Annual Conference and Expo

City Clerks Workshop: Fair Political Practices Commission: A Workshop for Filing Officers

8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Representatives from the Fair Political Practices Commission will conduct a multipronged training for filing officers about their roles and responsibilities under the Political Reform Act. Topics of review will include conflict-of-interest filings by designated employees, candidate campaign filings, and new or proposed regulations. New and seasoned professionals alike will benefit from this wholesale review as they prepare for the upcoming election.

Speakers:
Catharine Baker, Commissioner, CA Fair Political Practices Commission
Chloe Hackert, Education & External Affairs Unit Manager, Fair Political Practices Commission
Adam Ramirez, Political reform consultant, FPPC

Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234)

10:00 a.m.-noon

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 public servants. Join a panel of experts as they help you 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.  * 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.

Speakers:
Aleks R. Giragosian, Esq., Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley
Andrew Jared, Senior Counsel, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley

Public Works Department Meeting

11:00-11:30 a.m.

City Managers Department Business Meeting

11:00 a.m.-noon

Los Angeles County Division Lunch

11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Jennifer Quan. Additional fees may apply.

Riverside County Division General Membership Meeting

11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Erin Sasse. Additional fees may apply.

Sacramento Valley Division Membership Meeting

11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Charles Anderson. Additional fees may apply.

South San Joaquin Valley Division Lunch Meeting

11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Rajveer Rakkar. Additional fees may apply.

Inland Empire and Desert Mountain Division Lunch Meeting

11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Laura Morales. Additional fees may apply.

Opening General Session

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Welcoming Remarks:
Cindy Silva, President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, Walnut Creek

National Anthem and Presentation of the Colors

Host City Remarks:
Robert Garcia, Mayor, Long Beach

State of Cal Cities Annual Report:
Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities

Nominating Committee Report:
Randi Johl, Nominating Committee Chair and Legislative Director/City Clerk, Temecula

Past Presidents' Lifetime Achievement Award:
Cheryl Viegas Walker, Immediate Past President, League of California Cities and Council Member, El Centro

Keynote Address: We Can't Do It Alone: Leading with Courage
Jill Ellis was the first — and only — head coach to win consecutive Women’s World Cup victories. She is also the first national team coach, men’s or women’s, to win back-to-back World Cup titles since 1938. After stepping down as head coach, Ellis established a mentoring program for the next generation of women coaches as an ambassador for the U.S. Soccer Federation. She currently serves as President of San Diego Wave FC, the newest franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League. In her “fireside chat," Ellis will share her insights for creating unified, successful communities. In today’s environment, it can be difficult to engage people one-on-one, much less get everyone working towards a common goal. It takes personal connection, courage, confidence — and some risk-taking — to successfully lead. Drawing from her time as one of the most successful coaches in sports, Ellis will share her strategies for success, including ways to recruit top performers, respond to high-profile issues, and unite big personalities, non-conformists, and rising stars. With many stories, lessons learned, and surprising parallels, Ellis’s historic tenure will equip city leaders with new ways to lead their communities and message key priorities.

Speaker:
Jill Ellis, Legendary Head Coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and President, National Women’s Soccer League San Diego

Legal Issues: Land Use and CEQA

3:30-5:00 p.m.

This session will provide a city-focused update on land use and California Environmental Quality Act litigation. MCLE credit is available.

Legal Issues: Affordable Housing Covenants: Ensuring Continued Affordability

3:30-5:00 p.m.

This session will provide an overview of best practices for administering a local affordable housing program that ensures affordable housing units are built and affordability requirements are enforced. MCLE credit is available.

Fire Chiefs Department Business Meeting

3:45-4:15 p.m.

Fiscal Officers Department Meeting

3:45-4:15 p.m.

Ending Poverty in California Cities

3:45-5:00 p.m.

California cities have faced massive change over the past two years. For communities of color, the fallout of the pandemic created fear and anxiety. Black/African American and Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents have experienced higher rates of violence, job loss, and rising housing costs. Community-based organizations and cities have worked on strategies to address the underlying causes of these issues, including guaranteed basic income programs. Learn how to finance the startup of a guaranteed basic income program, sustain financing over time, and evaluate the impacts of the program. Planned with the African American and Asian Pacific Islander Caucuses.

