Connect with diversity caucuses at the annual conference

Aug 30, 2023

California is both the most populous and diverse state in the U.S. City officials must have a keen understanding of the people they serve to develop sustainable and equitable policies. During the Annual Conference and Expo, the League of California Cities Diversity Caucuses will offer sessions with the state’s unique communities in mind.

City officials can also learn from and connect with each other during caucus meetings and receptions. Caucus activities are open to all conference participants, so make sure to stop by one of these great events.

Diversity caucuses are an important part of Cal Cities. Each one represents members on the board of directors and policy committees and provides networking and educational opportunities throughout the year.

Best-in-class strategies planned with diversity caucus members

These sessions will be offered as concurrent sessions throughout the conference. Refer to the conference program for locations, times, and full session descriptions.

Black Health and Wellness: Healthcare Services within Communities of Color: African Americans seek and access health care services like any other ethnic group. But in most cases, they are provided subpar or negligent care. This panel will provide insight into how communities of color can seek adequate health care services and advocate for top-tier health care services that address mental, reproductive, and maternal health, as well as the overall healthcare needs of African Americans in California.

Righting Wrongs: Addressing Discrimination Against AAPIs: Over 11,000 acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been reported since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is likely an undercount since many incidents go unreported. Delve into the results of a landmark survey by Stop AAPI Hate and NORC at the University of Chicago to understand the discrimination faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and how cities can address these challenges.

Connecting and Engaging to Make a Difference: Mentoring, Not Managing: Connecting with others is crucial to achieving organizational goals and creating high-functioning, passionate, and effective teams. In this session, learn simple tactics for connecting with your team in a way that strengthens their skills, fosters open communication, and gives work a sense of meaning. The discussion will also cover active listening and ways to empower team members, promote ownership and growth, and encourage togetherness.

Building in Economically Challenging Times: Against the backdrop of less state funding, more state regulations, and a slowing economy, many cities are struggling to meet their housing goals, secure state financing for their civic projects, and attract private developers to stimulate economic growth. A growing number of cities have endorsed public-private partnerships for libraries, city halls, convention centers, emergency services, housing, and other buildings. What can we learn from these developments?

Building Mobile Crisis Response Teams: BeWell OC and the West Hollywood Care Team have a successful record of providing compassionate care to vulnerable community members, including the LGBTQ+ community. In this session, gain insight into how you can bring similar programs to your own city. This includes understanding how to provide compassionate care, build effective mobile crisis response teams, secure funding for innovative programs, and replicate successful models.

Business meetings and evening receptions

The annual conference is a chance for city officials to connect, celebrate shared success, and prepare for the year ahead. During business meetings, members can learn what each caucus is working on, their top priorities, and how to get involved. This year, each meeting is at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento.

  • African American Caucus: Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11:00 a.m.-noon.
  • Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
  • Latino Caucus: Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3:45-4:15 p.m.
  • Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 2:15-3:15 p.m.
  • Women’s Caucus: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 8:45-9:45 a.m.

Attendees can also connect and celebrate shared accomplishments during Thursday’s evening receptions.

  • African American Caucus Reception: 6:30-8:30 p.m.       
  • Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Reception: 9:00-11:00 p.m.
  • Latino Caucus 2023 Annual Awards Gala Reception: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus Reception: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Women’s Caucus Reception: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information about caucus receptions, please contact a caucus representative.

Individuals falsely claiming to be the housing bureau/service for the 2023 Annual Conference and Expo may attempt to contact you. Cal Cities has contracted with LiveCon as the official housing service for the annual conference. Official emails regarding the conference will come from a calcities.org or live-con.com email account and the actual hotel.