Returning Attendee

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Pre-Conference Workshop: Electronic Records Management - Includes AI, Social Media and Other Opportunities*

Diane Gladwell, Gladwell Governmental Services

What are the current best practices for managing electronic records in special districts? What practices should your agency avoid? Diane R. Gladwell, MMC, has assisted more than 250 California local government agencies in implementing best practices and gaining control over their electronic records. In this session, she will share both best and worst practices, along with legal compliance requirements for special district electronic records.

$325 CSDA Member / $650 Non-Member**

*Optional, Pre-payment / pre-registration required – limited space – register early!
**Price includes lunch

Register (link https://members.csda.net/EventDetail?EventKey=WORK110326)

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Pre-Conference Workshop #2: Words That Work: Mastering the Craft of Staff Reports, Agenda Titles, and Meeting Minutes*

Stephanie Smith, Best Best & Krieger LLP

 Whether you’re briefing a board, informing the public, or capturing the official record, the words you choose matter. This full-day pre-conference workshop is designed for clerks, executive assistants, analysts, and other district professionals ready to elevate their writing game and communicate with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

We’ll explore how to write staff reports that tell a compelling story and meet legal, administrative, and policy requirements. You’ll learn how to craft agenda titles and recommended actions that are precise, purposeful, and easy to understand. And when it comes to minutes? This session goes beyond the basics to focus on narrative techniques that ensure your minutes are both accurate and accessible, with just the right tone of neutrality and professionalism.

With hands-on exercises, real-life examples, and peer discussion, you’ll leave with practical tools, sample language, and confidence to write with authority, no matter the audience.

$325 CSDA Member / $650 Non-Member**

*Optional, Pre-payment / pre-registration required – limited space – register early!
**Price includes lunch

Register

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) Exam, Special District Leadership Foundation*

*Optional - must be scheduled prior to the conference

4:15 - 5:15 pm

CSDA Benefits Bingo

We love helping members maximize their benefits. You love winning prizes! Let’s all do what we love at the Board Secretary/Clerk 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!

Reasons to attend:

• We mentioned prizes, right?
• Learn how to navigate our website and community portal; Members and non-members alike benefit.
• Explore CSDA value-added benefits that may save your district money!
• BINGO is for everyone! Members & non-members all benefit
• Meet new peers! This activity has a way of bringing people together because it’s fun!

5:30 - 7:00 pm

Registration and Opening Reception: Golden State Eras Tour: A Decades Party

Step into California through the decades for a high-energy reception featuring great food, beverages, and nonstop entertainment from the always‑crowd‑pleasing Killer Dueling Pianos. From classic hits to modern anthems, request your favorites and sing along as the eras come alive. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade and celebrate the sights, sounds, and style that make the Golden State iconic.

8:30 - 9:45 am

General Session: The Power of Energy Intelligence: Staying Grounded, Focused & Fully Charged in Demanding Roles

Marli Williams

In a world that never slows down, energy—not time—is your greatest asset. Board Secretaries / Clerks carry significant responsibility, navigating complex regulations, political dynamics, public scrutiny, and constant change while serving as a steady, trusted presence for others. Through this powerful and practical keynote, Marli Williams introduces Energy Intelligence, a human-centered framework for understanding, managing, protecting, and directing your energy with intention. Designed for service-based professionals, this session offers a sustainable alternative to burnout and overwhelm, focusing on how to stay grounded, focused, and resilient in high-pressure environments.

This keynote isn’t just a talk—it’s a reset. Participants will gain simple, actionable tools to protect their energy, respond with clarity and confidence, and reconnect with purpose in the essential work they do. Attendees leave feeling validated, re-energized, and fully charged to meet what’s next.

9:45 - 10:15 am

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Breakout Session Options

SB 827 Required Fiscal & Financial Training

Josh Byerrum, Platinum Strategies, Inc.

This session provides a comprehensive overview of the new mandates under Senate Bill 827, which require local agency officials to complete fiscal and financial training. Attendees will satisfy the new compliance requirement while gaining practical understanding of municipal budgeting, financial reporting, capital financing, debt management, and ethical stewardship of public resources. For officials commencing service on or after January 1, 2026, this training must be completed by no later than six months from the first day of service with the local agency. Every local agency official in a local agency’s service as of January 1, 2026, and commenced that service prior to January 1, 2026, must receive this training before January 1, 2028.