Moderator:
Lois Takahashi, Director and Houston Flournoy Professor of State Government, USC Price School in Sacramento

Speakers: 
Mark Nagales, Mayor, South San Francisco
Michael Tubbs, Founder, End Poverty in California (EPIC)

Making Equity Stick: City Charter Revisions and Other Systemic Changes

3:45-5:00 p.m.

The National Civic League recently revised its 120-year-old Model City Charter to provide guidance on everything from city management to equity and public engagement. This session will explore how communities can work together to make equity and civic engagement permanent fixtures of local governance, whether in city charters, policies, or agencies. Panelists will introduce concepts from the new model regarding equity and engagement and discuss their work to make equity and engagement lasting features of their communities.

Moderator:
Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League

Speakers:
Harry Black, City Manager, Stockton
Mary Casillas Salas, Mayor, Chula Vista
Barbara Halliday, Mayor, Hayward

How to Stay Out of Trouble: Avoiding Council Chaos

3:45-5:00 p.m.

Council members are elected to be trustworthy and loyal stewards of public services. Using real-life examples, this session will cover the topics council members need to understand to avoid allegations of misconduct and to have a functional council. Join this session to learn the roles of a city council versus individual council members and who holds which privileges; and how to handle confidential material; safeguard attorney-client privileged information; and understand fair process hearing standards.

Speakers:
Amy Ackerman, Partner, Renne Public Law Group
Jenica Maldonado, Partner, Renne Public Law Group

Climate Action Plans in Practice: San Leandro and Ontario Case Studies

3:45-5:00 p.m.

California cities of all sizes have adopted climate action plans to help meet the state’s long-term energy reduction targets. In both Ontario and San Leandro, sustainability goals required civic leaders to take bold action to produce positive outcomes. As a result, these cities have preserved critical services and drastically reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions. San Leandro and Ontario both demonstrate cities’ capacity to adapt and hedge against climate change. In this session, learn how these two communities envisioned and accomplished their goals — and how other cities can do the same.

Moderator:
Tyler Girtman, Regional Manager, Climatec

Speakers:
Tito Haes, Director of Public Works, Ontario
Frances Robustelli, City Manager, San Leandro

Supporting Housing in Your Community Through Policy, Finance, and Communications

3:45-5:00 p.m.

As cities throughout the state strive to meet aggressive RHNA goals, many are running up against obstacles. If they have land, they lack developers. If they have developers, they often have community opposition. In this session, local leaders will share creative policies, innovative financing strategies, and new marketing techniques to help you steer clear of the pitfalls on the road to encouraging more housing in your community.

Moderator:
Karalee Browne, Assistant Executive Director, Institute for Local Government

Speakers:
Lisa Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem, El Cerrito
Heather Vaikona, President and CEO, Lift to Rise

Scaling Up: Fostering Innovation Through Technology Pilot Projects

3:45-4:05 p.m.

As California cities face tight budgets, cities like Long Beach have invested in programs that procure and pilot innovative solutions to pressing civic challenges. This session will highlight three innovative, data-informed pilot projects in the city of Long Beach from the last two years. Participants will learn why pilot projects are a transformative low-cost strategy for exploring technological solutions in an accessible, equitable, and cost-effective manner, and how they can design procurement workflows to scale from idea to pilot project, and eventually, full contract.

Speaker:
Ryan Kurtzman, Smart Cities Program Manager, Long Beach

Infrastructure Recovery After Disaster: 2018 Camp Fire

4:15-4:35 p.m.

The most destructive fire in California history, the Camp Fire, destroyed 90% of the town of Paradise. Public infrastructure was heavily impacted and has required creative solutions for recovery. Hear the lessons learned on the road to infrastructure recovery, and how regional cooperation and leveraging financial resources have supported the path forward.

Speaker:
Marc Mattox, Public Works Director/Town Engineer, Paradise

Personnel and Employee Relations Department Meeting

4:30-5:00 p.m.

California's Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program

4:45-5:05 p.m.

With over $1 billion invested, California's Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program includes a detailed public engagement process for improving park access in underserved communities. Learn how this interactive, three-step model can improve access to the community outreach process, create an authentic dialogue with residents, and lead to better outcomes for a broad range of public projects.

Speaker:
Sedrick Mitchell, Deputy Director, Community Engagement, California State Parks

Grand Opening Expo Hall and Host City Reception

5:00-7:00 p.m.

CitiPAC Annual Leadership Reception

7:00-10:00 p.m.

Supporting Local Small Businesses to Raise Community Capital

8:30-9:45 a.m.

