Join the League of California Cities for four days of virtual educational sessions and peer-to-peer sharing at the 2022 New Mayors and Council Members Academy, taking place January 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2022!
This virtual conference is a must-attend for newly elected officials or seasoned mayors and council members who would like a refresher course on the basic legal and practical framework in which city officials operate. Delve into critical training on important, fundamental topics for local government taught by peers and subject matter experts.
For questions about registration, please contact registrar Megan Dunn. For all other questions, please contact Education and Events Manager Christina George.
Full Registration Includes:
- electronic access to all program materials
- admission to all educational sessions
Online Registration (credit card) – Register now through January 14
Can’t make it to a particular live session or the full day? In addition to access to all live sessions, session materials, and virtual networking opportunities, registering for the conference grants you access to all session recordings for later viewing for a limited time.
Full Conference Registration Fees:
| Member city officials and city staff | $250 |
| Nonmember city officials and city staff | $500 |
Virtual Format:
This conference will take place via Zoom. It is advised that you participate with a computer or laptop for best access to the sessions. You will be given a login and password to access the conference page the week of the conference, where links to join sessions will be located.
Refund Policy:
Morning Coffee Chat with the Department Executive Committee
Join the Mayors and Council Members Department executive committee for an informal coffee chat before the conference begins. Come (virtually) meet your peers, share insights, and gear up for the day ahead!
An Irregular Meeting of the City Council of Dysfunction Junction: The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a Public Meeting
Enjoy a popular depiction of a city council meeting gone awry and learn from its mistakes.
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.
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.
Pat Martel, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA
Morning Chat with Cal Cities Board Officers and Executive Director
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Join the League of California Cities Board officers and Executive Director for an informal “Coffee Chat” before the conference begins for the day. Have questions about your Cal Cities membership? Are you interested in becoming a Cal Cities leader? This is the (virtual) place to be!
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop
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.
Morning Coffee Chat with your Regional Division
Meet your regional public affairs manager and join fellow division members for an informal coffee chat before the day begins. Regional Divisions cover every part of California and serve as the grassroots advocacy core of the League of California Cities. Made up of elected and career city officials, Regional Divisions develop region-specific programs and carry out grassroots activities to support specific legislative, regulatory, and ballot measure goals. Divisions guide Cal Cities policy by appointing representatives to the board of directors, as well as its resolutions, policy, and annual conference committees.
*Desert Mountain and Inland Empire divisions will not have a coffee chat. Please contact Laura Morales for more information.
*The Monterey Bay division will not have a coffee chat. Please contact Deanna Sessums for more information.
Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team and learn about the 2022 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.
Melanie Perron, Deputy Executive Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs, League of California Cities
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.
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.
Corrie Manning, General Counsel, League of California Cities
Morning Coffee Chat with the Department Executive Committee
Join the Mayors and Council Members Department executive committee for an informal coffee chat before the conference begins. Come (virtually) meet your peers, share insights, and gear up for the day ahead!
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.
From Dangerous Discourse to Extraordinary Engagement: Changing the Conversation on Inclusion
Diversity is a fact: Inclusion is a choice and often, an expectation. It is important to take a good, hard, long look at how we are doing business and truthfully examine how to do business better. As elected officials, it is incumbent upon us to ask and effectively answer two questions: "Who else needs to be included in our conversations?" and "How can we effectively engage them?" This session will give you a personal lens into conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will equip you with specific strategies for more inclusive business practices.
This year, the state mandated trainings for all newly elected officials on Public Service Ethics (AB 1234) and Harassment Prevention (AB 1661) will be offered as webinars separate from the New Mayors and Council Members Academy.
Registrants of the academy will be sent a link in the conference welcome email to register for a future complimentary AB 1234 and AB 1661 webinar. Only registered attendees of the New Mayors and Council Members Academy will receive access to the trainings. To receive credit for the training, you must have your own individual log-in (under your name), be present for the full two-hour training, and participate in the live polling during the session.
Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234) will take place Friday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661) will take place Friday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
2021 Academy Session Descriptions
Morning Coffee Chat with the Department Executive Committee
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Join officers of the Mayors and Council Members Department for an informal “Coffee Chat” before the conference begins for the day. Come (virtually) network with your peers, and gear up for everything you will learn in the day ahead!
