Help others build for success at the 2026 Planning Commissioners Academy
By Cal Cities Education Staff
Cal Cities is seeking session proposals for the Planning Commissioners Academy, taking place March 11-13, in Anaheim. The academy will offer sessions for both commissioners fresh in their roles and seasoned planning commissioners who need a refresher course or new strategies.
Cal Cities is seeking thorough, thoughtful, and complete proposals that tell how your session can help planning commissioners improve their communities, leadership abilities, and knowledge within their roles.
Noncommercial submissions from any individual, group, business, or organization on any topic are welcome. Session proposals must be submitted online by Friday, Sept. 26.
This conference offers panel discussions, speed sessions, facilitated discussions, and opportunities for keynote speakers. This year, members have indicated an interest in the following topics:
- The proper way to run a planning meeting
- Planning in small/rural cities
- Development case studies
- How to work with the California Coastal Commission
- Negative Declaration environmental approvals
- Climate change issues
- Warehouses and other industrial developments
- Staff reports, permits, and entitlements
- Commercial development projects
- Community engagement and conflict resolution
- Tribal consultations
Member-driven and member-led programming is a cornerstone of Cal Cities’ educational activities. More than 95% of all programming comes directly from our open calls for proposals. For more information, email Event Program Manager Kayla Boutros.