Los Angeles-based legislative director to lead Cal Cities public affairs team

By Cal Cities Staff

Kristine Guerrero, longtime legislative director for Cal Cities’ Los Angeles County Division, will now lead the organization’s Public Affairs team. The 16-person team is a key part of Cal Cities’ advocacy and education efforts.

“I am confident that under Kristine’s leadership, the Public Affairs team will continue its success in serving our members and amplifying the voices of City leaders in public policy circles at the local, regional and state levels,” Carolyn Coleman, executive director of Cal Cities, told the board last month.

As Director of Public Relations, Guerrero will help increase member engagement, build coalitions in support of Cal Cities’ advocacy priorities, provide strategic support to Cal Cities’ legislative advocacy efforts, and oversee Cal Cities’ involvement in statewide referendum campaigns.

Guerrero has more than 25 years of experience as a policy and legislative advocate, campaign organizer, and effective communicator. She is widely respected by city leaders and colleagues as a trusted relationship builder—one who excels at building consensus to influence public policy.

Since 2005, Guerrero has served as regional public affairs manager and legislative director for Cal Cities Los Angeles County Division. She also played an invaluable role in developing Cal Cities’ 2018 Strategic Growth Plan.

Guerrero will be based in Los Angeles, traveling frequently to Sacramento and around the state. She replaces interim public affairs director Jennifer Whiting, who has served in that role since December 2023, in addition to her role as deputy executive director.

The Public Affairs team covers every corner of California and serves as Cal Cities’ grassroots advocacy core. Cal Cities’ regional public affairs managers work closely with city officials to develop regional programs and lead grassroots efforts that support specific advocacy goals.