Upcoming events.
Explore exciting opportunities and stay updated—check out the latest events on Cal-ICMA's calendar.
ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference
Innovations for Thriving Communities
From cutting-edge innovations in leadership practices, management strategies, and operations, discover how public administrators are reshaping resilient and equitable outcomes for their work and their communities at the 2025 Local Government Reimagined Conferences. With this year’s theme, “Leading & Managing and Livability & Resilience”, the 2025 LGRCs aim to facilitate breakthrough discussions and discoveries among leaders in local government.
West Coast Networking Mixer at the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference
Join Cal-ICMA and the Oregon City/County Management Association for a West Coast Networking Mixer at the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference!
Unwind and connect with fellow conference attendees after a full day of sessions at our networking event at West Saloon & Kitchen in Denver. Enjoy great conversations, small bites, and a complimentary drink ticket in a relaxed setting.
Event Details:
Location: West Saloon & Kitchen, 501 16th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Date: Wednesday, February 26
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to expand your network, share insights, and build valuable connections. Reserve your spot today.
ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference (Copy)
Innovations for Thriving Communities
From cutting-edge innovations in leadership practices, management strategies, and operations, discover how public administrators are reshaping resilient and equitable outcomes for their work and their communities at the 2025 Local Government Reimagined Conferences. With this year’s theme, “Leading & Managing and Livability & Resilience”, the 2025 LGRCs aim to facilitate breakthrough discussions and discoveries among leaders in local government.
NFBPA FORUM in San Fransico
Join NFBPA at FORUM 2025 in San Francisco!
From April 9-13, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) invites you to San Francisco for its annual conference, FORUM 2025: "Today’s Choices, Tomorrow’s Impact." This year’s conference is a powerful exploration of how our leadership decisions today shape the future of our communities and nation. Connect with thought leaders, innovators, and public service champions as we advance equity, inspire change, and create lasting impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the evolution of public service.
All California residents are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the regional registration discount.
Register Here to Secure Your Spot at FORUM 2025!
League of California Cities Annual Conference
Annual Conference and Expo
October 8- 10, 2025
Long Beach Convention Center
300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA
Mark your calendars for our 2025 Annual Conference and Expo, October 8-10 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach.
This year’s conference will feature general sessions, workshops, and networking events for hundreds of leaders from all sections of city government, including mayors, council members, city managers, city clerks, city attorneys, fiscal officers, and other city staff.
Educational sessions and the expo support city leaders by equipping them with the latest knowledge, resources, and tools to advance their communities and assist officials in their daily roles and operations within their city.
Registration will open in early June.
For questions, please contact Senior Manager, Education and Events Christina George.
Please review our event and meeting policies.
Call for Proposals
The League of California Cities is seeking unique, forward-looking topics for the 2025 Annual Conference and Expo. Take advantage of this special opportunity to gain visibility and share expertise at the premier educational event for California local elected officials, city department directors, and decision-makers by submitting a session proposal.
Cal Cities is seeking thorough, thoughtful, and complete proposals that tell how your session can help elected city officials improve their communities, leadership abilities, and knowledge within their roles. Submissions from any individual, group, business, or organization on any topic are welcome. Proposals must be submitted online through the session proposal form by Friday, March 28.
We encourage you to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to share your ideas, knowledge, and expertise with this important audience! For questions on the call for proposals process, contact Kayla Boutros.
Interested in submitting a proposal for City Attorneys programming? Click here.
2025 ICMA Annual Conference
Plan to join over 5,000 local government leaders in Tampa for ICMA’s flagship event of the year. Experience five transformative days filled with:
Forward-thinking educational sessions and inspiring keynotes
Skill-building and mobile workshops
Thought-provoking game-changer presentations
Insights from leading researchers, practitioners, and experts
Practical solutions for today’s local government challenges
Countless opportunities to connect with peers who “speak your language” and face the same daily challenges that you do
This immersive conference brings together local government professionals from around the globe, creating an unparalleled environment for learning, professional renewal, and meaningful connection.
Make plans now to be part of this exceptional gathering of local government leaders.
Registration Opens June 2025
Cal-ICMA Call-a-Thon
Cal-ICMA has a tradition of conducting a Call-a-Thon as part of the annual Cal Cities City Managers Department Conference.
The Cal-ICMA Talent Initiative, in partnership with the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC), Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), and Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) - California Chapters, will be hosting the annual Call-a-Thon as part of the annual Cal Cities City Managers Department Conference. This year, the Call-a-Thon will be held on Thursday, February 6 from 8:00 am - 9:00 am at The Westin Rancho Mirage.