There is a crisis of capital access for many small businesses: 83% of businesses do not have access to bank loans or venture capital. Hear from a securities lawyer and capital raising coach on how local governments and community-based organizations can create an ecosystem that helps small local businesses raise investment capital from their community of customers, supporters, and fans. Discover how to set up the necessary infrastructure so that capital can flow to these unsung heroes of our communities.

Facilitator:
Jenny Kassan, Council Member, Fremont

Defending Institutions: Promoting Civic Debate and Rejecting Personal Attacks

8:30-9:45 a.m.

Public discourse has become increasingly hostile in the last couple of years, at times escalating to verbal and physical threats against elected officials and city employees. When this happens, how can city leaders and administrators protect themselves and their families while fostering greater community trust? Do existing channels for public debate suffice, or are more outlets needed to make the public feel heard — particularly in the age of digitization? Attend this session to learn how transparent communication tactics can effectively diffuse situations with outraged citizens. 

Moderator:
Jim Lewis, City Manager, Pismo Beach

Speakers:
Larry Gonzalez, Chief of Police, Riverside Police Department
Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor, Riverside

Going Green By 2025: Implementing SB 1383 in California Communities

8:30-9:45 a.m.

New regulations went into effect this year that will force most Californians to adopt a new habit: organic waste recycling. SB 1383 (Lara, 2016) aims to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025 and recover no less than 20% of disposed edible food. These changes not only require cities to reevaluate their waste disposal services but unleash a wave of education and outreach. Experts will share lessons they have taken away from assisting jurisdictions with this issue and what public agencies should be doing now.

Moderator:
Jennifer Nentwig, Principal, Tripepi Smith

Speakers:
Michael Balliet, President, Michael Balliet Consulting, LLC
Mike Learakos, CEO, Abound Food Care
Cara Morgan, Branch Chief, CalRecycle
Ann Schneider, Council Member, Former Mayor, Millbrae, Commissioner, CA Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets & Curbside Recycling

Cannabis and Economic Development

8:30-9:45 a.m.

In the emerging post-pandemic world, many cities are struggling to plug holes in their general fund caused by the loss of sales tax revenues. For many, it may be difficult to find funding for vital programs, including public works projects, parks, and public libraries. This panel examines in detail the revenues cannabis has brought to cities and how this funding can replace state financing programs — including redevelopment and enterprise zones — that were eliminated a decade ago. Additionally, this session will examine best practices to maximize cities’ use of cannabis revenues.

Moderator:
Barigye McCoy, Chief of Communication, Culture Cannabis Club

Speakers:
Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, Legislative Advocate, California Cannabis Industry Association
Lamar Thorpe, Mayor, Antioch

Black Education and Economics Empowerment

8:30-9:45 a.m.

Black Americans continue to face systemic obstacles in education and economics, which are perpetuating the educational achievement and wealth gap throughout our nation. Building on a recent Cal Cities African American Caucus conversation about Black excellence, education, economics, and empowerment, this panel will provide insight on how we can close the educational achievement and wealth gap to empower Black Americans to thrive in communities throughout California. Planned with the African American Caucus.

Moderator:
Marla Matime, Executive Director, African American Caucus

Speakers:
Jovan Agee, CEO Agee Global Solutions
Stevevonna Evans, Council Member, Adelanto

Legal Issues: An Update on the California Public Records Act

8:30-9:45 a.m.

This session will include a presentation on the California Public Records Act. MCLE credit is available.

Latino Caucus Business Meeting

8:45-9:15 a.m.

Monterey Bay Divison

11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Deanna Sessums. Additional fees may apply.

EV Infrastructure at No Cost: Can’t Get Better Than That!

9:15-9:35 a.m.

Cities and other public agencies in Los Angeles County can now install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at no cost through the EV Equity Leadership program. Administered by Los Angeles County and implemented by The Energy Coalition, this program provides the infrastructure needed to improve EV charging access in disadvantaged communities and increase residents’ awareness of EV mobility options. Learn how disadvantaged communities are disproportionately burdened by the negative impacts of pollution and how they can benefit through this program.

Speaker:
Rebecca Hausheer, Director of Energy Services, The Energy Coalition

General Session

10:00 a.m.-noon

Welcome Remarks:
Ali Sajjad Taj, First Vice President, League of California Cities and Council Member, Artesia

National League of Cities Remarks:
Vince Williams, President, National League of Cities and Mayor, Union City, GA

Cities for Workforce Health Awards

Beacon Awards

Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Outgoing President's Remarks:
Cindy Silva, President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, Walnut Creek

Keynote Address: The Future of California
As state and local leaders grapple with changes in our economy, workforce, and communities, now, more than ever, it’s important to understand the economic, demographic, and political trends expected in our future.  Hear the latest research and data and explore how cities can use available data and resources to promote opportunity, equity, and sustainability for the state’s communities.

