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Dear Friends of ILG,
As we continue into 2025, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous work you do every day to serve your communities. This year has already brought significant challenges, from the devastating fires in Southern California to ongoing leadership transitions across all levels of government. These issues are complex and demanding, but your dedication to public service remains a constant source of strength and inspiration.
The role of local government leaders is evolving faster than ever before. New challenges, shifting priorities, and the urgency of crisis response have all transformed how we approach public service. Yet, through it all, our core values – integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the ideals of democracy – must guide us. Local leaders like you are the foundation of our democratic system, ensuring that government remains responsive and accountable to the people it serves.
The challenges you face are immense, and balancing the needs of your community with limited resources can feel overwhelming. But despite these pressures, the importance of your work cannot be overstated. You are the architects of your community’s present and future. Your decisions today shape the path forward for your cities, counties, and special districts.
At ILG, we recognize the immense responsibility that comes with local leadership. We understand that public service isn’t just about making decisions – it’s about continuously growing as leaders, adapting to new circumstances, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to public service. That’s why we are here to support you. Whether through workshops, leadership training, or capacity-building services, ILG offers resources designed to help you and your teams thrive in these challenging times.
We are committed to providing tools that support effective leadership, from resilience and adaptation best practices, to leadership and community engagement. Our programs help you stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and staff to lead with confidence in an ever-changing world.
As we also recognize Black History Month this February, it is a time to reflect on the tremendous contributions of Black leaders at the local level and beyond. Diverse communities are the threads in the fabric of our nation. Let’s continue to honor these legacies as we work to build more inclusive and equitable local governments that reflect the many strengths of all our residents.
Above all, I want to thank you for your dedication to public service. It’s a difficult, often thankless job, but your work has a profound impact on the lives of Californians. The challenges of today are significant, but with your leadership, we will continue to build resilient, thriving communities.
Thank you for all you do. ILG stands with you, ready to support you as you lead with compassion, integrity, and vision.
Warmly,
Erica L. Manuel
CEO & Executive Director
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HELP US BUILD OUR TRAINING SCHEDULE & RESOURCE LIBRARY | | |
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We’re building out our training calendar and priority projects for 2025-2026. Email your suggestions for publication updates, webinars, workshops, and conference session topics to info@ca-ilg.org.
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NEWS & FEATURED OFFERINGS | |
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How Is Your Agency Training and Onboarding New Elected Officials?
ILG Offers Customized Leadership and Governance Workshops
In addition to providing a suite of materials for newly elected officials, ILG offers tailor-made training to enhance leadership and communication skills that can help foster a culture of trust and respect in your community.
ILG offers customized workshops for cities, counties, and special districts to help all California local governments bring civility back to public meetings and address civil discourse. These private sessions are available virtually and in person upon request. They are specifically tailored to your agency’s unique needs and can cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Civility in Public Meetings
- Building Trust through Engagement
- Creating Effective Councils and Boards
- Goal Setting/Strategic Planning
- Developing Governance Tools: Policy Handbooks, Codes of Conduct, Ethics and/or Civility Policies
- Understanding Roles and Responsibilities
- Team Building
- Communicating for Success
Find out more.
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Join the Bridge Apprenticeship Initiative Pilot Program
Bridge is ILG’s new initiative designed to support California’s local governments in recruiting and attracting workers through Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand fields like accounting, human resources, IT, health and human services, and more.
The Interest Form for the Bridge Pilot Program is now open! If selected, ILG will provide local government participants with the support and guidance to develop and implement apprenticeship programs that meet their unique needs. Jurisdictions from the Central Valley and Bay Area are encouraged to apply. The pilot program is open to cities, counties, and special districts.
Complete the Interest Form here. And find out more about Bridge here.
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WEBINARS, TRAININGS & EVENTS | |
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Stanford Local Governance Summer Institute
July 20-25, 2025
ILG is a proud partner in Stanford University’s Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI). The Institute is currently accepting applications for this year’s cohort, scheduled for July 20-25.
This program offers city managers, county executives, regional directors, and other senior local government officials the opportunity to exchange ideas and acquire tools for improving local government performance and enhancing prospective analytical capacity to innovate and anticipate societal change. Attendees will learn new skills related to public finance, negotiating, and strategic planning, while hearing about innovative solutions and technological advancements supporting the emergence of smarter, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities in California and around the world. LGSI is supported and endorsed each year by several professional organizations, including ILG. Learn more.
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Climate Resolve - Regional Summit on California's Climate Crisis and Resilience Strategy
February 27-28, 2025
CA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY AUDITORIUM, SACRAMENTO, CA
Join California state officials, city and county representatives, researchers, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs working together to address one of the most urgent challenges facing our state today: the climate crisis. This summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions, share insights, and formulate a comprehensive resilience strategy aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in California. ILG’s CEO & Executive Director Erica Manuel will be speaking on a panel on "Elements of Climate Resilience Blueprints with Case Studies." Read more.
