Veterans and Military City Officials
The Veterans and Military Member Group creates networking opportunities for California’s military-affiliated city officials/staff along with military families and their supporters. This dedicated group provides the opportunity for members of our military community to connect, collaborate, and elevate their voices. By fostering peer-to-peer relationships, this group strengthens the collective capacity to influence local policy, share best practices, and advocate for meaningful change.
Click to view the 2026 Veterans and Military Officials Workplan.
About
- Dr. Michael Cao, Council member, City of Arcadia, Chair, Veterans and Military Officials member Group
- Michael Cao M.D. was elected to the Arcadia City Council in 2022. Dr. Cao has a long standing commitment to public service where he has honorably served his country for 10 years as an active duty Major in the United States Air Force. While deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Cao was the team leader of the Critical Care Airlift Team, which was instrumental in treating and saving the lives of countless servicemen and servicewomen. As a proud member of the United States Air Force, he learned the value and importance of teamwork and coalition building.
- Jill Hoffman, Council Member, City if Sausalito, Vice Chair, Veterans and Military Officials Member Group
- Jill James Hoffman was elected to her third four-year term on the Sausalito City Council in November 2022. Jill is an attorney and began her career in the United States Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. She was commissioned as an officer her last week in Law School and was assigned to Naval Station Treasure Island for her first duty station. Jill still serves as a Reservist in the United States Navy, and holds the rank of Captain. In September 2019 she was recalled for active duty. She returned after 12 months in September 2020.
- Foster Connection: Create meaningful networking opportunities for group members to build relationships, share experiences, and collaborate on military-related municipal issues.
- Support Policy Discussion: Serve as a trusted resource to Cal Cities staff in discussing legislative and policy initiatives that impact active and retired military personnel and their families.
- Promote Participation: Encourage representation and engagement in Cal Cities programming, conferences, and events to ensure military voices are present, considered, and valued.
- Elevate Leadership: Champion leadership opportunities for military-affiliated city officials within Cal Cities, recognizing and leveraging their unique skills, service backgrounds, and perspectives.
- To join the Veterans and Military Officials Member Group, complete the interest form, or emailing Veronica Velazquez .
- Attend the Veteran and Military Officials Member Group meetings and networking gatherings at Cal Cities’ conferences.
- Join our Community where you can connect with other members and share resources.
Contact Staff
Meghan McKelvey
Senior Member Services Manager
(916) 658-8253
mmckelvey@calcities.org
Contact Staff
Veronica Velazquez
Administrative Specialist, Education and Member Services
916-658-8273
vvelazquez@calcities.org