State Governors
State Governors
Featured Stories
R.I. Gov. McKee Ceremonially Signs Six Bills to Support Housing Development Statewide
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor McKee Ceremonially Signs Six Bills to Support Housing Development Statewide
Bills expand permitting access, create new housing land bank, and update zoning requirements
*
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, Governor Dan McKee ceremonially signed a six-bill legislative package aimed at increasing access to housing and streamlining the permitting process.
At the signing, Governor McKee was joined by Representative June Speakman (D-Dist. 38, Bristol, Warren), Representative
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor McKee Ceremonially Signs Six Bills to Support Housing Development Statewide
Bills expand permitting access, create new housing land bank, and update zoning requirements
*
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, Governor Dan McKee ceremonially signed a six-bill legislative package aimed at increasing access to housing and streamlining the permitting process.
At the signing, Governor McKee was joined by Representative June Speakman (D-Dist. 38, Bristol, Warren), RepresentativeRobert E. Craven, Sr. (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown), Senator Jake Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), Senator Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Executive Office of Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard, and Michelle Bleau, and the Director of Real Estate Development at One Neighborhood Builders.
The event took place at Sheridan Small Homes, a five-home condominium community developed by One Neighborhood Builders. Sheridan Small Homes--built in partnership with RISD, Building Futures, and others--demonstrates how creative, community-driven solutions can help first-time buyers achieve homeownership and begin building generational wealth. This innovative project directly aligns with the McKee administration's Housing 2030 plan, which sets a bold target of permitting 1,000 new homeownership units.
"Building a stronger economy and a healthier Rhode Island starts with ensuring access to quality housing," said Governor McKee. "That's why we've made the largest budget investment in housing in our state's history, along with the largest housing bond ever approved. These investments are delivering results with thousands of new units built, preserved or in the pipeline and real progress being made in line with our Housing 2030 plan. These bills help continue that momentum, and I'm grateful to the General Assembly for their partnership."
The bills signed by Governor McKee include:
* The expansion of electronic permitting (H5803Aaa/S1087): Sponsored by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Senator Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket), the bill expands the use of electronic permitting for planning and zoning applications, adding applications for the Department of Environmental Management, Coastal Resources Management Council, and Department of Transportation to the e-permitting system by October 2026.
* New zoning village/mixed-use zoning requirements (H5800A/S1090A): Sponsored by Representative Robert Craven Sr. (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown) and Senator Bissaillon, this bill requires municipalities to provide for village or mixed-use zoning to allow residential use in some or all areas of their commercial zoning districts.
* Attached single-family dwelling units (H5798Aaa/S1083A): Sponsored by Representative Speakman and Senator Kallman, this bill allows for low-cost homeownership opportunities, like townhouses, to be built where zoning laws already allow for the same density in a vertical style, by way of tenement or other two-, three-, or multi-family structures.
* Co-living housing opportunities (H5797A/S1085): Sponsored by Representative Carol McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Senator Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), this bill enables municipalities to allow for the use of co-housing arrangements as energy-efficient, low-cost housing options similar to dorms in which there are common spaces, amenities, and facilities, but residents have separate private bedrooms.
* Creation of a housing land bank (H5955A/S122A): Sponsored by Representative Speakman and Senator Kallman, this bill creates a land bank within the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation. The land bank serves as a repository to accept, hold, transfer, and sell properties, with the goal of transforming vacant and underutilized properties into affordable housing. This legislation breaks down barriers to affordable housing development by making it easier to identify suitable properties and decreasing land acquisition costs.
* Reviving Housing and Conservation Board (H5310/S711): Sponsored by Representative Speakman and Senator Bissaillon, this bill brings back the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Board with the goal of creating and sustaining low-and moderate-income housing and conserving and protecting important Rhode Island lands.
"Rhode Island's housing crisis was decades in the making and is taking a sustained effort, over the course of years, to address," said Speaker Shekarchi. "Prior to our recent efforts, the last substantive land use legislation passed in our state was in the 1990s. Since then, too many communities have become more and more restrictive about how much and what types of housing they'll allow to be constructed. Five years and almost 60 new housing laws later, we are still chipping away at the barriers that have made development in Rhode Island more costly and more cumbersome than necessary. I am so appreciative of all of the partners who work with me to address our housing shortage, and this progress is the result of our collaborative efforts."