This session fulfills the new SB 827 Fiscal and Financial Training requirements. A separate digital certificate will be issued after the conference.

Update on the Brown Act, Remote Participation, and Teleconferencing Under SB 707

Taylor Foland, Richards Watson Gershon

Recent updates to the Brown Act under SB 707 bring important changes to public meeting requirements, enforcement, and compliance expectations for local agencies. This session is designed specifically for board clerks and secretaries, providing a clear, practical overview of what has changed, what remains the same, and where agencies face increased risk. Learn how SB 707 affects meeting procedures, public participation, and cure-and-correct demands, and what steps board clerks/secretaries should take to ensure compliance and protect their agency.

The Creativity Habit: Critical vs. Creative Thinking for Problem Solving

Stephanie Smith, Best Best & Krieger LLP

In this interactive session, explore the powerful dynamics between critical and creative thinking and discover how to use both to solve complex district government challenges. We’ll debunk the myth that creativity is only for "right-brained" individuals, showing that everyone has the capacity to be creative. You’ll learn practical, neuroscience-backed strategies to enhance problem-solving skills for your team and organization, especially in high-stakes municipal settings. This session will cover whether creativity can be learned, approaches for tackling team-based problems, and how to select the right thinking style for each situation. Walk away with tools to access the parts of the brain that drive creativity, empowering you to approach problems from fresh perspectives and inspire your team to do the same. Perfect for district board secretaries, clerks, and leaders aiming to make a meaningful impact through innovative problem-solving.

12:15 - 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

1:30 - 2:45 pm

Breakout Session Options

The Calm Center, Crisis Communications for Administrative Staff

Shim Lacy, Stockton Port District

Participants gain tools to communicate clearly, stay grounded, prioritize effectively, and support leadership during emergencies and high-stakes situations within public sector and special district environments.

The Anatomy of a Record

Jennifer Ransom and Christine Wood, Best Best & Krieger LLP

This session provides an overview of what makes a record a record, including concepts such as whether information is created, owned, used, or retained by an organization. The training will discuss the many forms records can take, including paper files, emails, text messages, metadata, audio and video recordings, cloud-based information, and data stored on personal devices. The session will also introduce records preservation principles and electronic discovery concepts, including how records are identified, maintained, and preserved across modern information systems. The session will generally address the intersection between records preservation obligations and the California Public Records Act.

Don't Confuse Kindness with Weakness: How to Handle Disruptive Public Meetings

Dave Fleishman, Richards Watson Gershon

Learn how to handle disruptive meetings online and offline without losing your cool. This presentation will cover how districts can meet their legal obligations to allow open, honest discourse while navigating free speech concerns. The discussion will include important safety tips, with an emphasis on techniques to handle the most combative public speaker. Role-playing scenarios will allow you to put these tips and tricks into immediate practice.

2:45 - 3:30 pm

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

3:30 – 5:00 PM

Breakout Session Options

AI and the Public Sector Workforce

Dr. Frank Olmos, CPS HR Consulting

Gain insight into AI’s rapid expansion in special districts, including associated legal risks, policy considerations, and governance solutions designed to help agencies adopt AI tools responsibly while safeguarding public trust and operational integrity.

Fixing Dysfunction: Practical Tools for Civility, Alignment and Effective Governance

Rock Rockenbach, Rock Solid Options

Practical governance approaches for board secretaries/clerks to prevent and address dysfunction across organizational levels by strengthening communication, role clarity, civility, and leadership alignment.

Stop Being Conflicted – Conflicts of Interest Best Practices and Legal Updates

Jeff Frey and Nicolle Falcis, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Every public employee risks encountering conflict-of-interest issues without a solid understanding of California’s conflict-of-interest laws. Simply reading the statutes and regulations often isn’t enough, as the law’s nuances can be complex and challenging to interpret. This presentation will provide an overview and legal updates on conflicts of interest, including Government Code section 1090, the Political Reform Act, and common law conflicts.

