Schedule subject to change.
Speaker names will be added as they are confirmed.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Registration Open
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661) Sign-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the session and you must be present for the full two hours to receive the certification of attendance. Entry will be prohibited once the session begins.
This informational and interactive workplace harassment prevention training will focus on current and emerging issues and teach officials and supervisors how to identify, prevent, and properly respond to workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and abusive conduct in order to avoid personal and agency liability in compliance with AB 1825, AB 2053, AB 1661 and SB 396.
The Institute for Local Government is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies this activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881
Speaker: Katherine Read, Associate, Richards, Watson, Gershon
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Your Cal Cities and How To Use It
As a city official, you are the League of California Cities. Meet the Cal Cities leadership team and learn about the organization’s mission and structure, the advocacy and educational tools Cal Cities provides, and how you can get the most out of your membership.
Opening Remarks: Debbie Baker, President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, La Palma
Moderator: Jennifer Whiting, Deputy Executive Director, League of California Cities
Speakers: Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities
Lynne B. Kennedy, President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, Rancho Cucamonga
12:30-1:45 p.m.
Networking Luncheon
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Social Media / Digital Communications and Civic Engagement With constant advancements in social media over the last several years, it can be hard to keep up with the “do’s and don’ts” of every platform. Moreover, as misinformation increases, elected officials need to be quick on their feet and have the necessary skills to proactively manage public perceptions about local governmental affairs. Discover what cities should be doing to communicate with their constituents in the 21st century, and the rules that elected officials must follow.
Moderator: Debbie Baker, President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, La Palma
Speakers: Gena Burns, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Brandon A. Castillo, Partner, Bicker, Castillo, Fairbanks & Spitz
3:30-4:00 p.m.
Dessert Break
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Your Legal Powers and Obligations; Open Government and Conflicts of Interest You were elected to make things happen in your city. Learn the breadth and limitations of your powers as a city official. Then, acquire a basic understanding of the legal authorities and restrictions under which cities and city officials operate, with a focus on open government laws, such as the Brown Act and the Public Records Act, and laws pertaining to conflicts of interest.
Moderator: Kuldip Thusu, First Vice President, Mayors and Council Department and Council Member, City of Dinuba
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Planned with the Cal Cities Partners
Take this opportunity to network with your peers from throughout the state after a full day of educational sessions.
Thursday, Jan. 30
7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Registration Open
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
9:00-10:15 a.m.
Policy Role in Land Use Planning
Land use planning is one of the most important parts of a city official’s responsibilities due to the long-term impacts it can have on a community’s environment, economic vitality, and the physical health of its residents. Learn about tools and processes in land use planning, such as the general plan, zoning, and the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as the role of regional agencies and the state. This knowledge will help you foster a solid working relationship with your city’s planning commission and planning staff.
Moderator: Jorgel Chavez, Second Vice President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, City of Bell Gardens
Speakers: Eric A. Nelson, Vice Chair - Planning Commission, City of Dana Point Mark Teague, Managing Principal, PlaceWorks
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team and learn about the 2024 Cal Cities Action Agenda, legislative calendar, and trending issues in the Legislature. The Cal Cities team will also share ideas for establishing practical skills to develop persuasive arguments and testimony that will serve your city’s interests.
Moderator: Jason Rhine, Director of Legislative Affairs, League of California Cities Speakers:
Kristine Guerrero, Director of Public Affairs, League of California Cities Caroline Cirrincione, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Damon Conklin, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Brady Guertin, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Johnnie Piña, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Melissa Sparks-Kranz, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Ben Triffo, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities Jolena Voorhis, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
12:00-1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:30-3:00 p.m.
Developing an Effective City Council and City Manager Team: The Key to Good Governance and City Success
Successful communities require highly effective governance and management, key to which is a positive city council/city manager working relationship guided by good, open communication. This session will help you to better appreciate the roles that the city council governing body, individual council members, and the city manager fulfill in a successful working relationship based on effective communication and sound governance practices.
Moderator: Patricia E. Martel, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA Speakers: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, El Cerrito
Gabriel Quinto, First Vice President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, El Cerrito
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Dessert Break
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 1) Learn about your responsibilities as an elected official when exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government. In this enlightening conversation, discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, and state and local funding relationships, and the four stages of fiscal meltdown. Plus, learn how to be a better leader by discovering how to avoid micromanagement and manage complacency. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals and the need for financial policies will be stressed during this session.
Speakers: Michael Coleman, CalCities Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com
Christina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill
Friday, Jan. 31
7:15-11:00 a.m.
Registration Open
7:15-8:15 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
8:15-9:45 a.m.
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 2) Learn about your responsibilities as an elected official when exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government. In this enlightening conversation, discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, and state and local funding relationships, and the four
stages of fiscal meltdown. Plus, learn how to be a better leader by discovering how to avoid micromanagement and manage complacency. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals and the need for financial policies will be stressed during this session.
Closing Remarks: Kuldip Thusu, First Vice President, Mayors and Council Department and Council Member, City of Dinuba
Speakers: Michael Coleman, Cal Cities Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com
Christina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill
10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234) Sign-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the session and you must be present for the full two hours to receive the certification of attendance. Entry will be prohibited once the session begins.
State law requires elected and appointed officials to receive two hours of training in specified ethics laws and principles every two years. Newly elected and appointed officials must receive this training within one year of becoming a public servant. Join a panel of experts as they help navigate the ethics laws and principles.
The Institute for Local Government is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies this activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881