"Rhode Island desperately needs more housing units, and we need the kinds of homes that people can afford. That means we need to encourage smaller, less-expensive alternatives," said Representative Speakman, who chairs the House Commission on Housing Affordability. "One of the bills signed today includes options like townhomes and similar attached dwellings that will enable families, seniors, and singles looking for starter homes to be able to achieve homeownership. I am also proud of my legislation creating a land bank to accept property for redevelopment into housing, and another bill I sponsored, which revives a state board to bring together leaders in land conservation, construction, and affordable housing to promote sustainable housing growth."
"As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, and on behalf of President Lawson and my Senate colleagues, I commend the many partners whose commitment to addressing the housing crisis made this legislation possible. Together, we can continue to make housing more accessible and affordable while reimagining our communities in ways that will help all Rhode Islanders thrive," said Senator Bissaillon, who chairs the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government.
"Rhode Island's housing crisis is holding back our state and its people in so many ways. We must continue to act with purpose and embrace new, innovative solutions to ensure everyone in our state can find and afford a safe, stable place to live. The legislation being celebrated today represents the important steps we have taken together and the hard work that so many advocates and stakeholders are doing every day. We're not yet there, but we're moving in the right direction, and I am so proud to be part of that effort," said Senator Kallman.
"Addressing Rhode Island's housing challenges starts with bold legislation, but its success depends on strong partnerships with cities and towns," said Secretary Goddard. "The bills being signed today equip municipalities with the tools and flexibility they need to create and preserve more homes, streamline permitting, and build vibrant, inclusive communities. As Secretary of Housing, I am proud to support Rhode Island communities as they use these new tools and policies to create safe, affordable homes for Rhode Islanders across the state."
"Our community is feeling the deep impact of the housing shortage in Providence," said Mayor Smiley. "My Administration is taking a multi-faceted approach to address this, from adopting new zoning regulations to streamlining city review processes, while investing over $55 million to create and preserve affordable housing in every neighborhood. I want to thank Governor Dan McKee, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, and our legislative partners for their support as we work collaboratively on innovative, comprehensive solutions to make building houses faster and easier, ensuring every Providence neighbor has access to a safe and affordable home."
"A complex problem like the housing crisis requires innovative solutions and continued and sustained investments from all levels of government, and we are thankful to the House and Senate for passing this critical legislation, and to Governor McKee signing these critically needed pieces of legislation," said Bleau. "Our Sheridan Small Homes Development is a perfect example of what is possible when nonprofit developers have the resources needed to pilot creative solutions, here producing five deed-restricted, affordable, single-family homes that were sold to first-time homebuyers."
All six bills will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
* * *
Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-ceremonially-signs-six-bills-support-housing-development-statewide
Minn. Gov. Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments
[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice, Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group, Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments
[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice, Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group, Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, Governor's Council on the Martin Luther KingJr. Holiday, Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council, Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.
Susan Estes - Minneapolis, MN
Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice
Public Member #1
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: July 31, 2029
Karen Holtmeier - Wayzata, MN
Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice
Licensed Nutritionist
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: July 31, 2029
About the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice:
The board licenses dietitians and nutritionists, investigates violations, conducts hearings and adopts rules.
Additional information about the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Denise Specht - Shoreview, MN
Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System
At-Large Member #4
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: June 30, 2031
About the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System:
As defined in Minnesota State Statute 136F.06, the board shall possess all powers necessary to govern the state colleges and universities and all related property. Those powers shall include, but are not limited to, those enumerated in this section. The board shall prescribe conditions of admission, set tuition and fees, approve programs of study and requirements for completion of programs, approve the awarding of appropriate certificates, diplomas, and degrees, enter into contracts and other agreements, and adopt suitable policies for the institutions it governs. To the extent practicable in protecting statewide interests, the board shall provide autonomy to the campuses while holding them accountable for their decisions.