Speaker:
Dr. Lande Ajose, Vice President and Walter and Esther Hewlett Chair in Understanding California’s Future and Senior Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California

SB 1383 Procurement and Opportunities

12:15-12:35 p.m.

California's new organic waste regulations (SB 1383, 2016) went into effect at the start of the year. One of the goals of the new regulations is to reduce harmful methane gas emissions by composting organic waste and returning it to the soil in the form of compost and mulch. While meeting some of the regulation’s requirements, cities can also enhance local landscapes and save water. In this session, learn about the organic-waste-turned-soil-amendment process, the effect of carbon sequestration on climate change, and the different ways jurisdictions can comply with SB 1383 procurement requirements.

Speaker:
Bill Camarillo, CEO, Agromin

LED Streetlight Conversions: Benefits for the Environment and Your Budget

12:45-1:05 p.m.

Southern California Edison’s LS-1 Option E program provides local governments an opportunity to update older, less efficient streetlights to LED technology. This program offers a cost recovery mechanism, no up-front costs to the customer, and immediate savings. Plus, Southern California Edison manages the entire program from beginning to end. Learn how your city can utilize this cost-effective program.

Speaker:
John King, Manager, Southern California Edison

African American Caucus Business Meeting

1:00-1:30 p.m.

Legal Issues: Public Works Contracting and Risk Management

1:00-2:30 p.m.

This session will cover legal trends and issues pertaining to public works contracting and risk management. MCLE credit is available.

Rural City Information Exchange Meeting

1:15-2:15 p.m.

Cities for Workforce Health Grant Program: Lessons Learned for Your Employee Wellness Program

1:15-1:35 p.m.

The Cities for Workforce Health Grant Program, launched in 2014, provides 20 hours of consulting with a Workforce Health expert and $5,000 seed grants to 5 California cities each year. These grants help cities start, improve, and maintain employee wellness programs. In this session, speakers will share success stories, provide examples of how cities spent their grant funds, and discuss what did and did not work for the grant cities. Attendees will leave the session with ideas and suggestions for how they can implement or improve their city's employee wellness program now, even without grant funding.

Speakers:
Jennifer Castillo, Workforce Health Consultant, Kaiser Permanente
Dayna Gowan, Health and Wellness Manager, Keenan and Associates

CalPERS: Continuing on the Path to Sustainable Pensions

1:15-2:30 p.m.

Although CalPERS lowered its assumed rate of return in 2021, the effects on city budgets were muted by strong returns that year. Since then, global markets have been rocked by conflict, inflation, the supply crisis, and factors beyond the control of any one investor, institution, or even nation. Yet pension obligations remain in place, a yearly cost for which cities must both account and plan for. In this session, CalPERS executives will cover the most recent developments impacting city contribution rates, actuarial assumptions, investment strategies, system funding, governance, and policy decisions.

Moderator:
David Teykaerts, Assistant Division Chief, Stakeholder Relations, CalPERS

Speaker:
Marcie Frost, CEO, CalPERS

The Secrets to Building Tech Economies in Underestimated Cities

1:15-2:30 p.m.

How does a city like Fresno develop a powerhouse tech economy? How does a place once siloed as just another agricultural town successfully diversify its economy and become a hub for technology careers, businesses, and digital infrastructure? In this session, learn how Bitwise Industries builds tech economies outside Silicon Valley, creating jobs and strengthening digital infrastructure. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to explore specific ways to promote economic development while strengthening their city’s digital infrastructure and reducing workforce barriers. Planned with the Latino Caucus.

Moderator:
Laura Maristany, Vice President, External Affairs, Bitwise Industries

Speakers:
Thilani Grubel, VP of Bitwise Industries, Fresno, Bitwise Industries
Esmeralda Soria, Council Member, Fresno

Creating More Equitable and Resilient Communities

1:15-2:30 p.m.

Communities across California are increasingly affected by climate change and face growing health concerns, safety issues, and economic impacts. Learn how cities throughout the state are engaging vulnerable residents to identify problems and solutions that advance equity and create more resilient communities for all.