The Call-a-Thon matches City and County Managers and other Senior Managers with emerging leaders who want career advice or other coaching. Coaches will gather shortly before 8 am in one of the education session rooms for a brief orientation and then will be assigned to call two emerging leaders from MMANC or MMASC. Each telephone call will last no more than 20 minutes. The first call will be scheduled from 8:05 am to 8:25 am. The second call will be conducted from 8:30 am to 8:50 am. All you need to do is bring your smart phone. No preparation is required.
During the two calls, emerging leaders can ask a career development question or two, seek advice about a problematic work situation, or ask for any other career guidance.
If are attending the 2025 City Managers Department Conference and willing to serve as a coach, please contact Frank Benest at frank@frankbenest.com.
The Call-a-Thon is an easy and fun way to create legacy. There is no preparation. All you have to do is bring your smartphone to the event.
Frank Benest, EdD
ICMA Liaison for Next Generation Initiatives
For further questions or inquiries about Cal-ICMA, reach out here.
Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner at the 2025 City Managers Conference
Cal-ICMA is thrilled to host its annual Networking Dinner at the Cal Cities City Managers Conference on Wednesday, February 5!
Join us for an evening with fellow local government professionals, where you can reconnect with familiar faces and build new connections.
Tickets are $65 for ICMA Members; $105 for Non-ICMA Members. There are no refunds for this event.
A huge thank you to our 2025 Corporate Partners: CLOUDVICE, MadisonAI, Schneider Electric, Transtech, Gravity, Polimorphic, Tripepi Smith, Alpha Omni Development LLC, CSG Consultants, Eaton & Associates, FlashVote, MRG, RPPG / RPMG, With, and Zencity for their support of our profession!
*Business representatives wishing to attend must be a Cal-ICMA Corporate Partner.
League of California Cities City Managers Conference
Designed for city managers and assistant or deputy city managers, this conference provides city officials with the essential information and updates needed to effectively run their cities and best position their communities for the future. This year's topics include homelessness, relationships with council members, mental health, financials, and more. The final day of the conference will have targeted roundtable discussions! Be sure to join!
Register Here to Secure Your Spot!
FEMA Just-In-Time Recovery Management Training
As natural disasters become more frequent and intense, it’s critical that local government officials have the tools and resources to respond quickly and recover effectively. To help you navigate these challenges, ICMA, in partnership with FEMA is offering two sessions of “Just-in-Time” recovery management trainings to highlight federal resources available to local governments following a disaster.
The “Just-in-Time” training provides essential, on-demand resources to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of post-disaster recovery. These tailored training sessions address specific needs identified by communities as they emerge, ensuring that the learning is directly relevant and immediately applicable.
The trainings include guidance both from FEMA and other federal agency staff, as well as local government leaders who have been through disaster recovery and can share their experiences.
ICMA is hosting two free, half-day sessions of the “Just-in-Time" Recovery management training. These sessions are open to any local government professional seeking to gain information and resources to help them prepare to navigate their community through disaster recovery, no matter the type of disaster. Attendees can register for one, or both of the sessions.
Session 2: Just-In-Time Recovery Management Training (January 28, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST)
On January 28, ICMA, in partnership with FCCMA and FEMA, is offering an essential half-day online training. This session will delve into the federal resources that can aid local governments in disaster recovery efforts. Whether you’re responding to a current crisis or preparing for future challenges, this training will equip you with the knowledge to strengthen your community’s resilience.
Training topics for this session include:
Managing Data and Information
Housing
Hazard Mitigation (Stafford Act)
Procurement Disaster Assistance Team (PDAT)
FEMA Just-In-Time Recovery Management Training
As natural disasters become more frequent and intense, it’s critical that local government officials have the tools and resources to respond quickly and recover effectively. To help you navigate these challenges, ICMA, in partnership with FEMA is offering two sessions of “Just-in-Time” recovery management trainings to highlight federal resources available to local governments following a disaster.
The “Just-in-Time” training provides essential, on-demand resources to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of post-disaster recovery. These tailored training sessions address specific needs identified by communities as they emerge, ensuring that the learning is directly relevant and immediately applicable.
The trainings include guidance both from FEMA and other federal agency staff, as well as local government leaders who have been through disaster recovery and can share their experiences.
