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Dear Friends of ILG,
As we begin the second month of 2026, I want to acknowledge the reality many local government leaders are facing.
This past year has required steady leadership under extraordinary pressure — navigating uncertainty, heightened scrutiny, and complex dynamics across federal, state, and local agencies, all while continuing to serve communities with care and professionalism. And January continued the trend with unexpected twists and turns.
Over the past few months, I’ve spent time speaking about the erosion of trust in government and what that means for local agencies in California. We are seeing these dynamics play out across the country, in real time. The interplay between federal, state, and local government has never felt more visible — or more consequential. In moments like these, trust at the local level is not optional; it is foundational.
I recently led a discussion at a Cal Cities policy committee meeting that explored the nuance of trust — both the trust between communities and their government, and the equally critical trust between staff and elected leadership. These relationships are distinct, deeply interconnected, and often tested in different ways. Maintaining them requires intention, humility, and a shared commitment to public service.
Trust is essential for any relationship to thrive. It is built through shared values, open and honest communication, empathy, and the ability to stand firm when necessary — or to compromise when it serves the greater good. None of this is easy, particularly during periods of sustained challenge.
As we move through what will undoubtedly be another difficult year, I encourage you to remain grounded in your ideals as local government leaders. Continue to support your communities with integrity, care, and resolve — even when the work feels particularly heavy.
ILG exists to stand beside you during good times and bad. To listen, to learn from you, and to develop programs and resources that help navigate complexity. To that end, we are asking you to complete our annual Priorities Survey. Your input will help ensure we focus our efforts on the areas that matter most, especially in a year when so many issues will feel urgent.
Thank you for all that you have done — and continue to do — in service to your communities. Your leadership matters more than ever.
In gratitude,
Erica L. Manuel
CEO & Executive Director
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Welcome the New Chair of the
ILG Board of Directors!
We’re excited to welcome a new Chair of the ILG Board of Directors, Lydia Romero! Lydia has been a longtime ILG supporter and Board member, most recently as the Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer. Look for a special message from her soon as she shares her vision for 2026 and beyond. Hilary Straus (General Manager Citrus Heights Water District) has assumed the Vice Chair role.
Brett Channing (Assistant City Manager, City of Corona) is now the Immediate Past Chair, and we thank him for his leadership and dedication over the past two years. Last but not least, Aarón Zavala (Assistant to the City Manager, City of Pleasanton) joins the Board as our new representative from Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC), where he is the current Vice President.
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What Do You Need to Get Through 2026? Take the ILG Priorities Survey!
Your perspective matters, and it should drive what support ILG offers next. Our 2026 Priorities Survey is open and we need to hear from you!
This short survey asks:
• Where are you stretched thin at the moment?
• What are the biggest challenges your agency is facing in the coming year?
• What kinds of support would help you the most?
Fill out our survey to help ensure our programs, training sessions, and resources meet your needs as you navigate the complexity of your role. The deadline to complete this survey is Friday, February 13. Every person who completes this survey can enter to win one of two $100 gift cards!
Please contact info@ca-ilg.org if you have any questions.
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Six Practices for Restoring and Strengthening the Public’s Trust in Their Local Government
Erica recently penned an article for Western City magazine that incorporated insights from our panelists on the “Addressing the Erosion of Trust in Local Government” session we hosted at the 2025 Cal Cities Annual Conference. In it, we share six practices that reliably strengthen public trust. We hope these approaches offer a clear starting point for leaders navigating today’s challenging civic environment.
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Last Chance to Register for ILG's February 5 Webinar on 2026 Ballot Measures and Candidate Elections
Thursday, February 5, 12–1:30 PM
As the 2026 election cycle ramps up, local officials and staff have questions about what they can and cannot do when it comes to public outreach and education.
Join us for a discussion of the Fair Political Practices Commission’s campaign finance rules, as well as legal issues pertaining to campaign activity by local officials, including the use of public resources for educational outreach and more.
In collaboration with ILG Partner Richards Watson Gershon
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Navigating Workforce Liability in 2026:
Employment Law Updates to Know
Tuesday, February 10, 12–1:15 PM
Through a practical review of new laws and court rulings in 2025, our panel of legal experts will provide a 2026 roadmap for reducing liability and ensuring compliance across all departments. This Lunch & Learn will help prepare you for the year ahead by translating complex legal updates into actionable takeaways for your agency.
In collaboration with ILG Partner Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
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Rethink Your 2026 Public Meeting & Workshop Approach
with ILG’s Meeting Mastery Training
Wednesday and Thursday, March 4–5,
10 AM – 3 PM each day, via Zoom
Public engagement is often a crucial (and, sometimes, mandated) part of local government projects. As your agency starts on its priorities for 2026, you are likely scheduling community meetings, workshops, committees, and focus groups.
But we know public meetings can be a challenge to plan and run. At ILG, we want to help make your 2026 public engagement efforts a positive and fruitful part of your projects. Our Meeting Mastery facilitation skills and meeting design training has been specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of local government staff responsible for leading community engagement efforts.
With our training, you’ll be empowered to hold successful meetings that promote inclusive and constructive conversations that help foster a more connected and engaged community. Register today to save your spot!
