In Solidarity with Los Angeles Amid Ongoing Wildfires

As wildfires continue to affect communities in Los Angeles, CSG West extends its heartfelt support to those impacted by this crisis. We stand with our members across the West and commend the brave first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property.

Recognizing the growing challenges posed by wildfires and other natural disasters, CSG West officers guided our organization in establishing the Wildfires & Disaster Preparation policy committee in 2025. This committee will serve as a platform for action-oriented discussions to address these critical issues.

We remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting Western states as they navigate these challenges and look forward to convening conversations that inspire collaboration and progress.

RECENT EVENTS

Congratulations to the WLA Class of 2024!

From December 10-13, forty-nine rising lawmakers from across the West gathered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the Western Legislative Academy (WLA). The WLA program provides a vital opportunity for newly elected legislators to strengthen their legislative leadership skills and build collaborative relationships in a uniquely nonpartisan environment.

Over three and a half days of immersive training, participants honed strategies for building consensus, navigating conflict, and refining negotiation techniques. They also explored how personality styles influence teamwork and leadership, all while forging connections that transcend political boundaries.

Check out highlights from this year’s WLA in the photos below! CSG West is excited to continue working alongside these remarkable leaders in 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date!

September 16-19, 2025 | Jackson, Wyoming

78th CSG West Annual Meeting: Innovating at New Heights

Join us for the largest gathering of Western legislators at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting, which will convene September 16-19 in stunning Jackson, Wyoming! This annual event offers a unique opportunity to collaborate on key issues facing the West, strengthen connections with legislative colleagues, and engage in leadership development tailored to the legislative experience.

Under the leadership of CSG West Chair, Wyoming Representative Mike Yin, this year’s “Innovating at New Heights” meeting promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives, expand their networks, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the CSG West Annual Meeting a highlight of the year.

Details on registration and programming are coming soon. Don’t miss out—be part of the conversation shaping the future of the West!

Applications Open for the 2025 Western Legislative Academy

Each year, state legislators from the Western region are selected to participate in the Western Legislative Academy (WLA), a multi-day training experience focused on sharpening leadership skills in communications, consensus building, focus management, ethics and more. Sessions are interactive and hosted by national leaders and academic authorities. Additionally, class members learn from each other and develop lasting relationships with legislative peers.

The application period is now open for the 2025 WLA, which will take place December 16-19 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The deadline for completed applications is May 1st.

APPLY TODAY

WLA WEBSITE

ALUMNI ROSTER

CSG WEST NEWS

Watch: CSG West Legislative Exchange on Women's Health

In the closing months of 2024, CSG West hosted a Legislative Exchange on Women's Health, moderated by Nevada Senator Rochelle Nguyen. The event explored key research and legislation surrounding menopause and perimenopause. California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, author of AB 2467 (Health Care Coverage for Menopause), joined Genentech Senior Benefits Director, Melinda Morimoto, to share insights on the topic.

Currently, 75 million U.S. women are in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause—with 6,000 more women reaching menopause each day. Yet, menopause research has long been underinvested and overlooked. Only 30 percent of U.S. residency programs offer a formal menopause curriculum, and 80 percent of OB/GYN residents report being ill-prepared to discuss menopause.

View the video recording above to learn more from this insightful exchange.

Alaska Representative Alyse Galvin Selected as 2024 WLA Class President

CSG West is proud to celebrate Alaska Representative Alyse Galvin, selected by her peers as the 2024 Western Legislative Academy (WLA) Class President. In this role, she will have the opportunity to lead a training session during the 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting, serve on the Executive Committee, and return to Colorado Springs to welcome the next WLA class.

Representative Galvin brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. As a member of the 2023-2024 CSG West Education Committee, she led a legislator panel at the 76th CSG West Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, sharing her expertise on school funding and Alaska’s unique challenges in delivering education across vast geographic distances.

CSG West looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Representative Galvin in the coming year!

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST www.csgwest.org

CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list.