Energy crackled as 110 COPA leaders from 28 institutions, including Bishop Lucinda Ashby of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, filled the room for an honest, wide-ranging conversation with California Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas.

In house meetings – small-group conversations led by local leaders – people shared clear, urgent stories about the pressures their families face every day: skyrocketing housing costs, the strain of navigating healthcare, gaps in public education, and the ongoing hurdles of immigration. These stories grounded the conversation in lived community experience and made visible the stakes for thousands of families across the Central Coast.

Speaker Rivas listened closely and acknowledged the depth of leadership in the room. He affirmed his commitment to stay in relationship with COPA and agreed to meet again in the Spring to deepen the work and advance shared priorities.

This year, COPA conducted house meetings with over 750 people. This meeting marks an important step in strengthening COPA’s relationship with state leadership and ensuring the experiences of our communities shapes the policies that govern our lives.