ICMA is hosting two free, half-day sessions of the “Just-in-Time" Recovery management training. These sessions are open to any local government professional seeking to gain information and resources to help them prepare to navigate their community through disaster recovery, no matter the type of disaster. Attendees can register for one, or both of the sessions.
Session 1: Just-In-Time Recovery Management Training (January 21, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST)
Join ICMA, the North Carolina City and County Management Association (NCCCMA), and FEMA for a half-day online training on January 21. This session will focus on federal resources available to local governments during disaster recovery, providing you with the tools to respond and recover swiftly in the aftermath of a disaster.
Training topics for this session include:
Planning and Resilience
Housing
Public Assistance (Stafford Act)
Managing Data and Information
2024 Tomorrow’s City/County Manager Forum
Tomorrow’s City/County Manager Forum brings together City Managers, a Councilmember, and an Executive Recruiter to discuss what it takes to move into the City or County Manager position. Individuals in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties who aspire to hold a City or County Manager position should attend.
The Forum is targeted and crafted for Assistant City/County Managers and Department Heads who aspire to become a City or County Manager. The Forum is open to individuals in Santa Clara and San Mateo County government agencies, only.
Application Deadline is November 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Space is limited.
Registration $75
Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner at the MMASC Conference
Expand your opportunity to network while at the MMASC Annual Conference by attending the Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner. This event is anticipated to sell out!
Tickets include appetizers, entrée, dessert, and one complimentary beer or glass of wine.
** Note: Business representatives wishing to attend must be a Cal-ICMA Corporate Partner. Reach out to cal-icma@icma.org for more information on becoming a Corporate Partner or visit : https://www.calicma.org/partners
MMASC Annual Conference
The MMASC Annual Conference is the organization's flagship event, renowned as the foremost training conference for local government professionals in Southern California. This year's conference, to be held in Santa Barbara, California, promises three days of immersive training, networking, and professional development sessions. Join hundreds of local government professionals for an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and grow. Discover cutting-edge practices, refine your skills, and forge valuable connections with industry leaders. Don't miss out on this transformative experience where inspiration meets innovation!
Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner at the MMANC Conference
Expand your opportunity to network while at the MMANC Annual Conference by attending the Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner. This event is anticipated to sell out!
Tickets include food which will be served 'Family Style' with an assortment of food available on each table. This also includes dessert, tea, coffee, and wine.
** Note: Business representatives wishing to attend must be a Cal-ICMA Corporate Partner. Reach out to cal-icma@icma.org for more information on becoming a Corporate Partner or visit : https://www.calicma.org/partners
MMANC Annual Conference
Join us for the MMANC 2024 annual conference in Santa Rosa, CA.
Join us for the MMANC Annual Conference, the premier gathering for local government professionals in Northern California. This year’s conference will take place in Santa Rosa, California, offering three days of comprehensive training, networking, and activities. Plant the seeds of your professional growth with immersive training sessions, cultivate connections with peers, and reap the rewards of learning from industry leaders. Don’t miss this abundant opportunity to harvest new ideas, refine your skills, and grow your network in an inspiring and innovative environment!
FREE ICMA Zoom Call: Hurricane Recovery
ICMA is hosting a Hurricane Recovery Zoom Call this Thursday, October 24 at 4:30 PM Eastern (1:30-2:30 PM PST) to discuss Disaster Recovery. This is a Zoom Call and it is FREE and open to everyone. The discussion will be focused on the southeast region’s recent hurricanes, however the information is applicable to any leader who is going through disaster recovery or who wants to have a plan in place before disaster strikes.
SIGN UP HERE Hurricane Recovery Zoom Meeting, October 24, 4:30-5:30 PM (1:30-2:30 PM PST).
Or you can cut and paste this URL directly into browser on Thursday at 4:30 PM to go to the meeting: https://icma-org.zoom.us/j/87411715121?pwd=TV6Qygdx60att4x6OhUQKCoXHDXoV4.1&from=addon#success
The audience will gain practical strategies from William Whitson, a hurricane recovery expert with 30 years of experience as a city manager, and Kathleen Gunn, Deputy Manager for Miami Shores Village, FL, will discuss personal well-being and stress management. The intent is to offer best practices while also leaving the majority of time for audience questions, discussion about what has been working well/what could be better, and provide time for open dialogue. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your recovery efforts and support your team during challenging times.
