As a city official, you are the League. Its success, along with your own, depends on your involvement and leadership. Receive an introduction to the services of the League of California Cities, how you can access them, and how you can become involved.

Speakers: Dan Carrigg, Legislative Director, League of California Cities | Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director, League of California Cities | JoAnne Mounce, Council Member, Lodi

After a few council meetings you discover that sitting on the “target” side of the dais means you must be prepared for anything. Equip yourself with the necessary tools by reviewing some basic rules for new mayors and council members.

Presiding: Richard Kite, Council Member, City of Rancho Mirage

Speakers: Jan Arbuckle, Council Member, Grass Valley | David Sander, Mayor, Rancho Cordova

Meet the League’s Legislative team, and learn about the League’s strategic goals, the legislative calendar, and what issues are trending in the legislature in 2017. Lobbyists will also share ideas for establishing practical skills to develop persuasive arguments and testimony that will serve your city’s interests. Get to know your regional public affairs representatives, and network with other mayors and council members from your regional division.

Moderator and Speaker: Dan Carrigg, Legislative Director, League of California Cities

Speakers: Ronald Berdugo, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Tim Cromartie, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Dane Hutchings, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Jason Rhine, Legislative Representative, League of California Cities | Jennifer Whiting, Assistant Legislative Director, League of California Cities

You were elected to make things happen in your city. Learn the breadth, as well as the limitations of your powers as a city official. Acquire a basic understanding of the legal authorities and restrictions under which cities and city officials operate, with a focus on the Brown Act.

Moderator and Speaker: Corrie Manning, Deputy General Counsel, League of California Cities

Speaker: Thomas Brown, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

Land use planning is one of the most important aspects of a city official’s responsibilities because of the long-term impacts it can have on a community’s environment, economic vitality and the physical health of its residents. Learn about tools and processes in land use planning such as the general plan, zoning, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as well as the role of regional agencies and the state. This knowledge will help you foster a solid working relationship with your city’s planning commission and planning staff.

Moderator and Speaker: Julia Lave Johnston, Program Manager, Institute for Local Government

Speaker: Janet Ruggiero, FAICP, Director of Board Formation, DLSI

This is a great opportunity for newly elected city officials to gather and meet with Assembly Members and Senators from throughout the state.

As an elected official, there will be various competing values and priorities that drive you and your colleagues within your city. Your success on the council requires an effective relationship with your city manager, city attorney and staff, where everyone’s values are respected and represented. Learn how to work together while cultivating each of your diverse roles.

Moderator: Kevin Duggan, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA

Speakers: Nelson Fialho, City Manager, Pleasanton | Kathy Narum, Council Member, Pleasanton

With so many advancements in social media over the last several years, it can be hard to keep up with the “do’s and don’ts” of every platform. There is a wide variety of almost immediate online informational sources, and elected officials need to be quick on their feet with the necessary skills to proactively manage public perceptions about local governmental affairs. Discover what cities should be doing to communicate with their constituents in the 21st Century, and the new forms of media that must be embraced.

Speakers: Brandon Castillo, Partner, Bicker, Castillo & Fairbanks Public Affairs | Traci Park, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

Enjoy the ever popular skit contrasting the wrong and the right ways to conduct your city council meetings.

Facilitators: Christi Hogin, City Attorney, Cities of Lomita, Malibu and Palos Verdes Estates, Jenkins & Hogin LLP | Michael Jenkins, Partner, Jenkins & Hogin LLP

Cover your responsibilities as elected officials in exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government.

Discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, state and local funding relationships, and identify the four stages of fiscal meltdown. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals, and the need for financial policies will be stressed. Learn to avoid micromanagement and complacency management.

Moderator and Speaker: Michael Coleman, League Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com

Speakers: Jeremy Craig, Assistant City Manager, Vacaville | Laura Kuhn, City Manager, Vacaville

State law requires elected and appointed officials to receive training in specified ethics laws and principles every two years.

Newly elected and appointed officials must receive this training within one year of becoming a public servant. This lively, example laden, two-hours will make this mandatory training more tolerable – if not outright enjoyable. Sign-in begins at 9:15 a.m., and you must be present for the full two hours to receive the certification of attendance at 11:45. (Planned with the Institute for Local Government).

Speakers: Gage C. Dungy, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore | Eric Vail, Esquire, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP