How We Work - The California Problem Solvers Caucus
Who we are
The California Problem Solvers Caucus is a new voice – and a unique venue – to address complex state challenges. Our 22-member bipartisan, bicameral caucus is both a convener and a catalyst, bringing together innovative ideas and diverse stakeholders to advance pragmatic policymaking.
The caucus interacts with issue experts, promotes bipartisan cooperation, and crafts legislative solutions based on common ground rather than rigid partisan ideology. The 501(c)(3) California Problem Solvers Foundation and 501(c)(4) Action Fund can each support the caucus in different capacities, providing professional staff, public affairs, and/or issue advocacy for our priorities.
How we work
Bipartisan, Bicameral Co-Chairs
Four co-chairs, representing both houses and parties, lead the caucus collaboratively: Assembly Members David Alvarez (D-San Diego), Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), Heath Flora (R-Ripon), and Senator Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita). Co-chairs meet every two weeks to select issues for caucus engagement. Contact a co-chair or caucus staff (below) to propose an issue for a future caucus agenda.
Caucus Meetings
The caucus meets in person every other week to discuss policy ideas. Meetings feature thought leaders and practitioners who present on policy challenges, answer questions, and engage in constructive dialogue. The caucus uses knowledge gained to generate bipartisan agreement and legislative solutions. If your issue is on our agenda, caucus staff will help identify speakers, materials, and subtopics of interest.
Caucus Zooms
To supplement in-person meetings, and for time-sensitive updates on breaking deals or deadline-driven developments, the caucus regularly assembles on Zoom. Morning Zoom meetings expand the caucus’s policy reach and allow members to hear directly from bill authors and affected parties, while creating a forum for information- and perspective-sharing across house and party lines. Zoom sessions are particularly useful in busy house-of-origin and end-of-session periods as they allow the caucus to convene, discuss, and act quickly.
Policy Summits
Summits focus attention on significant policy issues over the course of several hours or days. Summits include a broad mix of speakers addressing an issue’s larger context, policy linkages, and diverse stakeholder perspectives. Expansive discussions reveal shared values that can achieve bipartisan consensus and response.