Additional information about the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Reyna Monson - Waseca, MN
Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group
Member #1 - Representing The Private Business Community And Have Expertise In Integrated Information Systems
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
About the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group:
The advisory council shall assist the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Policy Group in its duties.
Additional information about the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Advisory Group can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Alyson Rodway - Waseca, MN
Council on LGBTQIA2S+
Member
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
About the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans:
Created by legislation in 2023, the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans works for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesota's community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit.
Additional information about the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Lataya Allseits - Shoreview, MN
Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Member #5
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
Sherron Taylor - St. Paul, MN
Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Member #9
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
About the Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday:
The Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday helps plan celebrations to bring the community together, reflect and build on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrate the Black experience, and strengthen connections. Additional information about the Governor's Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Lauren Ireland - Eden Prairie, MN
Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council
Public Member #3
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: July 1, 2027
About the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council:
Members, who are users of assistive technology (AT) or a family member or guardian of an AT user, provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to the state for the planning of, implementation of, and evaluation of activities carried out under the federal Assistive Technology Act grant. In addition to attending meetings, members have opportunities to provide feedback on projects and participate on committees.
Additional information about the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Charlene Briner - Lilydale, MN
Minnesota Ballpark Authority
Non-Hennepin County Resident
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
About the Minnesota Ballpark Authority:
The authority is a public body created by the Legislature to oversee the design, construction, and operation of Target Field.
Additional information about the Minnesota Ballpark Authority can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Ana Rivera - Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs
At-Large Member #3
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: January 3, 2028
About the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs:
The council must work for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for its constituency by advising and informing the governor's office and state legislature in the legislative and policy making process.
Additional information about the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Laura Bishop - Eden Prairie, MN
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
Member #2
Effective: August 27, 2025
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
About the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority:
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority was established by the Legislature in 2012 to design, construct, and operate a state of the art venue for professional, college, and youth football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey games; concerts, trade shows, corporate events, and a broad range of other civic, community, athletic, educational, cultural, and commercial activities.
Additional information about the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
* * *
Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/702936
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Federal Government Must Recommit to the Promise of Social Security
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
* * *
Federal Government Must Recommit to the Promise of Social Security
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, earlier this week, I was proud to sign a proclamation officially commemorating the 90th Anniversary of Social Security in our country. You know, the Social Security Act was based on a simple promise: working people who paid into the program would receive their wages back in the form of retirement benefits. Congress has amended the Social Security Act time and
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
* * *
Federal Government Must Recommit to the Promise of Social Security
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, earlier this week, I was proud to sign a proclamation officially commemorating the 90th Anniversary of Social Security in our country. You know, the Social Security Act was based on a simple promise: working people who paid into the program would receive their wages back in the form of retirement benefits. Congress has amended the Social Security Act time andagain to honor that promise, including the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act.
For years, I've been proud to stand by your side in calling for Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset -those laws, which prevented public service employees from receiving their full Social Security benefits -- and the need to right this wrong.
For decades, bipartisan members of Maine's Congressional Delegation have pushed strongly to get this legislation across the finish line. Finally, on January 5 of this year, President Biden signed it into law -- the law restoring full benefits to about 25,000 public service workers in the State of Maine and their survivors.
One retired state employee named Penny estimated that she and her husband, who was a firefighter, were losing about $1,200 dollars a month in Social Security benefits before the Social Security Fairness Act was passed. It's not fair, and I'm glad that it's finally been fixed.
There are many people like Penny in our state who rely on Social Security for financial stability in their retirement. Maine is the oldest and most rural state in the nation. Nearly 370,000 people in our state collect Social Security benefits of one sort or another. That includes seniors, and people with disabilities, and families who are navigating the loss of a loved one. Many of them are in rural communities: 43 percent of households in Aroostook, 45 percent of households in Washington County, 43 percent of households in Piscataquis, and 35 percent of households in Androscoggin County have someone in the household who's receiving Social Security benefits.
The financial stability of many people in Maine depends on Social Security. But the current administration in Washington, D.C., has created deep uncertainty about its future.
For months, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE," was given free reign over sensitive government agencies, including Social Security. They threatened to slash Social Security staff by the thousands, reduce services available over the phone, and close field offices that serve our rural areas.
