New Mayors and Council Members Academy
January 24-26, 2024
Monterey Marriott
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Thank you for joining the League of California Cities for the 2023 New Mayors and Council Members Academy in Sacramento and Universal City!
Designed for newly elected officials and veterans wanting a refresher course, this academy provides you with an introduction to the services of the League of California Cities, offers a basic legal and practical framework in which city officials operate, and fosters relationships with fellow elected officials. The opportunity for city leaders to learn from and network with each other provides invaluable support.
The academy took place Jan. 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and Feb. 1-3 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, allowing nearly 800 mayors and council members from across the state to explore current topics of importance and engage in networking opportunities.
Save the date for the next academy on Jan. 24-26, 2024 at the Monterey Marriott.
For questions, please contact event program manager, Kayla Boutros.
Please see our event and meeting policies.
Academy Information
2023 Academy Session Descriptions
View the 2023 New Mayors and Council Members Northern California program.
Northern California
Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)
9:00-11:00 a.m.
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
Your Cal Cities and How To Use It
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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.
Networking Luncheon with your Divisions
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Take this opportunity to sit with members of your regional division and meet your Cal Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager.
Developing an Effective City Council and City Manager Team: The Key to Good Governance and City Success
1:45-3:15 p.m.
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.
Your Legal Powers and Obligations; Open Government and Conflicts of Interest
3:30-5:00 p.m.
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.
Legislative Reception
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234)
7:45-9:45 a.m.
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
Policy Role in Land Use Planning
10:00-11:00 a.m.
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.
Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team and learn about the 2023 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.
An Irregular Meeting of the City Council of Dysfunction Junction: The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a Public Meeting
1:45-3:15 p.m.
Enjoy a popular depiction of a city council meeting gone awry and learn from its mistakes.
Social Media/Digital Communications and Civic Engagement
3:30-5:00 p.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. 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.
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 1)
8:30-10:00 a.m.
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.
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 2)
10:15-11:45 a.m.
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.
View the 2023 New Mayors and Council Members Academy Southern California Program.
Southern California
Registration Open
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.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.
9:00-11:00 a.m.
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
Anni Safarloo, Associate,
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Your Cal Cities and How To Use It
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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
Lori Ogorchock, Department Director, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, Antioch
Speakers
Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities
Ali Sajjad Taj, President, League of California Cities and Council Member, Artesia
Networking Luncheon
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Developing an Effective City Council and City Manager Team: The Key to Good Governance and City Success
1:45-3:15 p.m.
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
Pat Martel, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA
Speakers
Denise Davis, Council Member, Redlands
Charles Duggan, City Manager, Redlands
Your Legal Powers and Obligations; Open Government and Conflicts of Interest
3:30-5:00 p.m.
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 and Speaker
Corrie Manning, General Counsel, League of California Cities
Speaker
Thomas Brown, Of Counsel, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Registration Open
7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Networking Breakfast
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234)
7:45-9:45 a.m.
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
Speakers
Lauren Langer, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
Megan Garbaldi, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
Policy Role in Land Use Planning
10:00-11:00 a.m.
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
John Minto, Immediate Past
President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor, Santee
Speakers
Eric Nelson, Planning Commissioner, Dana Point
Mark Teague, Managing Principal, PlaceWorks
Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team and learn about the 2023 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
Melanie Perron, Deputy Executive Director, Advocacy and Public Affairs, League of California Cities
Speakers
Bismarck Obando, Director of Public Affairs, League of California Cities
Jason Rhine, Assistant Director, Legislative Affairs, League of California Cities
Elisa Arcidiacono, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Caroline Cirrincione, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Damon Conklin, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Johnnie Piña, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Nicolas Romo, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities
Jessica Sankus, Senior Policy and Legislative Analyst, League of California Cities
Networking Lunch
12:30-1:30 p.m.
An Irregular Meeting of the City Council of Dysfunction Junction: The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a Public Meeting
1:45-3:15 p.m.
Enjoy a popular depiction of a city council meeting gone awry and learn from its mistakes.
Facilitators
Christi Hogin, Of Counsel, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
Michael Jenkins, Of Counsel, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
Social Media/Digital Communications and Civic Engagement
3:30-5:00 p.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. 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
John Minto, Immediate Past President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor, Santee
Speakers
Brandon Castillo, Partner, Bicker, Castillo & FairbanksN. Richard Shreiba, Attorney, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Legislative Reception
5:15-6:15 p.m.
Take this opportunity to network with your peers from throughout the state after a full day of educational sessions. Assembly Members and Senators from throughout the state are invited to attend.
Registration Open
7:30-11:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop
8:30-11:45 a.m.
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, Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.comChristina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill
Closing Remarks
11:45 a.m.-noon
Speaker
Lori Ogorchock, Department Director, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, Antioch
2023 Academy Session Materials
*Session materials are posted as they are received.
- Resource Guide
- Developing an Effective Council and City Manager Team The Key to Good Governance and City Success
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop
- Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Social Media Digital Communications and Civic Engagement
- Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws & Principles AB 1234 Training
- Your Cal Cities and How to Use it
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
Previous Academy Session Materials
- New Mayors and Council Members Academy Resource Guide
- Cal Cities Annual Report 2021
- Developing an Effective City Council and City Manager Team: Key to Good Governance and City Success
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Social Media, Digital Communications, and Civic Engagement
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations; Open Government and Conflicts of Interest
Presentations
- 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 & 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