Attending the 2024 City Leaders Summit? Here’s what to expect
By Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor, and Amanda Cadelago, senior marketing and communications manager
In just one week, close to 400 city officials from throughout the state will convene in Sacramento for Cal Cities’ biggest advocacy event: the City Leaders Summit. Whether you plan to advocate for top city priorities, engage in educational sessions — or both — here’s what you need to know about the summit.
Get briefed on advocacy priorities
The summit kicks off on April 17 with a walkthrough of Cal Cities’ top advocacy priorities. That afternoon, city officials can also join other local leaders, state lawmakers, and policy experts for granular looks at retail theft, homelessness, and threats to fiscal sustainability. That evening, city officials can take a break at a legislative reception with the California State Association of Counties, hosted by Cal Cities Partners.
Be sure to check in and grab your summit badge upon arrival. Individuals without badges will not be able to enter educational sessions and receptions. Equally important to note: Cal Cities will not provide lunch on the first day. If you want to stay at the convention center, lunch will be available for purchase at a food truck in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center Plaza.
Discover solutions and strategies for local challenges
Thursday and Friday will feature educational sessions on statewide topics, including redistricting, reducing homelessness, artificial intelligence, the cannabis industry, and community engagement.
The summit will also feature two exciting keynote presentations. On Thursday, Vincent Phipps, a communication and emotional intelligence specialist, will help city officials better their communication skills. Closing out the summit is Tyler Enslin, an entrepreneur who will teach city officials how to increase their memory skills.
Celebrate cities!
Join Cal Cities in celebrating California Cities Week at the summit. The weeklong celebration, April 14-20, recognizes the work cities do to for all Californians. During the summit, there will be opportunities to boost awareness about the value of cities, as well as honor the people — city officials like YOU — who work tirelessly to deliver essential services.
Want to prep before the summit?
Printed packets with key information — including Cal Cities’ state budget ask and the top bills impacting cities — will be distributed during the summit. However, you can start prepping for your meetings today by reviewing previous Cal Cities Advocate articles.
Cal Cities Advocate has featured articles about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget, Cal Cities’ 12 sponsored bills, and the top bills in each issue area. Cal Cities also has a weekly primer on the bills and committee hearings with a direct impact on cities.
What else do I need to know?
After the summit, the Cal Cities Board of Directors will meet to discuss new policy positions and other organizational priorities, including a key retail theft bill. Check out the April 24 issue of Cal Cities Advocate to learn about the meeting’s outcomes.
Online registration for the summit has ended, but officials can still register on-site if space is available. Registration for all three days starts at $650 for city officials from any member city. Summit registration includes admission to all educational sessions, the Wednesday reception, Thursday breakfast and lunch, Friday breakfast, and access to all program materials.
City officials arriving early can attend a rally and press conference in opposition to the Taxpayer Deception Act. Contact your regional public affairs manager for information. This is a campaign activity. Please refrain from using public resources for campaign activities.