Moderator:
Roberto Carlos Torres, Senior Program Manager, Institute for Local Government

Speaker:
Kimbley Craig, Mayor, Salinas
Joe DeVries, Deputy City Administrator/Chief Resilience Officer, Oakland
Farrah Khan, Mayor, Irvine

AB 602: An Essential Breakdown for Development Impact Fee Programs

1:15-2:30 p.m.

AB 602 (Grayson, 2021) imposes significant changes to the way cities and counties administer impact fee programs by amending Government Code Section 65940.1 and the California Mitigation Fee Act. Notable changes include requirements related to internet postings and hearing information, fee calculation summaries, and annual reports. AB 602 also substantially changes how fees are justified, calculated, and adopted. During this session, attendees will learn the details of each new requirement and the steps they need to take to ensure compliance.

Moderator:
Marco Martinez, Attorney, Best Best & Krieger LLP

Speakers:
Anita Gutierrez, Development Services Director, Pomona
Scott Thorpe, Senior Vice President, Revenue and Cost Specialists, LLC

Creating a Youth-Friendly City: It’s Not Just About the Money

1:15-2:30 p.m.

Learn how the city of Sacramento’s efforts to create a community where all youth can thrive can be replicated in other municipalities. This session will outline a multifaceted strategy that covers how to change policy, expand infrastructure, start new programming, collaborate with key stakeholders, and find new protected sources of revenue. Engage in a dialogue that delves into the integration of authentic and meaningful youth voices, including when it is appropriate to engage with them and what authentic and meaningful youth engagement looks like.

Facilitator:
Jay Schenirer, Council Member, Sacramento

Five Steps to Take Before Applying for Federal Infrastructure Funding

1:45-2:05 p.m.

Join this session to learn the five steps cities can take to better prepare to apply for federal funding made available through the 2021 federal infrastructure bill. Panelists will discuss how to prioritize the request list, align local priorities with federal funding, assess available resources and processes, and analyze the implications of funds with and without federal tracking requirements. Panelists will also discuss how to evaluate and implement new technologies and processes to ensure a sustainable, streamlined program that meets the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program’s tracking and reporting requirements.

Speaker:
Michael Parrish, Director of Business Development, B2GNow

Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Business Meeting

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Coastal Cities Group Annual Meeting

2:45-4:00 p.m.

Advancing Empowerment in a Disadvantaged Community

2:45-4:00 p.m.

Join the city of Norwalk for an informative discussion on how a partnership with the University of California, Irvine helped Norwalk successfully engage and empower one of its most distressed neighborhoods. Attendees will learn how the city’s empathic listening-first approach helped bridge divisions and uncover meaningful, cost-effective, and context-sensitive interventions to community needs. This session will focus on how its attention to the significance of culture and art helped the city build trust and create a partnership necessary for sustained progress.

Moderator:
Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager, Norwalk

Speakers:
Susan Harden, Adjunct Faculty, University of California Irvine
Rick Ramirez, Mayor, Norwalk
Gabriela Regalado, Director of Social Services, Norwalk

ARPA to General Fund: Leveraging Today’s Capital for Tomorrow’s Savings

2:45-4:00 p.m.

With a stream of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a deadline to spend them, cities have a unique opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure like never before. From energy and water system modernization to broadband and indoor air quality improvements, cities are looking to deploy innovative solutions that will pay dividends in the future. Panelists will discuss how cities are using ARPA funds, what projects have and have not worked, lessons learned, and how cities are best positioned to help the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Speakers:
Jennifer Martin-Gallardo, Grants Ombudsman, California Energy Comission
Ken Striplin, City Manager, Santa Clarita

Dealing with Deferred Maintenance

2:45-4:00 p.m.

Building owners and local government agencies are facing a deferred maintenance crisis. This is often exacerbated by the “pay as you go” policy employed by many state and local governments to fund ongoing and capital maintenance. Without proper funding and policy correction, the cost of deferred maintenance will double every five years. During this session, attendees will learn effective methods to gather information and develop insights to make strategic decisions and develop a prioritized capital needs plan that successfully addresses the growing deferred maintenance crisis.

Facilitator:
Dean Leonard, Vice President, Strategic Asset Management, Faithful+Gould

Fixing Prop 47

2:45-4:00 p.m.

