Develop foundational knowledge and connect with diversity caucus peers at the annual conference

In two weeks, over 1,900 California city officials will converge in Long Beach for the League of California Cities’ marquee educational event: the Annual Conference and Expo. The conference allows city officials to gain perspectives and knowledge on the challenging issues facing cities while deepening their relationships with others in similar fields.

Best-in-class strategies planned with Diversity Caucus members

California is not just the most populous state: It is also the most diverse. It is crucial that city officials have a keen understanding of the people they serve in order to develop sustainable and equitable policies. Each session below is planned with one of Cal Cities’ five diversity caucuses. Caucus membership is open to all Cal Cities' members, as is participation in all caucus meetings and events.

Black Education and Economics Empowerment: Black Americans continue to face systemic obstacles in education and economics, which are perpetuating the educational achievement and wealth gap throughout our nation. This panel will provide insight on how to close the educational achievement and wealth gap to empower Black Americans to thrive in communities throughout California. Planned with the African American Caucus.

Ending Poverty in California Cities: The effects of COVID-19 were not felt equally. Many communities of color have experienced higher rates of violence, job loss, and rising housing costs. Community-based organizations and cities have worked on strategies to address the underlying causes of these issues, including guaranteed basic income programs. Learn how to finance the startup of a guaranteed basic income program, sustain financing over time, and evaluate the impacts of the program. Planned with the African American and Asian Pacific Islander Caucuses.

Post-Pandemic Mentorship for Women: Women have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, with nearly half of all women saying the pandemic has negatively impacted their careers. Women face increased challenges in the workplace, including evolving workplaces, career pivots, and changing leadership. During this session, women leaders will discuss and brainstorm how to strengthen mentoring skills and programs that help women emerge stronger from the pandemic. Planned with the Women’s Caucus.

The Secrets to Building Tech Economies in Underestimated Cities: How does a city like Fresno develop a powerhouse tech economy? How does a place once siloed as just another agricultural town successfully diversify its economy and become a hub for technology careers, businesses, and digital infrastructure? In this session, learn how cities outside Silicon Valley are creating jobs and strengthening digital infrastructure. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to explore specific ways to promote economic development while strengthening their city’s digital infrastructure and reducing workforce barriers. Planned with the Latino Caucus.

Transgender Health Care: Very few municipalities have public health programs. Learn about the realities, myths, and a path forward on transgender health care from experts who will speak on barriers to care, the present state of coverage, networks, and cultural competence. In this session, those treating patients will share their experiences providing gender-affirming care. City leaders will gain insights while in a safe space for questions, conversations, and understanding. Planned with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus.

Business meetings and evening receptions

The Annual Conference and Expo is not just the state’s premier educational opportunity for city leaders. It is also a chance for members to connect with each other, celebrate shared success, and prepare for the year ahead. During business meetings, members can learn what each caucus is working on, their top legislative priorities, and how to get involved. Each meeting occurs at the Long Beach Convention Center on Sept. 8.

• African American Caucus: 1:00-1:30 p.m.
• Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Latino Caucus: 8:45-9:15 a.m.
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
• Women’s Caucus: 8:45-9:15 a.m.

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

• African American Caucus Reception: 6:30-8:30 p.m.        
• Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Reception: 9:00-10:00 p.m.
• Latino Caucus 2022 Annual Awards Gala: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Caucus Reception: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
• Women’s Caucus Reception: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information about caucus receptions, please contact a caucus representative. Meetings and receptions are open to everyone.

Registration and travel   

Conference registration is required to attend all conference activities, including department and division meetings and the General Assembly. Full conference registration includes access to educational sessions, most receptions, Thursday lunch with exhibitors, and Friday’s closing luncheon. After Aug. 24, attendees must register on-site.   

When making travel plans, first check the Annual Conference and Expo schedule to see if you need to attend pre-conference activities, such as the AB 1234 Ethics Training, professional department meetings, or regional division meetings. 

If none of those activities apply to you, consider traveling to the annual conference on the morning of Sept. 7 as there are only a few discounted hotel rooms remaining for the evening of Sept. 6. The official start of the conference is the Opening General Session, which begins at 1:30 p.m.  

Registration for all three days starts at $650 for city officials from a member city. The sharing of registration is prohibited. For questions, please email education@calcities.org. 

Individuals falsely claiming to be the housing bureau/service for the 2022 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.