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Join Fellow Local Leaders at the 2026
Stanford Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI)
Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 24
ILG is a proud partner and on the Advisory Committee of Stanford University’s Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI), which offers city managers, county executives, regional directors, and other senior local government officials the opportunity to exchange and acquire tools for improving local government performance. This intensive, one-week program strengthens individual capacities in public finance, negotiating and strategic planning skills, all while introducing participants to innovative solutions and technological advances in the world of California local government.
LGSI is currently accepting applications for this year’s cohort, scheduled for July 19–24. We hope to see you there!
| | ILG AFFILIATE UPDATES & EVENTS | | |
Cal Cities 2026 Planning Commissioners Academy
Sheraton Park Hotel, Anaheim
Wednesday, March 11 – Friday, March 13
Designed for new and seasoned planning commissioners alike, the Planning Commissioners Academy expands an individual’s knowledge on a wide range of topics relevant to their role within their city and fosters relationships and communication with peers. The conference provides information about the roles and responsibilities of a planning commissioner, offers a basic legal and practical framework, and delves into emerging issues of importance for planning commissioners today. Online registration closes Wednesday, March 4.
Don't miss our Speed Session on ILG's Planning Commissioners Handbook. We will also facilitate two state-mandated training sessions: ethics (AB 1234) on Wednesday, March 11 from 10 AM – 12 PM, and harassment prevention (AB 1661) on Friday, March 13 from 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM. You do not need to register in advance, and both sessions offer MCLE credit.
The Institute for Local Government is a State Bar of California minimum continuing legal education (MCLE) approved provider and certifies each activity meets the standards for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the total amount of 2 hours (general credits). Provider #13881.
| | SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE FIELD | | |
Subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter to see the ILG team out and about in December & January!
Our team goes everywhere in California to promote good government at the local level, and we take some great photos while we're at it.
We are building a dedicated space for those visuals, all while streamlining this monthly newsletter a bit more to focus on the education, training, resources, and thought leadership you need to face the complexities of your roles.
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Follow ILG on LinkedIn and Facebook to see
the latest articles & white papers that interest us
To inform our efforts across all four pillars of work, our team is constantly learning about new local government research, data, trends and topics.
If you follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, you'll see us posting the pieces that caught our eye. We hope you find some inspiration from these shares as well!
| | ILG PARTNER NEWS, UPDATES & EVENTS | | |
BBK Telecommunications Team Presents Free Webinar Series
When: Every 2nd Wednesday,
February 4 – April 29
Time: 11:30 AM – 12 PM
Cost: Complimentary
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) is kicking off 2026 with a timely webinar series, "Winter-Ready: Wireline Franchising & Permitting – Broadband, Cable, Fiber." This 7-part webinar series is designed for city and county professionals navigating communications infrastructure in the public Rights-of-Way (ROW). Each session focuses on real-world challenges local agencies face when balancing access, compliance, and compensation.
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What to Know About Nextdoor Ads Manager
As public agencies seek more effective ways to connect with nearby residents, the Nextdoor Ads Manager offers a uniquely local solution. While similar to Meta or LinkedIn’s ad management platforms, Nextdoor’s portal is designed for hyper-targeted engagement, putting messages directly in front of users based on their neighborhood. Learn more in this Tripepi Smith Insights article.
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Apply by February 13 for the California JPIA Spring 2026 Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program
The popular Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program is returning for 2026, offering two cohorts in both spring and summer, providing supervisors with multiple opportunities to join. Each cohort consists of eight classes, spread over four months, with a focus on developing essential skills for peak performance. The spring cohort will be hosted by the cities of Monrovia and Imperial. Registration for the spring track is currently open and will close on Friday, February 13. The cohort runs from March through June 2026.
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Last Chance to Apply for a National Civic League 2026 All-America City Award
Is your community strengthening civic health and building trust? Apply to become a 2026 All-America City and showcase how your community comes together to make decisions and solve problems. This year’s award theme is “America at 250: Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust,” and we will be spotlighting communities that are creatively engaging residents in collective efforts to create thriving and welcoming places where trust and belonging are abundant.
To help accommodate the many competing priorities communities are navigating, the National Civic League has extended the application deadline to Thursday, March 5. This additional time is intended to give communities more flexibility to refine their applications and fully tell their civic story.
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Registration is Open for MMASC’s March 26 Spring Forward Forum in Riverside
MMASC is ready for takeoff with its first 2026 Signature event: Spring Forward Forum - Where Innovation Takes Flight, on Thursday, March 26 at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside.
Registration is now open for an inspiring day designed to help innovation soar in local government, featuring interactive programming in partnership with Partners in Public Innovation. Attendees will connect with new peers and fresh perspectives, co-create solutions through hands-on activities, and leave with practical tools to streamline work and elevate service delivery. The day will wrap up keeping the momentum flying during the Region 4 networking mixer from 4–6 PM.
Early Bird pricing is available now through February 20 ($125 members / $150 non-members). Group registration is also open! $500 for groups of five (one group per organization), limited to the first 12 groups. Visit MMASC.org to register and secure your seat!
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Save the Date: MMANC Women's Leadership Summit on Thursday, May 21
MMANC is excited to announce its 2026 Women's Leadership Summit, taking place Thursday, May 21 in Roseville!
This MMANC Signature Event sells out every year and has a proud history of inspiring, connecting, and empowering local government professionals. The Women's Leadership Summit welcomes ALL professionals at every stage of their leadership journey.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities for this highly anticipated event? Contact the Programs Director at Programs@MMANC.org to learn more.
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