We hope to see you in the Zoom Call on Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 PM PST! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
ICMA Annual Conference
The 2024 ICMA Annual Conference will be held at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. ICMA will bring local government professionals together for unparalleled leadership and professional development, networking, and best-in-class programming you won’t want to miss!
The Manager’s Role in Community Leadership
The Manager’s Role in Community Leadership
September 10 at 2:30 – 4:30pm
A national conversation has been taking place among city and county managers to help define the manager’s role in leading discussions on important community problems. Has this role changed over time? How much should a manager be in front encouraging discussion and solutions? Is the ICMA Declaration of Ideals in need of revision to help guide managers in this evolving area of responsibility? Join us for a facilitated session to discuss and help frame these issues for CA managers in the context of the larger national conversation. Input from CA managers will be offered for consideration at a scheduled session at the ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh.
Zoom Meeting Information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82598727276?pwd=o7gq6ugROT4zJXcfz3SeWaAbFjym93.1
Meeting ID: 825 9872 7276
Passcode: 94022
The Local Governance Summer Institute
The Local Governance Summer Institute, sponsored each year by several professional organizations including Cal-ICMA, is accepting applications for its week-long, on-campus residential program for senior managers of local governments from throughout the American West. The Seminar will be held on July 21-26, 2024.
LGSI offers participants the opportunity to exchange and acquire tools for improving local government performance, while enhancing their personal capacity to innovate and to anticipate societal change. This program will strengthen individual capacities in leadership, public finance, negotiating, and strategic planning skills, while exposing participants to innovative solutions and technological advances supporting the emergence of smarter, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities in California and around the world.
The upgraded curriculum again will focus on professional issues that all senior managers face, including leadership in our changing society, the move towards smarter communities, public mobility initiatives, community engagement, equity and inclusivity, public safety reform, and of course, resiliency in the face of crisis, be they physical or public health-related. This year will feature two new modules, one focused on Design Thinking and the other on Change Leadership For Sustainability. The program also continues personal professional growth sessions including strategic thinking, ethics, and contemporary finance and budget management. As is the custom, the program again will feature presentations from a variety of faculty, leading practitioners in California local government, and innovative leaders of the high-tech community. LGSI is designed to present the best blend of the academic and the practitioner worlds.
At the onset of the program, participants will be paired with an experienced mentor who has years of success managing at the local level. They will meet one-on-one, using video conferencing software, on a schedule of their choosing, before and during the seminar. The workshops will be held on campus, amidst the stimulating environment of Stanford University and the Silicon Valley. The program is designed to encourage interaction with and networking among participants and instructors.
Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner for Reimagined Conference
Step into the enchanting ambiance of the La Quinta Cliffhouse at 7:00 p.m. for an unforgettable evening during the Cal-ICMA Reimagined Conference Dinner! Connect and collaborate with fellow professionals from the field of local government management while indulging in exquisite cuisine and scenic views. Join us for a night of camaraderie, inspiration, and delightful conversations as we toast to innovation and the future of our communities. Reserve your seat now for a networking experience like no other!
Womens Leadership Summit
Save the Date for MMANC’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit
Mark your calendars for MMANC’s highly anticipated 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit, happening on May 2nd at the Scottish Rite Temple in Oakland, California.
The one-day event will be filled with inspiring panels, empowering conversations, and dynamic networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a rising star, this summit is your chance to ignite your leadership journey and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference in our communities. Recognized as one of MMANC’s premier events, the summit serves as a platform to propel future leaders of government forward, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration to navigate the challenges and opportunities in public service.
Don’t miss out on this premier event! Visit www.mmanc.org for more details.
Session: How to Conduct a Development Conversation
Register for Free Training
“How to Conduct a Development Conversation with a Direct Report”
--Two Virtual Sessions on April 17 and 23—
As part of its Talent Initiative, Cal-ICMA is offering two virtual training sessions “How to Conduct a Development Conversation with a Direct Report.” You or any of your managers can register for either of the two sessions on Wednesday, April 17, from 2-3:30 pm, OR Tuesday, April 23, from 10:30 am-12 noon. Click here to register.
A development conversation is an informal discussion typically between a manager/coach and a direct report or other employee that allows the manager to:
Help the employee explore their career aspirations
Provide feedback
Identify opportunities to learn and grow
Offer support and resources
Development conversations are key tools in fostering the career growth of local government talent.
The two virtual training sessions will be conducted by Dr. Frank Benest, former City Manager of Palo Alto and a member of the Cal-ICMA Talent Development Team.
