housing. Unlike traditional banks, public banks channel banking revenue back into our communities, not shareholder profits.

Your Community, Your Choice: The democratic essence of public banks will empower us to define our community’s future and needs, as these banks operate as public utilities rather than profit-driven entities. Community members have a say in what gets funded, impacting everything from school improvements to renewable energy projects.

Supporting Sustainability and Resilience: Public bank loans are pivotal in advancing climate justice by reducing costs associated with energy-efficient housing and sustainable transportation. By partnering with community banks and credit unions, public banks level the playing field against Wall Street megabanks, supporting local small business growth.

Financial First Responders in Tough Times: In times of crisis, public banks emerge as financial first responders, swiftly financing reconstruction efforts after disasters. These public servants understand their community’s unique needs, ensuring a faster recovery and a resilient future

City and Regional Reports from the
California Public Banking Alliance

We’re making significant headway in public banking, with various local governments across California showing their commitment by providing funding for public bank viability studies and business plans. These efforts are aimed at outlining the implementation path for the establishment of local public banks in their respective areas.

Read our press in Next City: Public Banking Efforts Are Gaining Momentum And Clarity In California. From Los Angeles to the Central Coast, from San Francisco to the East Bay and Sacramento, major public banking plans are emerging from California cities.

Also, be on the lookout for our new video introduction to public banking! We’ll share the link to “You Can Public Bank on That” soon!

CENTRAL COAST

People for Public Banking Central Coast has been advocating since 2019 for a regional public bank to encompass the counties of Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo, including the cities within those counties. Currently, 12 jurisdictions have formally expressed interest in participating in a viability study to create the bank, including Santa Barbara County which has pledged $25,000 toward the study.

A possible first step will be to create a municipal finance corporation or green bank which could be called the Central Coast People’s Fund. We continue to focus on education and outreach, especially to city managers and finance directors. We also hope to educate large numbers of citizens on the benefits of public bank financing for projects like affordable housing and disaster mitigation.

EAST BAY

Public Bank East Bay is planning a suite of announcements of important milestones in mid-September. While we prepare those announcements, we (including our slate of Bank Board candidates) are very busy refining our draft business plan and charter application, collaborating closely with Alameda County and the three cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and Richmond so they will be ready to sign that application and contribute capital to the bank, and providing comprehensive training for our Bank Board candidates. We’re actively reaching out to local financial institutions as potential partners under AB 857 and are thrilled to announce recent foundation grants of $300,000 from the Irvine Foundation and an additional $150,000 grant (to be shared with Rise Economy). These grants will greatly support our research and outreach efforts for public banking.

LOS ANGELES

In June 2023, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved $460,000 to fund Phase 1 of the public bank feasibility study and business plan. Public Bank LA is collaborating with coalition leaders including SEIU 721 to secure an additional $240,000 to support Phase 2. Public Bank LA is also engaging LA County Supervisors working alongside Move LA and Destination Crenshaw on the LA County Regional Public Bank in an effort that runs parallel to the LA City Public Bank.

The Jain Family Institute and the Berggruen Institute released the full LA public bank report series including five extensive briefings covering: a series introduction, affordable housing, democratic frameworks, clean energy portfolio options, interactive balance sheet simulator, and financial justice portfolio options. The 160-page report series provides the most comprehensive analysis of a public bank within the movement to date.

Recent LA coverage:
Los Angeles Times
California Globe
CBS News

POMONA VALLEY

In addition to a presentation at a local Rotary Club and University Club, Public Bank Pomona Valley’s leadership met with Public Banking Institute founder, Ellen Brown, to discuss the history and national prospects of the movement. We plan to meet soon with the Claremont Democratic Club as well as a gathering organized by the Human Values Institute, which is working with several groups promoting economic well-being in the Pomona region.

The Public Bank Pomona Valley advocacy group includes several current and former elected officials in city government, as well as community leaders of nonprofits and foundations promoting economic justice issues. While grassroots education is our primary task for now, we are ready to urge our Pomona Valley cities to begin developing their banking business plan when the time is right.

