Government Relations
We advocate for state and federal policy and fiscal actions that create an environment for the California Community Colleges to narrow equity gaps and provide students with a system that works better for them.
The Government Relations division supports and sponsors legislation to achieve Vision 2030, represents the Chancellor’s Office in legislative and oversight hearings, and plans and coordinates advocacy days and legislative briefings. Additionally, we offer technical assistance to legislative policy and fiscal committees as well as the Department of Finance. At the federal level, we collaborate with our liaison based in Washington, D.C., to navigate legislation and regulations. Our division oversees the following:
State and Federal Advocacy
Supports efforts at the state and federal level to advance Vision 2030 and the Roadmap for the Future.
Bill Tracking and Analysis
Tracks and analyzes all pending state legislation with an impact to the California Community Colleges and analyzes for alignment to our state legislative principles and Vision 2030. Bills and positions are visible in our Legislative Tracker.
Legislative Reports
Reviews and submits required reports to the state Legislature on behalf of the Chancellor’s Office.
Shared Advocacy Request
Leading California’s Future: Preparing Students for a Changing Economy. The “2027-28 Board of Governors Budget and Legislative Request” outlines the investments and policy priorities needed to advance Vision 2030 and prepare Californians for the opportunities of tomorrow. Serving more than 2.2 million students across 116 colleges, the nation’s largest and most diverse higher education system is a critical driver of educational attainment, workforce development, and economic mobility throughout the state.
The Chaptered Legislation and Guidance Report
The “2026 Chaptered Legislation and Guidance Report” serves as an official notice to districts of new 2026 laws. Local leaders are responsible for ensuring compliance with all new laws and regulations. This report helps campuses take the necessary steps to implement new legislation, providing equitable opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
Key Resources
State Legislative Guiding Principles
View the 2026 legislative Guiding Principles that guide the Chancellor’s Office in assessing bills that impact students and colleges.
Federal Policy Platform
See the 2026 California Community Colleges Federal Policy Platform, which articulates policy priorities that support student success and strengthen our economy. This platform serves as the basis of the Board of Governors’ annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C each year.
Meet Our Team
David O’Brien
Vice Chancellor of External Relations
As vice chancellor of government relations, David O’Brien oversees a division responsible for formulating and advancing California Community Colleges’ legislative agenda and represents the Chancellor’s Office before the Legislature and executive branch of the state and federal governments.
Linda Vazquez
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Government Relations
As assistant vice chancellor of government relations, Linda Vazquez helps lead the California Community Colleges’ legislative portfolio, advancing system priorities and representing the Chancellor’s Office before the Legislature, Congress, and state and federal executive branches.
For general inquiries regarding our state and federal advocacy on behalf of the California Community Colleges, please email GovRelations@CCCCO.edu.
|
Team Member |
Role |
Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
|
Justin C. Salenik |
Senior Legislative Analyst |
JSalenik@CCCCO.edu |
|
Imran Majid |
Director of Fiscal Advocacy |
IMajid@CCCCO.edu |
|
Theresa Brown |
Legislative Analyst |
TBrown@CCCCO.edu |
|
Helen Pei Phun |
Legislative Associate |
HPhun@CCCCO.edu |