Local government champions and actionable insights abound at Cal Cities’ 2026 annual conference
By Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor
Over 2,100 city officials joined Cal Cities and subject matter experts in Anaheim for the 2026 Annual Conference and Expo. The three-day event was a chance for local officials to come together, discover solutions to city-specific issues, and celebrate major accomplishments.
Public service champions and cities receive top awards
Along with in-depth educational sessions and inspiring keynote speakers, the annual conference is a moment to recognize the hard work of cities and local government advocates.
Jim Madaffer received the Past Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement Award for his four decades of public service on behalf of cities and others. Madaffer began his public service career on the San Diego City Council, but his impact can be felt throughout the state through his work on transportation committees, the Colorado River, and as a policy adviser to many public agencies.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from an organization that has played such an important role in my public service journey,” said Madaffer, who told attendees he wasn’t done yet. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that strong cities are the foundation of a strong state.”
Twelve cities received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence: Benicia, Calabasas, Cathedral City, Emeryville, Gonzales, Moreno Valley, Petaluma, Santa Ana, South San Francisco, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, and Richmond.
Cal Cities also recognized Catherine Hill, David Mullinax, Jennifer Quan, and Deanna Sessums with the National League of Cities John G. Stutz Award. The award is given to state league employees who have served 25 years or more. All four currently serve as regional public affairs managers.
Powerhouse speakers share empowering messages and practical strategies
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken opened the conference with some sage advice. “The issues we face are bigger than a single city,” she said. “Nobody can advocate for cities like cities and those who guide them.”
Stephanie Chung, an aviation industry executive leader, shared insights about the science of conversations, challenged assumptions about trustworthiness, and provided tools for leading diverse teams. She urged city officials to lead all people. “Every leader will lead a legacy,” she concluded. “The question is, ‘What kind?’”
Others struck a slightly dourer note. Greg Lindsay, an urbanist and futurist, laid out how climate change will impact where and how we live in the coming decades. “We need to be honest with ourselves about these risks,” he intoned, calling the state’s insurance crisis a canary in the coal mine. “We will all have to think about the climate crisis forever.”
José Hernández, a former NASA astronaut, closed out the conference with an inspiring look at his journey from the San Joaquin Valley to the International Space Station. Hernández shared his six ingredients to success and what it’s like to train for and work in space.
Attendees also received practical insights and strategies from policy experts on e-bikes, bulk public comments, changing federal immigration laws, burnout, and more.
Policy resolution passes
Every year, Cal Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly and resolutions process. This important opportunity allows all members to help develop Cal Cities policy and engage on a range of issues that impact local control. This year, voting delegates approved a resolution that directs Cal Cities to establish a working group, which will explore legislative or policy solutions that strengthen local authority over land use matters and ways to secure additional funding for affordable housing.
New leadership and board members for Cal Cities
The Cal Cities Board of Directors swore in new board officers and members. Carlsbad Council Member Teresa Acosta became president. San José Council Member David Cohen will serve as first vice president, and Arcadia Council Member Michael Cao is the new second vice president. El Cerrito Mayor Gabe Quinto is now the immediate past president.
In his final act as Cal Cities president, Quinto urged city officials to act as one. Roads, housing, and making sure we take care of the neediest — that should be nonpartisan or bipartisan, he stated. “I’m hopeful because of all of you,” he concluded. “[City leaders] are doing the work of the people.”
Teresa Acosta is Cal Cities’ first Latina president and a former Cal Cities staffer. Elected to the Carlsbad city council in 2020, Acosta is a steadfast advocate for environmental issues and youth leadership. She brings over two decades of dedicated service to her community, with a strong focus on sustainability, safety, and affordability.
“My focus is commitment to our mission achieved through collaboration and approaches with compassion,” Acosta said at the conference. “Let’s put people first ... [and] be kind,” she continued, reminding city officials that many Californians are struggling to make ends meet, especially amid renewed federal clawbacks.
The board also elected six at-large directors to serve a two-year term: Alhambra Mayor Jeff Maloney, Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj, Morgan Hill Council Member Yvonne Martinez Beltran, Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy, San Luis Obispo Council Member Erica A. Stewart, and Union City Vice Mayor Jaime Patino. Hughson Council Member Susana Vasquez was elected to fill a vacancy.
The 2027 annual conference is in San José, Sept. 22-24, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. For more information about Cal Cities’ upcoming events and open calls for proposals — including conference registration for fire chiefs, city clerks, and finance professionals — visit calcities.org/education-and-events.