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:
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    State and Federal Advocacy
    Supports efforts at the state and federal level to advance Vision 2030 and the Roadmap for the Future.

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    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.

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    Legislative Reports
    Reviews and submits required reports to the state Legislature on behalf of the Chancellor’s Office.

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  • The Chaptered Legislation and Guidance Report

    The "2024 Chaptered Legislation and Guidance Report" serves as an official notice to districts of new 2024 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.

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    2025-26 System Budget Proposal and Legislative Request
    Prepared by the Chancellor’s Office in consultation with system partners and adopted by the Board of Governors every year in September, the System Budget and Legislative Request forms the core of our shared advocacy for budget proposals and legislation needed to advance Vision 2030.

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Key Resources

State Legislative Guiding Principles

View the "2024 legislative Guiding Principles" that guide the Chancellor’s Office in assessing bills that impact students and colleges.

Federal Policy Platform

See the 2024 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

    David O'Brien

    Vice Chancellor for Government 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.

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  • Linda Vasquez

    Linda Vazquez

    Assistant Vice Chancellor for State and Federal Relations

    Linda Vazquez has 15 years of experience working in higher education and advocacy, which includes working for Rio Hondo College, California State University, Fullerton and ACT, Inc.

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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
(916) 324-2547
Imran Majid Senior Legislative Analyst

IMajid@CCCCO.edu
(916) 324-2363
 priya v. Legislative Analyst
 PVasu@cccco.edu
(916) 445-6299
 Daniel Mendoza  Executive Fellow DMendoza@cccco.edu
(916) 322-0927
 Cody Peters Office Technician  CPeters@CCCCO.edu
(916) 327-5488