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DECEMBER/JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS | |
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ICYMI - Building Support for Ballot Measures: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from the 2024 Election
In December, ILG facilitated a webinar that shared best practices and innovative approaches for surveying communities, rallying resident support, and navigating the legal and political landscape of ballot measures. Attendees heard about valuable tools for communicating about these measures and driving positive change in their communities. Access the recording and materials here.
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Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project Regional Meeting
ILG participated in the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project Regional Meeting, where leaders from education, workforce development, and government came together to advance apprenticeship opportunities across California. Special thanks to Lisa Cardoza (American River College President), Chancellor Sonya Christian, PhD, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) for their leadership in driving workforce innovation.
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Cal Cities Governance Transparency and Labor Relations Policy Committee Meeting
ILG's Erica Manuel presented to city staff and elected officials at the January Cal Cities' Governance Transparency and Labor Relations Policy Committee. The discussion focused on key workforce challenges, and ILG shared insights on ongoing efforts to support workforce development at the local government level.
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Cal Cities Mayors and Council Members Academy
Team ILG recently attended both the Northern California and Southern California sessions of the Mayors and Council Members Academy. We hosted the required ethics and harassment prevention sessions at both conferences, connected with ILG board members and partners, and were excited to welcome newly elected officials into the ILG and Cal Cities family.
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CSAC Challenge Awards Dinner
February 13, 2025
LIBRARY GALLERIA, SACRAMENTO
The annual CSAC Challenge Awards recognize California Counties’ innovative and creative spirit as they find new, effective, and cost-saving ways to provide programs and services to their residents. Join CSAC for the inaugural Challenge Awards Dinner to celebrate the 16 award-winning county programs selected in 2024. Register here.
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Cal Cities – Planning Commissioner Academy
March 5-7, 2025
HYATT REGENCY SONOMA
Designed for new and seasoned planning commissioners alike, this conference provides city officials with information about the roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner, offers a basic legal and practical framework, and helps foster relationships with fellow planning commissioners. Previous topics included CEQA, how to prepare findings and conditions of approval, the planning commission’s role and responsibilities, diversity and inclusion, leadership, relationships between commission, staff, and city council, key legislative issues, and more. ILG will also be hosting the state mandated ethics and harassment prevention sessions for new and returning planning commissioners. Register here.
ILG is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies that each session/activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California. Provider #13881
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CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy
April 21 - 24, 2025
La Quinta (Palm Springs Area)
CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy offers curriculum-based training built around the essential partnership between board members and general managers. Designed for both new and seasoned board members, the groundbreaking curriculum equips attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively and uphold vital governance responsibilities. This conference fosters collaborative leadership and sets a strong foundation for achieving shared goals within your special district. Read more.
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Form 700 Updates
Are you wondering how to navigate the new requirement for filing Form 700s through the FPPC’s online portal? Regional Government Services (RGS) shares some tips on what you need to know:
What’s new?
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AB 1170 is now in effect for agencies where the FPPC is the filing official.
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Officials must file their Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) using the FPPC’s Portal.
- The FPPC no longer accepts paper filings or hard copies of Form 700s.
- You may want to use expanded statements if you file for multiple agencies.
- The FPPC will not accept other filing systems, including digital alternatives.
Does this apply to you? If you’re unsure whether this new rule affects your agency, check your agency’s Conflict of Interest Code.
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CivicWell Policymakers Conference
March 13-16, 2025
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Since 1991, the CivicWell Policymakers Conference has gathered local elected officials from across California in an inspiring and collaborative environment. This year’s agenda includes Toni Atkins, Wade Crowfoot, Dave Jones, a conversation with speakers from communities impacted by wildfire, and much more. Visit 2025 CivicWell Policymakers Conference for more information.
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Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Presents Redaction Refresh Series 2025
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
Redaction Refresh is a webinar series designed to assist public agencies in understanding the proper use of exemptions written into the Public Records Act (“PRA”). This webinar series focuses on best practices that can help agencies properly assess when an exemption may apply and, if appropriate, how to apply the exemption to avoid infringing on the public’s right of access. For more information and to register, click here.
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All-America City Award – Accepting Applications
Each year, the National Civic League honors ten communities with the All-America City Award, recognizing excellence in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. This award highlights the potential within every community to address tough challenges and drive meaningful change through the collective efforts of residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders. The application deadline has been extended to March 6, 2025! Cities, counties, tribes, and community organizations of all types are invited to apply.
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California Climate & Energy Forum – Accepting Session Proposals
The 16th Annual CCEC Forum is looking for session proposals to showcase bold, innovative solutions for climate action and clean energy. With the theme Hope in Action: Local Leads the Way, this year’s forum will highlight the critical role of local leadership in addressing the climate crisis and advancing equity. The two-day event brings together local and regional governments, state agencies, nonprofits, CBOs, and private sector leaders to collaborate, share strategies, and inspire action. Submit your session proposal by February 7.
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