The City Leaders Summit offers opportunities for city leaders from across the state to lobby lawmakers directly on Cal Cities’ member-chosen advocacy priorities, gain top-notch leadership skills, and connect with peers during in-depth educational sessions. This year's Summit includes a unique opportunity: the 2026 Cities Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, where attendees will have the opportunity to attend a special election-year conversation with the candidates for governor. We hope you join us April 22-24 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center for our 2026 City Leaders Summit!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
The City Leaders Summit offers opportunities for city leaders from across the state to lobby lawmakers directly on Cal Cities’ member-chosen advocacy priorities, gain top-notch leadership skills, and connect with peers during in-depth educational sessions. This year's Summit includes a unique opportunity: the 2026 Cities Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, where attendees will have the opportunity to attend a special election-year conversation with the candidates for governor. We hope you join us April 22-24 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center for our 2026 City Leaders Summit!
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
Capacity is limited, and registration is subject to sell out prior to the deadline. Register early!
Online registration ends Wednesday, April 15. After this date, please register on-site if space allows.
Register online through your MyCalCities account. If you have not yet used your MyCalCities account, please review the 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.
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 April 15. Refunds will not be available after this date. If you are unable to attend, you may substitute a colleague for your entire registration.
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available for registered conference attendees. Reserve your room/hotel by Tuesday, March 31, or before rooms sell out. Hotels are subject to sell out prior to the deadline – reserve early!
Register via your MyCalCities account. Instructions on how to access your account can be found here.
Book a hotel room. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to the Cal Cities housing information page to book your room at the discounted rate.
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.
Visit the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center’s website for information regarding nearby parking garages..
Please check the housing information page to confirm parking rates at each hotel. Parking prices are subject to change.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF): 11 miles
View Detailed Program | Print Program Details | View Session Materials
Schedule is subject to change.
Day one of the conference focuses on legislative advocacy. Join Cal Cities leadership and lobbyists for an update on high priority legislation that you will want to advocate on when you meet with legislative officers later in the day.
Opening Remarks: Gabe Quinto, President, League of California Cities and Mayor, El Cerrito | Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities
Moderator: Jason Rhine, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, League of California Cities
Speakers: Damon Conklin, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Caroline Grinder, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Brady Guertin, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Johnnie Piña, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Melissa Sparks-Kranz, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Ben Triffo, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Jolena Voorhis, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities
Focus Lounge Need a moment to recharge or focus? Step into this inviting workspace—perfect for catching up on emails, or powering through your to-do list in a calm, productive setting.
Roundtables Join us for in-person roundtables where you can connect face-to-face with peers, exchange ideas and resources, and share successes and challenges in a supportive, collaborative setting. The afternoon will feature three 45-minute roundtable segments, each with two discussion areas: a policy topic and a networking topic.
1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Roundtable Session
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Roundtable Session
3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Roundtable Session
Connect with representatives from state agencies to learn about resources available to support your community, including funding opportunities and technical assistance. Agency experts will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on everything from planning and permitting to funding. These informal meetings are open to all attendees—no appointment needed.
Please join us for an evening reception sponsored by Cal Cities Partners. Enjoy appetizers and beverages while networking with legislators and city colleagues.
California’s changing climate continues to influence water supply availability statewide, with deep swings between extreme flooding and drought. Safe drinking water and a reliable water supply are critical to sustaining vibrant and thriving cities in both urban and rural areas. This panel of esteemed experts and decision-makers will share their perspectives on how to address regional water supply challenges, while charting a vision for a secure future for California’s water supply.
Moderator: Rudy Mendoza, Second Vice President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor, Woodlake
Speakers: Jerry Brown, Executive Director, Sites Project Authority | Melissa Hurtado, State Senator, California State Senate | Jennifer Pierre, General Manager, State Water Contractors
Across California, local leaders are seeking bold, proven ways to strengthen their communities and build a lasting legacy. Through the United4Youth Initiative of United Way Santa Cruz County, cities like Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley are embedding youth leadership into the heart of local governance. Attendees will explore how to establish and implement programs and strategies such as a Children and Youth Bill of Rights, Student and Youth Liaison roles, and Youth Participatory Action Research to inform local priorities. Speakers will also discuss ways to secure sustainable funding for these programs through dedicated city funds. Participants will leave inspired, equipped with ready-to-use tools, and confident in adapting these strategies locally.
Speakers: Yvette Brooks, CEO, United Way Santa Cruz County | Pamela Velazquez Janusz, Director of Community Impact, United Way Santa Cruz County
California has the highest number of homeless veterans in the nation. Learn how cities are responding through local programs and state initiatives like Proposition 1, which funds veteran housing and expands mental and behavioral health support. Panelists will share real city examples and resources to help communities better serve and house their veterans.
