2026 Planning Commissioners Academy

Sheraton Park Hotel Anaheim, Anaheim, CA  
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - Friday, March 13, 2026   iCalendar Pacific Standard Time

Designed for new and seasoned planning commissioners alike, the Planning Commissioners Academy expands an individual’s knowledge on a wide range of topics relevant to their role within their city and fosters relationships and communication with peers. The conference provides information about the roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner, offers a basic legal and practical framework, and delves into emerging issues of importance for planning commissioners today.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For questions, please contact Event Sponsorship and Exposition Manager, Amy Wade.

For registration questions, please contact Event Registration Specialist, Megan Dunn.

For program questions, please contact Event Program Manager, Kayla Boutros.

In advance of the conference, please see our event and meeting policies.

Explore Previous Conferences

Registration Information

Capacity is limited, and registration is subject to sell out prior to the deadline. Register early!

Full registration includes
  • Admission to all educational sessions
  • Admission to the Wednesday evening reception, Thursday breakfast and lunch, and Friday breakfast
Pre-registration deadline

Online registration ends Wednesday, March 4. After this date, please register on-site if space allows.

Registration Process:

Register online through your MyCalCities account. If you have not yet used your MyCalCities account, please review details about the portal and contact us with questions.

If you are registering someone other than yourself, first sign in as yourself and then choose the option to register someone else.

NOTE: A credit card is required for registration through MyCalCities. If you need to pay with a check, create your account and then reach out to Megan Dunn to request a mail-in registration form. Full payment is due at the time of registration.

To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Megan Dunn. Every effort will be made to honor requests submitted.

Full Conference Registration Fees
Online registration ends Wednesday, March 4. After this date, please register on-site if space allows.
Member-City Planning Commissioners and Department Staff$ 700
Non-member City$1,700
All Others$ 825


 

One-Day Registration Fees
Member-City Planning Commissioners and Department Staff$ 400
Non-Member City$1,400
All Others$ 575
Guest/Spouse Reception Pass*$ 50
*The guest/spouse fee is restricted to persons who are not city or public officials, are not related to any Cal Cities Partner or sponsor, and would have no professional reason to attend the conference. It includes admission to the Wednesday evening reception only. There is no refund for the cancellation of a guest/spouse registration. It is not advisable to use city funds to register a guest/spouse. If you believe you are eligible for a guest/spouse pass, please contact Megan Dunn.

Refund Policy

Advance registrants unable to attend will receive a refund of the rate paid, minus a $75 processing charge, only when a written request is submitted to Megan Dunn, and received on or before March 4. Refunds will not be available after this date. If you are unable to attend, you may substitute a colleague for your entire registration.

Hotel and Travel

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available for registered academy attendees. Reserve your room/hotel by Tuesday, Feb. 17, or before rooms sell out.

STEP ONE:

Register via your MyCalCities account.
Instructions on how to access your account can be found here.

You must be registered for the conference prior to booking a hotel room. Your city/company may be financially responsible for all cancellation/attrition fees after Tuesday, Feb. 17.

STEP TWO:

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to access the group rate in the official Cal Cities hotel block.

Sheraton Park Hotel
1855 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802

Group Hotel Rate (per night): $225 – Single/Double Occupancy (plus tax and fees)

PLEASE NOTE: Information provided when registering or reserving your hotel room for the conference may be shared between Cal Cities and the hotel(s). This information will be limited to your first and last name, email, and the dates of your stay at the hotel.

Important Scam Notice: Cal Cities does not use a housing service. Only trust emails from @calcities.org or the official hotel.

Hotel Changes or Cancellations

Hotel reservation changes, date modifications, early check-out, or cancellations must be made directly through the hotel. Please note that after Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 has passed, you may incur a financial penalty and minimum one-night room charge or attrition fees.

Parking and Transportation

Self Parking: $27.50 per day
Valet Parking: $40.00 per day
Pricing subject to change at hotel's discretion

Nearby airports:

John Wayne/Orange County: 12 miles
Long Beach Airport: 14 miles
Los Angeles International Airport: 34 miles

Program

View Detailed Program | | View Session Materials

Schedule at a Glance
(Schedule is subject to change.)
Wednesday, March 11
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Registration open
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Optional Pre-Conference Training: AB 1234
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.Lunch on Your Own
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.Opening General Session
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.Concurrent Sessions
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.Concurrent Sessions
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Networking Reception
Thursday, March 12
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Registration open
7:45 - 8:45 a.m.Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.General Session
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.Educational Session
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Networking Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.General Session
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.Concurrent Sessions
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.General Session
Friday, March 13
7:45 - 10:30 a.m.Registration open
7:45 - 8:45 a.m.Networking Breakfast
8:45 - 10:00 a.m.Closing General Session
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Optional Post-Conference Training: AB 1661