2026 Mayors and Council Members Academy


Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Sacramento, CA  
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 2026   iCalendar Pacific Standard Time

Whether you’re a new mayor or city council member, or you’ve been serving your community for years, this academy is for you. The academy covers the legal, financial, and practical fundamentals to your job as an elected city official. Just as vital, you’ll have opportunities to foster relationships with your peers. Sessions also include an update on key legislative issues and an overview of your Cal Cities services. We hope you can join us for the 2026 Mayors and Council Members Academy!

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 review Cal Cities' 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 Wednesday lunch and evening reception, Thursday breakfast and lunch, and Friday breakfast
Pre-registration deadline

Online registration ends Wednesday, Jan. 14. 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.

Conference Registration Fees
Online registration ends Wednesday, Jan. 14. After this date, please register on-site if space allows.
Member-City Officials and Staff$ 675
Non-Member City Officials and Staff$1,675
Guest/Spouse Reception Pass$ 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 Wednesday’s networking 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 Jan. 14. 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 conference attendees. Reserve by Tuesday, Dec. 30, 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, Dec. 30.

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.

Hyatt Regency Sacramento   
1209 L Street   
Sacramento, CA 95814

Group Hotel Rate (per night): $229 – 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.

Parking and Transportation

The Hyatt Regency Sacramento is located in downtown Sacramento, across from the Capitol and approximately ten miles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and just one mile to the Sacramento Valley Station for Amtrak service. Take advantage of secured covered parking at the hotel with both valet and self-parking available for your convenience (fee applies).

Program
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Registration Open
 
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and Officials (AB 1661)show details

Sign-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the session and you must be present for the full two hours to receive the certification of attendance. Entry will be prohibited once the session begins.

This informational and interactive workplace harassment prevention training will focus on current and emerging issues and teach officials and supervisors how to identify, prevent, and properly respond to workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and abusive conduct in order to avoid personal and agency liability in compliance with AB 1825, AB 2053, AB 1661 and SB 396.

The Institute for Local Government is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies this activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881.

Speaker: Cecelia Martin, Partner, Best Best & Krieger

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Your Cal Cities and How To Use It

As a city official, you are the League of California Cities. Meet the Cal Cities leadership team and learn about the organization’s mission and structure, the advocacy and educational tools Cal Cities provides, and how you can get the most out of your membership.

Opening Remarks: Kuldip Thusu, President and Department Director, Mayors and Council Members Department and Council Member, Dinuba

Moderator: Jennifer Whiting, Deputy Executive Director, League of California Cities

Speaker: Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities | Gabriel Quinto, President, League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, El Cerrito

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.Networking Luncheon with your Divisions

Take this opportunity to sit with members of your regional division, and meet your Cal Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager.

1:45 - 3:15 p.m.Effective Advocacy and Key City Issuesshow details

Meet the League of California Cities’ legislative team and learn about the 2024 Cal Cities Action Agenda, legislative calendar, and trending issues in the Legislature. The Cal Cities team will also share ideas for establishing practical skills to develop persuasive arguments and testimony that will serve your city’s interests.

Moderator: Jason Rhine, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, League of California Cities

Speakers: Kristine Guerrero, Senior Director of Public Affairs, League of California Cities | 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

3:15 - 3:45 p.m.Dessert Break
 
3:45 - 5:15 p.m.Your Legal Powers and Obligations; Open Government and Conflicts of Interestshow details

You were elected to make things happen in your city. Learn the breadth and limitations of your powers as a city official. Then, acquire a basic understanding of the legal authorities and restrictions under which cities and city officials operate, with a focus on open government laws, such as the Brown Act and the Public Records Act, and laws pertaining to conflicts of interest.

Moderator: Rudy Mendoza, Second Vice President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor, Woodlake

Speakers: Emilio Camacho, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Sacramento | Eric Danly, City Attorney, Petaluma

5:15 - 6:30 p.m.Legislative Reception

Planned with the Cal Cities Partners Take this opportunity to network with your peers from throughout the state after a full day of educational sessions. Assembly Members and Senators from throughout the state are invited to attend.

Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Registration Open
 
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Networking Breakfast
 
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.Policy Role in Land Use Planning

Land use planning is one of the most important parts of a city official’s responsibilities due to 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, and the California Environmental Quality Act, 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.

Speakers: Eric Nelson, Chairman, Planning Commission, Dana Point | Mark Teague, Principal Advisor, Land Use and Environmental Strategies, PlaceWorks

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Developing an Effective City Council and City Manager Team: The Key to Good Governance and City Successshow details

Successful communities require highly effective governance and management, key to which is a positive city council/city manager working relationship guided by good, open communication. This session will help you to better appreciate the roles that the city council governing body, individual council members, and the city manager fulfill in a successful working relationship based on effective communication and sound governance practices.

Moderator: Patricia Martel, West Coast Regional Director, ICMA

Speakers: Ellen Kamei, Mayor, Mountain View | Kimbra McCarthy, City Manager, Mountain View

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.Networking Luncheon
 
1:15 - 2:45 p.m.Social Media / Digital Communications and Civic Engagementshow details

With constant 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. Moreover, as misinformation increases, elected officials need to be quick on their feet and have 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 rules that elected officials must follow.

Speakers: Gena Burns, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP | Brandon Castillo, Partner, Bicker, Castillo & Fairbanks & Spitz

2:45 - 3:15 p.m.Dessert Break
 
3:15 - 4:45 p.m.Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 1)show details

Learn about your responsibilities as an elected official when exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government. In this enlightening conversation, discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, and state and local funding relationships, and the four stages of fiscal meltdown. Plus, learn how to be a better leader by discovering how to avoid micromanagement and manage complacency. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals and the need for financial policies will be stressed during this session.

Speakers: Michael Coleman, Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com | Ben Triffo, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Christina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill

Friday
7:15 - 11:00 a.m.Registration Open
 
7:15 - 8:15 a.m.Networking Breakfast
 
8:15 - 9:45 a.m.Financial Responsibilities, City Revenues Workshop (Part 2)show details

Learn about your responsibilities as an elected official when exercising fiduciary accountability and transparency in open government. In this enlightening conversation, discuss the local government financial cycle, elected official financial oversight duties, and state and local funding relationships, and the four stages of fiscal meltdown. Plus, learn how to be a better leader by discovering how to avoid micromanagement and manage complacency. The importance of structurally balanced budget tips for setting city council goals and the need for financial policies will be stressed during this session.

Closing Remarks: Debbie S. Baker, Immediate Past President, Mayors and Council Members Department and Mayor Pro Tem, La Palma

Speakers: Michael Coleman, Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com | Ben Triffo, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Christina Turner, City Manager, Morgan Hill

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Understanding Public Service Ethics Laws and Principles (AB 1234)show details

Sign-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the session and you must be present for the full two hours to receive the certification of attendance. Entry will be prohibited once the session begins.

State law requires elected and appointed officials to receive two hours of 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. Join our experts as they help navigate the ethics laws and principles.

The Institute for Local Government is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies this activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881

Speaker: David Lim, Shareholder, Richards Watson & Gershon