Planning and Community Development
The Planning and Community Development Department provides networking opportunities and fosters professional development for department members through Cal Cities' educational and communication tools. It also serves as a technical and advisory resource to Cal Cities through its policy committee representatives.
Subscribe to the Planning and Community Development Listserv to receive the latest updates and information.
Hone your skills as a planner or planning commissioner by participating in specially designed educational training, including the annual Planning Commissioners Academy, which includes sessions for both new and advanced commissioners and planning staff; professional-development focused webinars; and sessions on city issues at Cal Cities’ Annual Conference. Our members also engage in:
Advocacy
- Work with Cal Cities as it advocates for the interest of cities on statewide issues that affect city planning matters by:
- Keeping abreast of breaking legislative developments through the CA Cities Advocate email newsletter, Western City magazine, legislative briefings and the Housing, Community and Economic Development Listserv.
- Join a policy committee;
- Participating in monthly department conference calls; and
- Working with your city manager and city council to respond to calls to action on planning-related legislation.
Networking
- Connect with your colleagues from throughout California to:
- Build professional relationships;
- Tap into planning trends and resources;
- Exchange best practices through the HCED Listserv; and
- Partner with professionals and other elected officials across other departments to improve local government.
Appointed by the department president, each department has at least one representative on each of Cal Cities seven standing policy committees that can provide technical information to the committee as a whole to ensure that the department has a voice in the decision-making process, and make recommendations to the board of directors on legislative and policy issues.
- Community Services – Larry Koman, Planning Commissioner, Bakersfield
- Environmental Quality – Matthew Downing, City Manager, Arroyo Grande
- Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations – Gary Alpert, Planning Commissioner, San Ramon
- Housing, Community, and Economic Development – Debbie Chamberlain, Community Development Director, San Ramon
- Public Safety – Eric Nelson, Planning Commissioner, Dana Point
- Revenue and Taxation – Joel Rojas, Development Services Director, San Juan Capistrano
- Transportation, Communications, and Public Works – Omar Dadabhoy, Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director, Fountain Valley
For more information about the appointment process, please contact Meg Desmond.
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 2024 Mayors and Council Members Academy in Monterey!
Whether you’re a new mayor or city council member, or you’ve been serving your community for years, this academy is for you. The academy covers the legal, financial, and practical fundamentals to your job as an elected city official. Just as vital, you’ll have opportunities to foster relationships with your peers. Sessions also include an update on key legislative issues and an overview of your Cal Cities services.
The academy took place Jan. 24-26 at the Monterey Marriott, allowing more than 200 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 academies on Jan. 22-24, 2025 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento, and Jan. 29-31 at the Delta Hotel in Garden Grove.
For questions, please contact event program manager, Kayla Boutros.
Please see our event and meeting policies.
Academy Information
View the 2024 Mayors and Council Members program here.
2024 Academy Session Materials
- Resource Guide
- Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)
- Financial Responsibilities and City Revenues
- Social Media Digital Communications And Civic Engagement
- Your Legal Powers and Obligations
- Policy Role in Land Use Planning
- Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles: AB 1234 Training
- Your Cal Cities and How to Use It
- Developing an Effective City Council and Manager Team - Key to Good Governance and City Success
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
Previous Academy Session Materials
- Resource Guide
- Developing an Effective Council and City Manager Team The Key to Good Governance and City Success
- Effective Advocacy and Key City Issues
- 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
- 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
Contact Staff
Meghan McKelvey
Department and Member Services Senior Manager
(916) 658-8253
Isaac Black
Administrative Associate, Member Services