Adding to that chaos, there have been five different people heading up the Social Security Administration just over the last ten months, including some people who recklessly rolled out and then rolled back administrative changes that left citizens confused and waiting for help.
Maine people frustrated with waiting on the phone might choose to drive for hours to a Social Security office in person, only to wind up waiting in line for hours there anyway. One claims representative recently said that the wait time at her office in Auburn has gone from 16 minutes to an hour and a half.
Older people in Maine should not be afraid of losing their Social Security benefits or be in the dark about changes. They also shouldn't have to worry about their Medicare benefits, but I'll tell you, the reconciliation bill recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump, creates a huge deficit in the federal budget that may well require across the board cuts in the federal budget, including Medicare, unless Congress acts. It's a completely unnecessary scare that older people relying on Social Security and Medicare shouldn't have to face.
Maine people have earned these benefits. The federal government should stand by its commitment to them.
So, as we reflect on the 90th Anniversary of the Social Security Act - and think about our heroine, Frances Perkins, who helped FDR draft and enact this important measure - I urge the administration in Washington, D.C., to restore stability to the Social Security Administration and to recommit to the promise of Social Security for the everlasting benefit of all Americans.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/federal-government-must-recommit-promise-social-security-2025-08-22
ICYMI: Republicans Praise Governor Katie Hobbs' "Fiscal Conservatism"
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
* * *
ICYMI: Republicans Praise Governor Katie Hobbs' "Fiscal Conservatism"
Phoenix, AZ - After Governor Katie Hobbs directed state agencies to strictly limit budget requests, Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh praised the governor's "fiscal conservatism" and "conservative and realistic approach" to budgeting.
* ABC15 has learned Gov. Katie Hobbs' office has asked agencies to sharply limit any requests for additional money from the state's general fund. Her budget director, Ben Henderson, sent Cabinet
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
* * *
ICYMI: Republicans Praise Governor Katie Hobbs' "Fiscal Conservatism"
Phoenix, AZ - After Governor Katie Hobbs directed state agencies to strictly limit budget requests, Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh praised the governor's "fiscal conservatism" and "conservative and realistic approach" to budgeting.
* ABC15 has learned Gov. Katie Hobbs' office has asked agencies to sharply limit any requests for additional money from the state's general fund. Her budget director, Ben Henderson, sent Cabinetmembers a memo last month asking agencies to keep increases below 2%, citing a looming "cliff in federal funding unlike anything in recent history."
* Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh told ABC15 he welcomes Hobbs' budget restrictions, saying the governor is "steering her ship in the right direction." "I applaud the governor's fiscal conservatism, limiting agency increases at 2%," he said.
* In a statement to ABC15, the Governor's Office said Hobbs is committed to delivering a balanced budget but faces funding cuts from President Donald Trump's big tax bill and the effects of tariffs.
* Hobbs has said for months that the state can't cover all of the funding cut by the federal government.
* The Governor's Office is instructing state agencies to significantly limit their budget requests for fiscal year 2027 due to federal funding uncertainties.
* A letter sent by Gov. Katie Hobbs' budget director, Ben Henderson, to state agency heads on July 18 instructed all agencies to cap their FY2027 budget requests from the state's general fund to no more than a 2% increase from what they were appropriated from the general fund in the FY2026 budget.
* Hobbs has said on multiple occasions that the state does not have the revenue to backfill cuts from the federal government. There is a chance agencies could get more than they request in FY2027, but it will depend on the status of the state's revenues and budget negotiations between lawmakers and the governor next year.
* Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Scottsdale, served as the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman this session and shepherded the FY2026 budget through the Legislature. He told the Arizona Capitol Times that he hadn't been made aware of the 2% limit but isn't entirely opposed to it.
* "I applaud the conservative and realistic approach that the Governor's Office is taking, although I'm not sure if a flat 2% is wise, given that some agencies might be able to weather cuts and others might need an increase of more than 2%," Kavanagh said.
* The governor's directive comes after tax hikes, budget cuts and new red tape and administrative mandates from the Trump administration have strained Arizona's budget, slashing health care and food assistance from Arizonans.