Proposition 47 promised safer neighborhoods, but the unintended consequences that followed have provided something else. In 2018, the Public Policy Institute of California reported that the passage of Proposition 47 directly correlated to the uptick in theft throughout the state. That report took on new relevance in 2022 when a flurry of “smash-and-grab" robberies and retail thefts received nationwide attention. In fact, many urban cities have reported an increase in property and violent crimes in recent months.  Constituents throughout the state are feeling these impacts and looking to the Legislature for solutions. Many voters want to change Proposition 47 to address repeat theft offenders. Join this session to hear about possible legislative solutions and underlying causes of the recent increase in crime.

Speakers:
Jonathan Feldman, Legislative Advocate, CA Police Chiefs Association
Robert Mestman, Assistant District Attorney, Orange County DA's Office
Rachel Michellin, President/CEO, California Retailers Association

Legal Issues: Audit Letters, Government Code Section 1090, and Wireless Permitting

2:45-4:15 p.m.

This session will cover how to respond to audit letters, legal trends, and issues pertaining to Government Code section 1090. The session will also provide attendees with a how-to guide to address new challenges in wireless facilities permitting and updates on cases currently pending in California courts. MCLE credit is available.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus Business Meeting

3:15-4:15 p.m.

How To Be an Effective Partner during CEQA Tribal Consultation

4:15-5:15 p.m.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians manages a robust regulatory program that allows the tribe to build strong relationships with agencies across their ancestral territory. These relationships have allowed California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) agencies to understand the nature of tribal cultural resources, how to avoid or appropriately mitigate impacts to those resources, and how to be effective partners to tribes during consultation. This presentation will provide an overview of the nature of tribal cultural resources, how to advocate for them at the agency level, and how to meaningfully work with tribes in pursuit of cultural preservation.

Moderator and Speaker:
Jessica Mauck, Director of Cultural Resources Management, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Speaker:
Ryan Nordness, Cultural Resource Analyst, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Lessons Learned from the Most Destructive Fires in California History

4:15-5:30 p.m.

Wildfire season has now expanded to the entire year, making recovery planning vital for cities. The city of Santa Rosa and the town of Paradise experienced the two most destructive fires in California history, the 2017 Tubbs Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire. Now several years into recovery, both communities have lessons learned and best practices to share. Panelists will share their experiences and lessons learned in recovery, including employee care, communication, and regional partnerships.

Moderator:
Steven Crowder, Mayor, Paradise

Speakers:
Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic Recovery Director, Paradise
Sean McGlynn, City Manager, Escondido
Kevin Phillips, Town Manager, Paradise

Post-Pandemic Mentorship for Women

4:15-5:30 p.m.

The pandemic has changed workplaces and roles — especially for women. Women have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, with nearly half of all women saying the pandemic has negatively impacted their careers. Today, women face increased challenges in the workplace, including evolving workplaces, career pivots, and changing leadership. During this session, women leaders will discuss and brainstorm the opportunities and benefits of mentoring that supports women. Learn how to strengthen mentoring skills and about programs that help women emerge stronger from the pandemic. Planned with the Women’s Caucus.

Moderator:
Dr. Diandra Bremond, Vice President, California Women Lead

Speakers:
Bea Dieringer, Council Member, Rolling Hills
Maggie Le, City Manager, Fountain Valley
Margita Thompson, Board Member, CA Women Lead

I'm Not in Charge? How to Get Things Done!

4:15-5:30 p.m.

Excited, energized, and passionate newly elected council members want to dive into city work. However, excitement can turn into frustration, when they hear “you can't do it that way," "it’s not in the budget," "you need council approval," or "we don't do it that way." This session will review city governance models and discuss the roles of officials and staff. Elected officials will share their experiences and explain how they creatively get work done while balancing policies and rules. There will be a special emphasis on what motivates these elected officials to work outside of city hall and serve constituents most in need of services.

Moderator:
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney, Best Best & Krieger LLP

Speakers:
Damon Alexander, Council Member, San Bernardino
Phil Bacerra, Mayor Pro Tem, Santa Ana
Steve Lustro, Council Member, District 5, Pomona

Creative Funding Strategies for Infrastructure Renewal

4:15-5:30 p.m.

Limited resources and staffing, coupled with unfunded mandates, often hamper cities’ abilities to invest in the infrastructure necessary to meet sustainability and decarbonization goals. As a result, some local governments wait and hope for grants to be approved or revenue measures to pass. However, hope is not the best strategy. This session will focus on creative strategies to meet unfunded challenges, including sustainability and climate goals. Attendees will learn how agencies like the city of Fullerton; California State University, Fresno; and Travis Air Force Base leveraged performance contracting, public-private partnerships, and energy-as-a-service to achieve outstanding results.

