First-Time Attendee Schedule (La Quinta) April 21-24, 2025

REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION

Take a moment to network with your peers from throughout the state at this informal networking reception. Reception includes light appetizers.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

*This session covers Module 1 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Governance Foundations.

In this conference session, the instructor will lay the groundwork for good governance in your district.

Attendees will discover:

• Why good governance is so important to the overall wellbeing of the district
• The traits of effective board members
• What good governance means and how to effectively put it into practice
• How to move your board from “I” to “we,” including how to become an effective team, establish team standards, and essential conditions for team building

Break (All Attendees)

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Building a Foundation for Good Governance (continued)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch Provided (All Attendees)

Sponsored by the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA)

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Defining Board/Staff Roles and Relationships

* This session covers Module 4 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Board’s Role in Human Resources

This conference session will teach participants how to determine the human resource (HR) health of their district and what areas to focus on as a board and individual governing official including:

• Identifying the board’s role in human resources
• Recognizing HR red flags and positive indicators
• Developing and maintaining essential HR policies
• Covering confidentiality and legal liabilities
• Evaluating the general manager

3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

BREAK

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Defining Board/Staff Roles and Relationships (continued)

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sip and Savor Evening Reception

Join us for a lively evening of networking and refreshments.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Fulfilling Your District’s Mission: Charting the Course

* This session covers Module 2 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Setting Direction/Community Leadership

This conference session will highlight the importance of setting the direction for your district. Learn the critical components of direction setting for your district along with how to avoid planning pitfalls. Attendees will walk through the steps of establishing and fulfilling your district’s mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and how to communicate those objectives to your constituents.

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

BREAK (All Attendees)

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fulfilling Your District’s Mission: Charting the Course (continued)

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Provided (All Attendees)

1:15 – 2:45 p.m.

Get the Word Out! Best Practices for Communication and Outreach

* This session covers Module 2 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Setting Direction/Community Leadership 

This conference session looks at common communication breakdowns and potential areas for improvement in public agency communications. It will discuss proper and effective communication methods to be aware of as a governing official including:

• Identifying audiences
• Responding to public input
• Media relations
• Legislative outreach and advocacy

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

BREAK (All Attendees)

Get the Word Out! Best Practices for Communication and Outreach (continued)     

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

CSDA Benefits B-I-N-G-O sponsored by California CLASS

We love maximizing the benefits we offer. You love winning prizes! Let’s all do what we love at the Special District Leadership Academy Conference. We start with an exploration of membership benefits to make sure your district is taking full advantage of all we provide. Along the way, you’ll win prizes and enjoy refreshing beverages!

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Show Me the Money! What Do Board Members Need to Know about District Finances?

* This session covers Module 3 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Board’s Role in Finance and Fiscal Accountability

This conference session will provide a review and insight of important financial concepts, reports, and policies specific to public agencies including special districts.

Attendees will learn:

• How to ask the right questions
• How to link the finance process to the district mission and goals
• Budget process, budget assessment, and communicating budget information to the public
• How to develop and analyze capital improvement plans and reserve guidelines.

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

BREAK (All Attendees)

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Show Me the Money! What Do Board Members Need to Know about District Finances? (continued)

12:00 p.m.

Graduation Certificate Distribution

First-time attendees must attend all sessions in order to receive their certificate at the conclusion of the conference.