* * *
Original text here: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2025/08/icymi-republicans-praise-governor-katie-hobbs-fiscal
HAWAII GOV. GREEN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF GREEN FEE ADVISORY COUNCIL
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF GREEN FEE ADVISORY COUNCIL
HONOLULU -- Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the establishment of the Green Fee Advisory Council. The council will provide crucial guidance on how the newly enacted "Green Fee" funds are allocated to bolster Hawaii's environmental resilience and sustainable tourism.Signed into law on May 27, 2025, Act 96 (Senate Bill 1396) establishes the nation's first-ever climate impact fee, increasing the Transient Accommodations
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF GREEN FEE ADVISORY COUNCIL
HONOLULU -- Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the establishment of the Green Fee Advisory Council. The council will provide crucial guidance on how the newly enacted "Green Fee" funds are allocated to bolster Hawaii's environmental resilience and sustainable tourism.Signed into law on May 27, 2025, Act 96 (Senate Bill 1396) establishes the nation's first-ever climate impact fee, increasing the Transient AccommodationsTax (TAT) by 0.75%, effective January 1, 2026. This brings the TAT to 11% for hotels and vacation rentals and applies the tax to cruise ship stays for the first time. The legislation is projected to generate approximately $100 million annually, directed toward environmental stewardship, hazard mitigation, infrastructure resilience and enhancing the visitor experience.
"This Green Fee is a generational commitment to protect Hawaii's future," said Governor Green. "Under the leadership of Jeff Mikulina and this advisory council, every dollar collected will work smarter and harder -- to safeguard our natural and cultural treasures, build climate resilience and share responsibility with visitors for the stewardship of our islands."
Green Fee Advisory Council Members:
* Eric Co - CEO of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, with 25+ years in ocean management, community development and climate resilience across Hawaii and the Pacific.
* Lea Hong - Hawaii State Director of The Trust for Public Land since 2006, championing restoration of lands to Native Hawaiian stewardship and sustainable community spaces.
* Dennis Hwang - Faculty, University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, NOAA, lead author for the 'Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards" and member of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency's Hawaii Earthquake and Tsunami Advisory Committee.
* Janice Ikeda - Founding CEO of Vibrant Hawaii, advancing resilience networks and community-led development across Hawaii Island
* Michelle Kauhane - Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Hawaii Community Foundation; experience in non-profit management, community-based economic development, and public policy advocacy.
* Dr. Jack Kittinger - Conservation scientist and Research Professor at Arizona State University; leads Conservation International's Center for Regenerative Economies.
* Keoni Kuoha - Long-time Hokulea crew member and Maui community leader, with deep experience in governance, indigenous resource stewardship and nonprofit leadership.
* Jeff Mikulina (Chair) - Executive Director of Climate Hawai'i; strategist in social impact and sustainable development, spearheading statewide climate initiatives.
* Carmela Resuma - Destination Stewardship Director at Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council, integrating culture, tourism and aina stewardship in community programs.
* Jeff Wagoner - President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group; leads a global portfolio of beach resorts, hotels, vacation condominiums and retail operations and has a more than three decade career in hospitality.
The council will convene to accomplish two main tasks: the first is to develop a criteria for project evaluation under the three main areas described in the bill. The second is to evaluate funding proposals and recommend to the Governor a prioritized list of projects he may include in the Executive Supplemental Budget request. As usual, all final appropriations and project selections are done by the Legislature.
The Green Fee Advisory Council will host an introductory webinar on September 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., which will include a discussion of the purpose and approach of the newly formed Green Fee Advisory Council, as well as a preview of the process ahead in the coming months. Interested community members are encouraged to register in advance:
Zoom Webinar: Green Fee Advisory Council Introduction and Process Preview
September 24, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1017558024639/WN_9Bx9IVrDTr25ffrdF7EPUg
Headshots of the council members can be found here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hawaii.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f108b4805576bd697bf4dca5a&id=e4ecba4312&e=a99ac9e1fd__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!yNfr1j9sbD-Mi6O0otM1xeEVxY2t3Kuyh3WNljZW6BhInHJfCAxuWZLyxYfGjOja16H98-9l4F2jWzErASb6HZly9SoH$), courtesy Office of the Governor.