Moderator:
Darcy Immerman, Senior Vice President for Growth, NORESCO

Speakers:
Fred Jung, Mayor, Fullerton
Meg McWade, Public Works Director, Fullerton
Chad Wanke, Board Chair, Orange County Sanitation District

“Community Capitals Policing:” Rethinking Public Safety by Creating Healthy Communities

4:15-5:30 p.m.

The “community capitals policing” model helps prevent crime by addressing the essential “capitals” that make a thriving community. Much like community policing, community capitals policing is built on community input. It leverages existing community strengths; forms partnerships between local agencies; creates positive youth development opportunities; facilitates employment for formerly incarcerated individuals; and addresses priority community and local business needs while building health equity. Learn how to alleviate crime, reduce recidivism, and reenergize communities using this model through the successes, challenges, and knowledge gained in Alameda County — California’s first county to initiate this approach.

Moderator:
Mary Thomas, Management Analyst, Hayward

Speakers:
Dave Brown, Supervisor, Alameda County Board of Supervisors
Martin Neideffer, Captain of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Youth and Family Services Bureau, Alameda County Sheriff's Office
Kimberly Thomas, Co-Food Hub Director, Alameda County Deputy Sheriff's Activities League

Legal Issues: Municipal Tort and Civil Rights Litigation and Government Claims

4:30-6:00 p.m.

This session will provide a city-focused update on municipal tort and civil rights litigation, followed by a presentation on responding to government claims. MCLE credit is available.

Channel Counties Division Reception

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, David Mullinax. Additional fees may apply.

East Bay Division Reception

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Sam Caygill. Additional fees may apply.

Women's Caucus Reception

5:30-6:30 p.m.

North Bay Division

5:30-7:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Nancy Hall Bennett. Additional fees may apply.

Orange County Division Board Installation Reception

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Tony Cardenas. Additional fees may apply.

San Diego and Imperial Counties Division Reception

5:30-7:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Catherine Hill. Additional fees may apply.

Redwood Empire Division Reception

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Sara Sanders. Additional fees may apply.

Latino Caucus 2022 Annual Awards Gala Reception

6:00-9:00 p.m.

African American Caucus Reception

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Central Valley Division Meeting

6:30-9:00 p.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Stephen Qualls. Additional fees may apply.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus Reception

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Reception

9:00-10:00 p.m.

Peninsula Division

7:00-8:30 a.m.

Space is limited; please RSVP to your Regional Public Affairs Manager, Seth Miller. Additional fees may apply.

Legal Issues: Labor and Employment Law

8:00-9:30 a.m.

This session will provide a city-focused update on labor and employment litigation, followed by a presentation on attorney-client investigations. MCLE credit is available.

Rural Retail: Making Your Community Competitive

8:30-9:45 a.m.

One common thread among all local officials is that we want our communities to grow, thrive, and prosper. Every community has its own vision for community and economic development. Offering new retail and restaurant options to citizens plays a big role in growth. Rural communities, however, face unique challenges when it comes to attracting those new businesses. Hear from three rural city managers about how they have positioned their cities to expand retail and restaurant businesses. Plus, discover key components to include when pitching your city to companies.

Moderator:
Matthew Tate, Director of Business Development, Western Region, Retail Strategies

Speakers:Alan Flora, City Manager, Clearlake
Mallory Crecelius, City Manager, Blythe

Surplus Land Act: Know the Impact Before You Transact

8:30-9:45 a.m.

California is facing a housing crisis and the state has revved up efforts to accelerate the production of affordable housing, including the use of public agency-owned land. The Surplus Land Act requires all public agencies to follow a process to sell or lease any public property by first offering it to a state-controlled list of affordable housing developers. Learn how the Surplus Land Act process impacts local land use and how to navigate the sale, lease, or licensing of public agency property to pursue public-private projects that produce economic development results, all while staying in compliance with state requirements.

Moderator:
Larry J. Kosmont, Chairman & CEO, Kosmont Companies

Speaker:
Troy Brown, City Manager, Moorpark
Elizabeth Hull, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
David Zisser, Assistant Deputy Director, CA. Dept. of Housing and Community Development

On-Street Dining Risks: Managing Tensions between Safety and Supporting Businesses

8:30-9:45 a.m.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in outdoor business activities within the public right-of-way. While dining decks, parklets, streeteries, and other similar outdoor dining areas helped local businesses survive the pandemic, their proximity to moving vehicles has created safety concerns. Public agencies are now faced with managing difficult tensions between supporting local businesses and public safety. Attend to learn best practices, resources, and safeguards that help increase sidewalk and on-street dining safety for residents and visitors.