Moderator: Michael Cao, Council Member, Arcadia
Speakers: Tramecia Garner, Executive Director, Swords to Plowshares | Jesus Gomez, City Manager, Norwalk | Jordan Marks, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, County of San Diego | Jennifer Perez, Mayor, Norwalk
Misinformation can spread rapidly, shaping public perception and eroding trust, particularly during crises. To ensure your city’s message remains clear and credible, effective community and media relations are essential. This panel brings together experienced city leaders to share their strategies for identifying, addressing, and preventing misinformation both on a day-to-day basis and during emergencies. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating public concerns, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining credibility and empathy to preserve trust in an ever-evolving information climate. Through real-world case studies, panelists will explore proactive communication tactics and the critical role of transparency in strengthening long-term community trust during emergencies and beyond. Participants will learn actionable leadership strategies to protect their city’s reputation and reinforce public confidence.
Moderator: Alexis Gillam, Director, Tripepi Smith & Associates
Speakers: Alma Hernandez, Mayor, Suisun City | David Oro, Council Member, American Canyon
This special election-year conversation with candidates for Governor provides city officials a unique opportunity to hear directly about issues most important to cities, including housing and homelessness, public safety, climate and energy, affordability, as well as leadership, values, and the person behind each candidate.
This session will explore key elements of the California state budget, growing uncertainty at the federal level, and how both can affect cities. The speaker will discuss revenue trends and potential risks on the horizon, offering insights to help city leaders anticipate challenges, plan strategically, and advocate effectively in an evolving fiscal landscape.
Moderator: Debbie S. Baker, Immediate Past President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor Pro Tem, La Palma
Speaker: Irena Asmundson, Founder and CEO, Practical Idealism Economics
Some major cities in California have experienced population declines, with families citing high costs, lack of child care, and limited family-friendly infrastructure as the key reasons for leaving. Investing in child care and familycentered policies is no longer optional — it’s essential to a city’s economic stability. This panel discussion will highlight innovative local efforts, barriers, best practices, and actionable steps for leaders seeking to make their cities more livable for working class families. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to advocate for and implement child care solutions in their communities.
Moderator: Cassandra Chase, Mayor, Lakewood
Speakers: Chelsea Byers, Council Member, West Hollywood | Pamela Campos, Council Member, San Jose | Angelica Ramos-Allen, President, National Women's Political Caucus of California
Investing in your community’s future means taking a strategic and proactive approach to securing public funding. This panel will explore effective strategies for pursuing grants and collaborative financing options, especially for cities working to rebuild their economies. The panel will discuss the Building a Better America initiative, as well as how special financing districts can support capital improvements, climate action, housing, and ongoing maintenance. Learn how combining tax increment financing with grants can help revitalize your community and drive sustainable growth.
Moderator: Dale Sumersille, Senior Associate, California Consulting
Speakers: Michael L. Antwine II, City Manager, Bell | Larry Kosmont, Chairman & CEO, Kosmont Companies | Patrick Martinez, City Manager, Needles
This panel will explore the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement and the challenges and opportunities it presents for local governments. Local leaders will discuss policy approaches, communication strategies, and partnerships that protect residents' rights while supporting safe and welcoming communities.
Moderator: Ana Maria Quintana, Council Member, Bell
Speakers: Grissel Chavez, Assistant City Manager, Paramount | Shiu-Ming Cheer, Deputy Director of Immigrant & Racial Justice, California Immigrant Policy Center | Larry Gonzalez, Chief of Police, Riverside
Tools such as CoPilot and ChatGPT are often used to increase efficiency and get answers to difficult questions. This session will take a broader look at emerging AI applications cities are utilizing to improve services such as public safety, transportation, urban planning, and citizen services. Attendees will deepen their understanding of today’s cutting-edge AI applications and discover what is on the horizon for their city in the not-so-distant future.
Moderator: KuldipThusu, President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, Dinuba
Speakers: James Breuckman, City Manager, Pleasant Ridge | Jason Peters, AI and Data Solutions Lead, VC3
Based on Doug Griffiths’ bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, this engaging and thought-provoking keynote will challenge you to take a fresh look at your community. Blending humor and wisdom, Griffiths will explore the common pitfalls that hold cities back, and how to move beyond them. You will leave this session with a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility for your community’s success, a clear understanding of the key challenges your community faces and why, and practical tools to start driving meaningful progress.
Closing Remarks: Debbie S. Baker, Immediate Past President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor Pro Tem, La Palma
Keynote Speaker: Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, 13 Ways Inc.