SACRAMENTO

A unanimous vote from the Banking and Audit Committee of the City Council of Sacramento was obtained this past spring authorizing up to $250,000 for a viability study and business plan for a Public Bank. The Committee is made up of the Mayor of Sacramento as well as 3 council members. City staff in the office of the Treasurer of Sacramento are now working on a draft RFP for a Viability Study with support from the Sacramento Public Bank Working Group. The Sacramento Public Bank Working Group continues to educate the public on the advantages of a Public Bank and has met with the City Treasurer and Banking Manager.

SAN FRANCISCO

The SF Public Bank Coalition (SFPBC) is mobilizing supporters for the presentation of the Reinvest In SF Working Group public banking plan to the Board of Supervisors on September 5, 2023. SF Public Bank is also working to establish a “Green Bank” to gain access to Greenhouse Gas Reduction funds.

On August 31, SF Public Bank will have its first general membership meeting open to all interested in joining our coalition. We presented to the Loma Prieta Sierra Club which sees public banking in the Peninsula and Silicon Valley as a means of financing innovative climate crisis interventions. We are hoping this helps reinvigorate the South Bay chapter of the California Public Banking Alliance.

Recent SF coverage:
Westside Observer
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Examiner

 

CALIFORNIA REGIONS

In regions across California, including Pomona Valley and North Coast, our CA Public Banking Alliance teams continue to dedicate themselves to community education and engagement.

We are actively reaching out to public banking advocates in regions that have not yet established CPBA chapters. If you are interested in learning more about getting public banking started in your area, or know someone who might be, please contact our outreach coordinator, David Cobb at davidkcobb@gmail.com. Below is a list of areas we are especially hoping to form chapters of public bank supporters.

BAKERSFIELD
FRESNO
HUMBOLDT / NORTH COAST
RIVERSIDE / SAN BERNARDINO
SAN DIEGO
SANTA ROSA / SONOMA COUNTY
SOUTH BAY / SILICON VALLEY
STOCKTON / MODESTO

CALACCOUNT

Our universal banking program, CalAccount (AB 1177), is an ongoing initiative of the CPBA. Along with coalition partners SEIU California and Rise Economy, we’re tracking the progress of the CalAccount program in the monthly hearings for community representation on the CalAccount advisory board and ensuring the program’s successful implementation. Establishing positive relationships with regulatory authorities is vital; we’re actively building partnerships with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation agency (DFPI), including DFPI Commissioner Cloey Hewlett.

People power in Sacramento! Fight for $15 and KIWA, Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance workers turned out in support of CalAccount, urging the State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Commissioners to incorporate community input, a crucial step to ensure the program’s success and provide essential banking services for nearly 10 million low-wage Californians.

Read the CalAccount August Legislative Briefing.

FEDERAL PUBLIC BANKING ACT

The CPBA is currently advising Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s office, providing insights for the amendments in preparation for the federal Public Banking Act‘s reintroduction, anticipated in the coming months, spearheaded by Representatives Tlaib and Ocasio-Cortez.

The San Francisco Chronicle discusses the proposal to create the nation’s first municipal public bank in San Francisco to address the city’s housing crisis and economic challenges. Modeled after the Bank of North Dakota, the plan aims to fund housing projects for low- and middle-wage workers, support small business recovery, and promote a carbon-neutral future. The bank would partner with private banks rather than compete with them, generating funds that enable community banks to provide financing at lower interest rates. The benefits of a public bank include facilitating affordable housing and jump-starting small businesses. The article quotes Sylvia Chi, the Alliance’s Legislative Co-Director and member of the San Francisco Public Banking Working Group: “If we’re going to redevelop the Westfield Mall into something, they should use green building techniques and make sure it’s as efficient and sustainable as possible,” Chi said.” Although the bank’s cash reserves would be modest at first, it could grow to channel significant funds into community initiatives over the next decade. The proposal has been sent to the Board of Supervisors for examination and approval, and it aligns with California’s authorization for cities to explore public banking. The Bank of North Dakota’s success and impact on various sectors provide insights into how a public bank could benefit San Francisco.

Read the article in the San Francisco Chronicle.