* * *
Original text here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-announces-appointment-of-green-fee-advisory-council/
California and Denmark Sign New Partnership on Climate, Technology Efforts
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
California and Denmark sign new partnership on climate, technology efforts
What you need to know: As allies in a commitment to innovation, stronger cybersecurity, and the clean energy transition, California and Denmark today inked a partnership furthering climate and technology goals while sowing greater international collaboration.
*
SAN FRANCISCO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California and Denmark supporting cooperation
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
California and Denmark sign new partnership on climate, technology efforts
What you need to know: As allies in a commitment to innovation, stronger cybersecurity, and the clean energy transition, California and Denmark today inked a partnership furthering climate and technology goals while sowing greater international collaboration.
*
SAN FRANCISCO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California and Denmark supporting cooperationon green economy resilience, technology, and innovation. Home to Silicon Valley and the world's fourth largest economy, California is uniquely positioned to lead the international conversation and help guide the world in the responsible implementation and use of emerging technology.
The Governor and California's delegation met with Denmark's delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Ambassador of Denmark to the U.S. Jesper Moller Sorensen. California and Denmark signed the MOU at a ceremony in San Francisco.
California continues to step up to the world stage. We are partnering with Denmark to further our commitment to building affordable clean energy, bolstering our low-carbon, green growth economies, fostering innovation, and accelerating safe and secure technologies.
Our message to the rest of the world is clear: California is a stable, reliable partner.
Governor Gavin Newsom
"Denmark is committed to expanding our partnerships around the world - also with federal states like California," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. "We are both frontrunners within green energy, innovation, and sustainability. If we combine our efforts, we can really push forward - not only for our own economies and societies, but also by inspiring others to pursue a green transition that creates jobs and growth at the same time."
The full text of the MOU signed today is available here (https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FILE_1326.pdf).
Today's partnership:
* Boosts the green economy and accelerates climate resilience by achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 through shared leadership
* Enhances digital and cyber resilience through technology and policy collaboration
* Strengthens innovation ecosystems by supporting public-private collaboration, research exchange, development projects, and aligning investment in future-oriented sectors, including emerging technologies and sustainability
* Facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and policy insights through dialogues, delegations, trade promotions, projects, and partnerships
How we got here
The Newsom administration has partnered with jurisdictions in 27 countries, touching more than a quarter of the world's population and a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars.
* In March, Governor Newsom welcomed a delegation from the Mexican state of Sonora and signed a partnership advancing the development of clean energy, supply chain resilience, and expanding regional access to renewables.
* In February, California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states partnered together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth.
* Last year, Governor Newsom signed an MOU with Emilia-Romagna during a visit to Italy for the Vatican's Climate Summit, and another MOU in May with Gyeonggi Province, South Korea - the center of the country's economy and high-tech industry. Governor Newsom also welcomed delegations from Sweden and Norway and renewed climate partnerships with the two governments.
* In 2023, Governor Newsom led a California delegation to China, where California signed five MOUs - with China's National Development and Reform Commission, the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, and the municipalities of Beijing, and Shanghai. The trip also resulted in a first-of-its-kind declaration by China and California to cooperate on climate action like aggressively cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and developing clean energy. California also launched the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) at COP 28, working to support members in quickly adapting to climate impacts and emergencies.
* Also in 2023, California signed a MOU with the Chinese province of Hainan, as well as with Australia.
* In 2022 alone, California signed Memorandums of Cooperation with Canada, New Zealand and Japan, as well as Memorandums of Understanding with China and the Netherlands, to tackle the climate crisis. The Governor also joined with Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to recommit the region to climate action.
California's climate leadership
Pollution is down and the economy is up. Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 20% since 2000 - even as the state's GDP increased 78% in that same time period.
The state also continues to set clean energy records. California was powered by two-thirds clean energy in 2023, the latest year for which data is available - the largest economy in the world to achieve this level of clean energy. The state has run on 100% clean electricity for some part of the day almost every day this year.
Since the beginning of the Newsom Administration, battery storage is up to over 15,000 megawatts - a 1,900%+ increase, and over 25,000 megawatts of new resources have been added to the electric grid.
