From public banking to a California CRA, Rise Economy members elevate urgent community needs.

Rise Economy and nearly three dozen members from across California convened at the State Capitol Wednesday for a powerful day of advocacy, education and movement-building during the organization’s annual Lobby Day.

With a renewed sense of urgency fueled by regressive federal actions under the Trump Administration, members gathered to speak directly with state lawmakers about the pressing need for housing and financial equity across California.

Throughout the day, Rise Economy members met with legislators and staff from the offices of Senator Timothy Grayson (D-15), Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-29), Assemblymember Robert Garcia (D-50), and Senator Monique Limón(D-21) to spotlight legislation that would reshape California’s financial landscape and expand access to capital for low-income communities and communities of color.

This year’s legislative priorities included:

  • California State CRA (Asm. Bonta): A state-level Community Reinvestment Act that would ensure financial institutions operating in California reinvest in underserved communities, potentially generating $15 billion annually for small businesses, homeownership and affordable housing.

  • CalAccount: A zero-fee, zero-penalty state-run debit account to help Californians bypass extractive banking practices and reduce racial disparities in access to financial services.

  • California State Public Bank: A proposal to create a publicly owned banking system in California that prioritizes people over profits.

“These face-to-face meetings are critical,” said Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, CEO of Rise Economy. “Lobby Day is important because it gets our members in front of elected officials to speak about the issues that matter most to their clients and their communities. It’s one of the most direct and impactful ways to make our voices heard at the state level.”

The day also served as a platform for members to raise concerns about the urgent need for capital access in underserved areas and call for a strong financial response to recent fires affecting Los Angeles communities.

Rise Economy member organizations —including ASIAN, Inc. 美亞輔鄰社, California Housing Partnership, East LA Community Corporation and the Sacramento Enviromental Justice Coalition — helped lead the charge during meetings, emphasizing how bills like CalAccount and the California State CRA would have tangible impacts on the people they serve.

“This is an opportunity to inform and educate elected officials and their staff on campaigns that could improve the lives of their constituents,” said Doni Tadesse, Rise Economy’s Southern California Organizer. “Our members brought real stories and lived experiences to the Capitol, and that’s what drives policy forward.”

As the state continues to grapple with growing inequality and financial instability for low-income households, Rise Economy and its network remain committed to ensuring that California leads the way in building an equitable and just economy.