Cal Cities Mayors and Council Members Department Officers: Lori Ogorchock, Department President and State League Director, Council Member, Antioch | John Minto, Department First Vice President, Mayor, Santee | Dominic Foppoli, Department Second Vice President, Mayor, Windsor | Melanie Bagby, Department Immediate Past President, Council Member, Cloverdale
City of Dysfunction Junction - How to Conduct an Effective and Respectful Council Meeting
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a popular and hilarious skit, contrasting the wrong and the right ways to conduct your city council meetings.
Welcome and introductions: Lori Ogorchock, Council Member, Antioch, President, Mayors and Council Members Department, League of California Cities
Facilitators: Christi Hogin, City Attorney, Artesia, Lomita, Malibu, and Palos Verdes Estates, Best Best & Krieger | Michael Jenkins, City Attorney, Goleta, Hermosa Beach, Rolling Hills, and West Hollywood, Of Counsel, Best Best & Krieger
Your Cal Cities and How to Use It
1-1:45 p.m.
As a city official, you are the League of California Cities. Its success, along with your own, depends on your involvement and leadership. Learn about the structure of our organization, and the many different opportunities for you to get involved and make the most of your city’s membership. Join us as we work together to make a difference in your city.
Moderator: Jennifer Whiting, Director of Education and Member Services, League of California Cities
Speakers: Cheryl Viegas Walker, President, League of California Cities, Mayor, El Centro | Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director, League of California Cities
Relationship between City Council and City Management
2-3:30 p.m.
As an elected official, there will be various competing values and priorities that drive you and your colleagues within your city. Your success on the council requires an effective relationship with your city manager, city attorney and staff, where everyone’s values are respected and represented. Learn how to work together while cultivating each of your diverse roles.
Moderator: Patricia Martel, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA
Speakers: Jim Lewis, City Manager, Pismo Beach | Ed Waage, Mayor, Pismo Beach
Morning Coffee Chat with Cal Cities Board Officers and Executive Director
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Join the League of California Cities Board officers and Executive Director for an informal “Coffee Chat” before the conference begins for the day. Come (virtually) network with your peers and gear up for everything you will learn in the day ahead!
Cal Cities Board Officers and Executive Director: Cheryl Viegas Walker, President, League of California Cities, Mayor, El Centro | Cindy Silva, First Vice President, League of California Cities, Council Member, Walnut Creek | Ali Sajjad Taj, Second Vice President, League of California Cities, Council Member, Artesia | John F. Dunbar, Past President, League of California Cities, Mayor, Yountville | Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director, League of California Cities
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Learn about your responsibilities as elected officials in exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government. Discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, and state and local funding relationships, and identify the four stages of fiscal meltdown. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals, and the need for financial policies will be stressed. Learn to avoid micromanagement and complacency management.
Moderator: Nicolas Romo, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Speakers: Michael Coleman, League Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com | Christina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill
Effective Advocacy & Key City Issues
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team, and learn about Cal Cities' 2021 Strategic Goals, legislative calendar, and trending issues in the legislature. Lobbyists will also share ideas for establishing practical skills to develop persuasive arguments and testimony that will serve your city’s interests.
Moderator: Melanie Perron, Deputy Executive Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs, League of California Cities
Speakers: Bismarck Obando, Director of Public Affairs, League of California Cities | Jason Rhine, Assistant Legislative Director, League of California Cities | Derek Dolfie, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Bijan Mehryar, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Nicolas Romo, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Caroline Cirrincione, Policy Analyst, League of California Cities | Johnnie Piña, Policy Analyst, League of California Cities
Policy Role in Land Use Planning
11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Land use planning is one of the most important aspects of a city official’s responsibilities because of 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 (CEQA), 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: Dominic Foppoli, 2nd Vice President, Mayors and Council Members Department, League of California Cities, Mayor, Windsor
Speakers: Mark Teague, Principal, PlaceWorks | Eric Nelson, Vice Chair, Planning Commissioner, Dana Point
Your Legal Powers and Obligations
1:30-3:00 p.m.
You were elected to make things happen in your city. Learn the breadth, as well as the limitations of your powers as a city official. Acquire a basic understanding of the legal authorities and restrictions under which cities and city officials operate, with a focus on the Brown Act.
Moderator and Speaker: Corrie Manning, General Counsel, League of California Cities
Speakers: Thomas Brown, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP
Morning Coffee Chat with the Department Executive Committee and Premier League Partners
8:30-9 a.m.