Leading in technology
AI is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. As the fourth-largest economy in the world and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate this sector as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide. In addition to championing responsible use of this emerging industry, California is harnessing its potential to increase efficiency and support state operations.
California has launched efforts to help the state take advantage of this emerging technology, while also creating responsible policy guardrails to protect Californians. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed an executive order laying out California's measured approach to state GenAI procurement. That EO has shaped the future of ethical, transparent, and trustworthy GenAI deployment, all while California remains the world's GenAI leader. Within state government, projects are already underway to utilize GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance customer service in a state call center, among other new initiatives. And this year, a group of world-leading AI academics and experts, convened at the request of Governor Newsom, finalized a new empirical, science-based analysis of the capabilities and attendant risks of frontier models -- which will help pave the way for the use of AI for the benefit of all Californians, and the world.
Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, ban AI-generated child pornography, protect consumers by preventing scams from AI-generated robocalls, protect performers' digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/08/22/california-and-denmark-sign-new-partnership-on-climate-technology-efforts/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Predeploys More Firefighting Resources, Directs Aggressive Statewide Response to Fire Weather and Heat
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor Newsom predeploys more firefighting resources, directs aggressive statewide response to fire weather and heat
What you need to know: The state continues to take action to protect communities during extreme heat and fire weather conditions. In just the last 24 hours, CAL FIRE aircraft have flown more than 175 hours combined in an aggressive statewide response to several fires.
*
SACRAMENTO - At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Governor's
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 23 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 22, 2025:
* * *
Governor Newsom predeploys more firefighting resources, directs aggressive statewide response to fire weather and heat
What you need to know: The state continues to take action to protect communities during extreme heat and fire weather conditions. In just the last 24 hours, CAL FIRE aircraft have flown more than 175 hours combined in an aggressive statewide response to several fires.
*
SACRAMENTO - At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Governor'sOffice of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today approved the predeployment of 13 fire engines, seven water tenders and two dispatchers in Sierra, Nevada and Plumas County through Tuesday ahead of expected high temperatures, low humidity and dry lightning. This is on top of resources predeployed earlier this week in response to elevated heat and critical fire weather forecasted to impact Southern California lasting through Sunday.
A total of 64 fire engines, 17 water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 16 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams, are predeployed to 10 counties including Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Sierra, Nevada and Plumas counties. Local fire agencies identify when conditions in their community may require additional resources and submit a request to the state for support. The staging locations and response assignments are coordinated by local officials.
These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California's wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents. The preposition program is in addition to California's Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which remains available for emergency response support throughout the state where resources are needed.
With extreme heat forecasted for much of the state, California entered Phase 2 of its extreme temperature response plan on Wednesday - ramping up state and local coordination of resources to prepare for extreme heat. At the Governor's direction, the State Operations Center at the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is on an enhanced watch for both heat and fire conditions. Cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents are also open in communities across the state.
I've directed the state to mobilize resources to communities to help protect against catastrophic wildfire and potentially record-high temperatures. Please continue to check your local forecast and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Aggressive statewide fire response
Aggressive aerial firefighting operations have helped firefighters with initial attack on several fires in the last few days, including the Pickett Fire in Napa County, the Coyote Fire in El Dorado County and many others across the state. In the past 24 hours, CAL FIRE aircraft have flown more than 175 hours combined, including 19 hours of helicopter night operations. CAL FIRE helicopters have dropped over 380,000 gallons of water and fixed-wing aircraft more than 151,000 gallons of retardant.
Across the state, CAL FIRE reported 23 new wildfires in the last 24 hours, bringing the 2025 year-to-date total to 5,673 fires and 374,023 acres burned, slightly above the five-year average for incidents but below typical acreage totals for this time of year. CAL FIRE remains committed to its goal of containing 95% of wildfires at 10 acres or less and encourages the public to do their part too.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:
* Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
* Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
* Visit CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov to find heat safety information specific to your area.
* For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/08/22/governor-newsom-predeploys-more-firefighting-resources-directs-aggressive-statewide-response-to-fire-weather-and-heat/