Moderator:
Alex Mellor, Senior Risk Manager, California JPIA

Speakers:
Victor Manalo, Former Mayor, Artesia
Rob Reiter, Co-Founder, Storefront Safety Council
David Wilson, City Manager, West Hollywood

Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)

9:15-11:15 a.m.

This informational and interactive workplace harassment prevention training will 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 1825/2053/1661 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.  * 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.

Speaker:
Alfonso Estrada, Partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP

Legal Issues: Municipal Litigation Update and Public Safety

9:45-11:15 a.m.

This session will provide a city-focused update on general municipal litigation, including a presentation on recent cases interpreting the Second Amendment and California law related to possessing or acquiring firearms. MCLE credit is available.

Show Me Some RECOVERY! Updates on Fees, Assessments, Financing Districts

10:00-11:15 a.m.

Fiscal sustainability is a constant challenge for cities, especially as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that cities utilize a variety of revenue tools for long-term fiscal sustainability, as well as recovery. This panel will address revenue options and the importance of public engagement, and updates from recent case law and legislative changes affecting California cities, including tales of challenges and successes in Rancho Cucamonga. Attendees will leave with actionable information that can be applied to their city.

Moderator:
John Gillison, City Manager, Rancho Cucamonga

Speakers:
Michael Colantuono, Managing Shareholder, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
Tim Seufert, Managing Director, NBS
Danielle Wood, Director, NBS

Creative Solutions to Reduce Homelessness

10:00-11:15 a.m.

Reducing homelessness is consistently ranked as a top priority by California residents and local officials. Local governments have developed creative solutions and partnerships to capitalize on the political will — and funding — to implement real solutions. Discover how three California communities leveraged state and federal funding to develop new housing, while communicating effectively at city hall and on the streets.

Moderator:
Helene Schneider, Senior Regional Advisor, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

Speakers:
Damien Arrula, City Administrator, Placentia
Mike Callagy, County Executive, San Mateo County
Peter Radu, Assistant to the City Manager, Berkeley

How Bias-Free Technologies Can Play a Role in Reimagining Policing

10:00-11:15 a.m.

City leaders, community members, and law enforcement are reimagining how cities can reshape policing while keeping communities safe. Technologies such as vehicle fingerprint cameras can provide bias-neutral, objective investigative leads, while helping departments increase time and budget efficiencies. Gain an understanding of how these technologies can improve policing outcomes and community safety. Innovative, forward-thinking California elected officials and police leaders will share their experiences in adopting the use of cutting-edge, ethically engineered technologies to improve public safety and enhance public trust.

Moderator:
Jason Potts, Public Safety Director / Chief, Las Vegas - Department of Public Safety

Speakers:
Walter Allen III, Council Member, Covina
Pippin Dew, Council Member, Vallejo

Transgender Health Care

10:00-11:15 a.m.

Very few municipalities have public health programs. Learn about the realities, myths, and a path forward on transgender health care from experts who will speak on barriers to care, the present state of coverage, networks, and cultural competence. In this session, those treating patients today will share their experiences providing gender-affirming care. City leaders will gain insights while in a safe space for questions, conversations, and understanding. Planned with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus.

Moderator:
Dan Arriola, Council Member, Tracy

Speakers:
Julia Logan, Chief Medical Officer, CalPERS
Lisa Middleton, Mayor, Palm Springs
Evan Minton, LGBTQ+ Advocate/ACLU Plaintiff, Self Advocate
Katie Thatcher, Director Gender Health, Kaiser Permanente

Legal Issues: Labor and Employment Law

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This session will provide information on implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. MCLE credit is available. Includes 1 hour of Elimination of Bias sub-field MCLE credit.

Closing Session and General Assembly (includes lunch)

11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Presiding:
Cindy Silva President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, Walnut Creek

Gather on this final day for the launch of a new Cal Cities year. Vote on bylaw amendments and resolutions and celebrate the transition to new Cal Cities leadership.

Leadership Transition

Swearing in of the Cal Cities Board of Directors

Incoming President's Remarks:
Ali Sajjad Taj First Vice President, League of California Cities and Council Member, Artesia

General Assembly