As part of each interactive session, Dr. Benest will demonstrate with a partner the key steps in conducting a development conversation and provide coaching tips.
As a resource, participants in the training will also receive an online “Menu of Development Opportunities” which they can customize for their own agency.
For more information, contact Frank Benest at frank@frankbenest.com.
NFBPA Forum 2024
FORUM 2024 is a unique conference experience where public administrators professionals gather from across the country gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, and solutions. Over 4 days of learning, growing, and finding inspiration, attendees are provided with support in their daily responsibilities as leaders in their workforce and communities. Whether you’re looking to learn about how other public administrators are responding to the public health crisis or the newest best practices for managing teams, FORUM 2024 has something for every public service professional.
Cal-ICMA Call-a-Thon
Cal-ICMA has a tradition of conducting a Call-a-Thon as part of the annual CalCities City Managers Dept conference.
Cal-ICMA has a tradition of conducting a Call-a-Thon as part of the annual Cal Cities City Managers Department Conference. The Call-a-Thon matches City Managers and other Senior Managers with emerging leaders who want career advice or other coaching. This year, the Call-a-Thon will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 8-9 am at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.
Coaches will gather shortly before 8 am in one of the education session rooms for a brief orientation and then will be assigned to call two emerging leaders from MMANC or MMASC. Each telephone call will last no more than 20 minutes. The first call will be scheduled from 8:05 to 8:25 am. The second call will be conducted from 8:30 to 8:50 am. All you need to do is bring your smart phone. No preparation is required.
To serve as a coach, please contact Frank Benest at frank@frankbenest.com. More details will follow.
This kind of speed coaching helps us create legacy. Speed coaching is easy and fun. We hope you will join us as a Call-a-Thon coach.
Frank Benest, EdD
ICMA Liaison for Next Generation Initiatives
For further questions or inquiries about Cal-ICMA, reach out here.
Cal-ICMA Networking Dinner at the 2024 City Managers Conference
Cal-ICMA is excited to once again host its annual networking dinner at the City Managers Conference on Wednesday, February 7 at Miceli’s.
Miceli's is a LA's oldest Italian restaurant, and has been serving authentic Italian recipes since 1949.
A huge thank you to our 2024 Corporate Partners: Hamlet, Schneider Electric, CitiBot, FlashVote, CSG Consultants and CLOUDVICE for your support of our profession!
Tickets are $60 per person. There are no refunds for this event.
Business representatives wishing to attend must be a Cal-ICMA Corporate Partner.
ICMA Coaching Program Presents: What to do When Everything is Falling Apart - How to Reset
Free Live Webinar
When everything is falling apart in an organization, resetting the organizational culture becomes a critical task for city and county managers. But who does a manager talk to gain advice and mentorship in these situations? There is a reason that we use the expression “It’s lonely at the top.” But have faith! There are several tools that city managers can use, both personally and for their employees. Learn about coaching, mentorship, and professional development tools that are available to managers and their teams as well as tips on communication strategies, team-building exercises, and training programs to help rebuild the organization.
PRACTICE AREAS: [1] Personal and Professional Integrity and [5] Personal Resiliency and Development
TOPICS: Council-Manager Relations, Employee Engagement, Effective Communication, and Organizational Development
JOB TITLES: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO), and Department Head
MMASC Annual Conference
Registration for the 2023 Annual Conference will open later this year and will be announced on MMASC's weekly email newsletter What's Happening Wednesday. Be sure to book once registration information is released- the annual conference will sell out! Also, stay tuned for information about hotel rooms blocked out for 2023 MMASC Annual Conference attendees at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
MMANC Annual Conference
Join us for the MMANC 2023 annual conference in Tahoe, CA. More information coming soon.
ICMA Annual Conference
The 2023 ICMA Annual Conference will be held at the Austin Convention Center in Austin/Travis County, Texas. ICMA will bring local government professionals together for unparalleled leadership and professional development, networking, and best-in-class programming you won’t want to miss!
Brews and Business: A Cal-ICMA Networking Event
Relax with Cal-ICMA colleagues at the ICMA LGR Long Beach Conference at Ballast Point Long Beach! June 7, 6:30pm.
Get your tickets for $40 ea., subsidized by Cal-ICMA
ICMA Local Government Reimagined: Long Beach
Placemaking at the Local Level: Livable Communities, Thriving Economies
This conference investigates how local governments enhance the quality of life in their communities by addressing critical issues such as climate change, housing, aging infrastructure, and economic development.