Join officers of the Mayors and Council Members Department and the Premier League Partners for an informal “Coffee Chat” before the conference begins for the day. Come (virtually) network with your peers, and gear up for everything you will learn in the day ahead!
Premier League Partners: Amazon, California Water Service, Curative, Richards, Watson & Gershon, SitelogIQ, Southern California Edison
Cal Cities Mayors and Council Members Department Officers: Lori Ogorchock, Department President and State League Director, Council Member, Antioch | John Minto, Department First Vice President, Mayor, Santee | Dominic Foppoli, Department Second Vice President, Mayor, Windsor | Melanie Bagby, Department Immediate Past President, Council Member, Cloverdale
Communications and Civic Engagement
9:15–10:30 a.m.
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. There is a wide variety of almost immediate online informational sources, and elected officials need to be quick on their feet with 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 need to follow.
Speakers: Brandon Castillo, Partner, Bicker, Castillo & Fairbanks | Traci Park, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
From Dangerous Discourse to Extraordinary Engagement: Changing the Conversation on Inclusion
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is a choice. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that it is important to take a good, hard, long look at how we are doing business and truthfully examine how to do business better. Inclusion has moved beyond a buzzword and is now an expectation of our communities, our organizations, and our teammates. As elected officials, it is incumbent upon us to ask and effectively answer two questions: "Who else needs to be included in our conversations?" and "How can we effectively engage them?" This session will give you a new personal lens into conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it will equip you with specific strategies for changing how you do business to be more inclusive.
Closing Comments: John Minto, Mayor, Santee, 1st Vice President, Mayors and Council Members Department, League of California Cities
Speakers: Eric Bailey, Managing Partner, Extraordinary Balance | Nicole Lance, Managing Partner, Extraordinary Balance
2021 Academy Session Materials
- Communications and Civic Engagement
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- Financial Responsibilities, City-Revenues Workshop
- From Dangerous Discourse to Extraordinary Engagement Changing the Conversation on Inclusion
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Relationship between City Council and City Management - Martel
- Your Cal Cities and How to Use It
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
2021 New Mayors and Council Members Resource Guide
- 2021 Resource Guide Full Print Version
- Your Cal Cities and How To Use It
- Relationship Between City Council and City Manager Staff
- Financial Responsibilities and City Revenues Workshop
- Effective Advocacy & Key City Issues
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Your Legal Powers and obligations
- Communications and Civic Engagement
- AB 1661 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- AB 1234 Training
- Your Role as an Elected Official
- Understanding City's Departments
- Torch Program
- Acronyms in Local Government
- Additional Resources
2021 Academy Access for Registered Attendees
Previous Academy Session Materials
Presentations
- 2020 New Mayors and Council Members program
- Communications and Civic Engagement
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- Financial Responsibilities and City Revenues
- Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)
- LCC Mayors 2020-Final
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234)
- Your League and How to Use it
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
2020 New Mayors & Council Members Resource Guide
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
- Financial Responsibilities and City Revenues Workshop
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Your League and How To Use It
- Relationship Between City Council and City Manager Staff
- Communications and Civic Engagement
- AB 1661 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- AB 1234 Training
- Your Role as an Elected Official
- Understanding Your City's Departments
- Torch Program
- Acronyms in Local Government
- Additional Resources
- 2020 New Mayors & Council Members Resource Guide - Full
Presentations
- Communications & Civic Engagement - Park
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues - Carrigg
- Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop - Coleman
- How To Build and Maintain the Public's Trust (AB 1234 Training) - Jex and Vega
- How To Build and Maintain the Public's Trust (AB 1234 Training) - van Hoften and Witt
- Legislative Landscape: Housing - Rhine
- Mayors Roundtable: So You Wanted To Be A Mayor...Now What? - Minto
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning - Srivatsa and Teague
- Relationship Between City Council and City Management - Duggan
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (AB 1661 Training) - Drottz-Kalty
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (AB 1661 Training) -Crawford
- Your League And How To Use It - Coleman and Arbuckle
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations - Manning
2019 New Mayors & Council Members Resource Guide
- Effective Advocacy & Key City Issues
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
- Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Your League and How To Use It
- Relationship Between City Council and City Management
- 07. Communications and Civic Engagement
- AB 1234 Ethics Training
- Your Role As An Elected Official
- Understanding Your City's Departments
- Torch Program
- Acronyms in Local Government
- Additional Resources
- 2019 New Mayors & Council Members Resource Guide - FULL