City Managers Conference session proposals due Aug. 5

May 25, 2022

The League of California Cities is seeking unique, forward-looking session proposals for the City Managers Conference, a three-day educational and peer-sharing event. The conference brings together more than 500 California city managers, including deputy and assistant city managers, to discuss the most pertinent issues affecting cities and the city management profession.

Scheduled for Feb. 8-10 in Carlsbad, the conference offers opportunities for panel discussions, speed sessions, facilitated discussions, and keynote presentations. Sessions may not include sales, commercialism, or product promotion of any kind.

Topics to consider include:

  • Emerging issues and cutting-edge solutions for the challenges that California cities face
  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Strategies for working with city councils and police chiefs
  • Smart cities technology
  • Energy; electrification; funding solutions for energy efficiency and decarbonization
  • Strategies for changing labor markets, practices, and staffing shortages
  • How climate change will impact local government, especially long-term
  • Employee discipline, investigations, and conflict resolution
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Member-driven and member-led programming is a cornerstone of Cal Cities’ educational activities, with more than 95% of all programming directly from the open calls for proposals. When preparing a proposal, try to answer the following key questions:

  • Is the topic new or critical for city government?
  • Will it draw a wide audience?
  • Will this issue stimulate action and further important discussion?
  • Does the panel reflect the diversity of California cities (north and south, large and small, urban and rural)?

Cal Cities is seeking thorough, thoughtful, and complete proposals from any individual, group, business, or organization on any topic are welcome. Proposals must be submitted online through the session proposal form by Friday, Aug. 5.

Session proposal tips, along with last year’s schedule and session materials are available on the City Managers Conference webpage. For more information contact Associate Manager Katie Pebler.