5:30 - 7:00 pm

Networking Reception: Gratitude and Glow

Join us for a relaxed evening designed to recognize and appreciate the important work you do every day. Join colleagues for a casual reception featuring a canned food drive supporting the local community—plus, bring a canned food donation to be entered to win fun prizes! Enjoy a well‑deserved break with mobile chair massages, capture a lighthearted moment with a live caricature artist, and unwind in a welcoming space focused on connection, appreciation, and giving back.

Breakout Session Options

Emotional Intelligence for Board Secretaries and Clerks 

Sylvette Wake, CPS HR Consulting

Being able to properly understand, identify, and work with the emotions of yourself and others is an essential component of being an effective board secretary/clerk. These skills can be used not only to keep employees happy in the workplace, but also to improve business performance.

Website Woes & Wins: A Board Secretary’s Guide to Staying Compliant

Stephanie Smith, Best Best & Krieger LLP

In 2026, a district’s website is more than a communication tool, it’s a legal and transparency requirement. From ADA accessibility and mandated postings to election information, public records, and board materials, Board secretaries are increasingly responsible for ensuring district websites meet state law, public expectations, and modern usability standards. This practical, fast-paced session walks Board secretaries through the essential components of a legally sound, accessible, and easy-to-navigate district website. Participants will explore new transparency trends, recent state legislation, and common compliance gaps that may expose districts to compliance risks. Attendees will also learn how to conduct a 30-point internal website audit, avoid accessibility pitfalls, work effectively with IT and consultants, post materials consistently, and prepare their sites for the 2027 legislative cycle. By the end of the session, participants will leave with the tools and confidence to ensure their district’s website is accurate, compliant, and ready for increased public scrutiny.

Internal Controls and Fraud Prevention in Special Districts

Josh Byerrum, Platinum Strategies, Inc.

Learn how to design, implement, and monitor internal controls through effective segregation of duties, policy development, and fraud-prevention strategies, supported by real-world examples that strengthen asset protection and financial reporting accuracy.

10:00 - 10:30 am

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Breakout Session Options

Tools of the Trade: Exhibitor Demos

See today’s most useful products and services in action during this quick‑hit demo session. Exhibitors will walk through solutions designed to streamline agendas, records management, compliance, communications, and daily administrative work.

Steady at the Center: Practical Resilience for Board Secretaries and Clerks

Katie Distelrath, Jacob Green & Associates

Board secretaries and clerks are expected to be calm, precise, and adaptable, even when operating under intense pressure. From managing complex agendas and compliance requirements to navigating public meetings and sensitive board dynamics, the role demands a unique combination of technical expertise and emotional resilience.

This session moves beyond high-level discussions of resilience and focuses on what actually works in the moment. Participants will explore how pressure impacts decision-making, communication, and performance, and will learn practical strategies to stay composed and effective when it matters most.

Using real-world scenarios relevant to board secretaries and clerks, this session will cover techniques for maintaining clarity during fast-paced meetings, responding professionally to conflict or tension, and recovering quickly from mistakes or unexpected disruptions. Participants will also learn how to create sustainable personal systems that prevent burnout while maintaining high standards of performance.

The session is interactive and application-focused, incorporating guided reflection, scenario-based discussion, and simple tools that can be implemented immediately. Attendees will leave with a clear, personalized approach to strengthening their resilience, improving their effectiveness in high-pressure environments, and sustaining their performance over time.

This session is designed to complement keynote-level inspiration by translating resilience into practical, role-specific execution for those who serve at the center of governance operations.

Legal Update 2026: What Every Board Secretary and Clerk Needs to Know

Nicolle Falcis, Jeff Frey, and Jamie Bowker, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Staying on top of new laws and evolving legal requirements is essential for Board Secretaries and Clerks who serve as the procedural backbone of special districts. This session will provide a comprehensive update on the most critical legal developments impacting board operations, governance, records management, and compliance. Attendees will gain practical insights into recent legislation, court decisions, and regulatory changes affecting the Brown Act, Public Records Act, ethics requirements, remote meeting protocols, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your district for the year ahead and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor to your board.

12:00 - 1:15 pm

NetworkingLuncheon

1:15 - 2:30 pm

Breakout Session Options

Smart Tech, Sound Governance: Social Media and Artificial Intelligence for California Special Districts

Kristen Steinke and Gena Burns, Burke, Williams & Sorenson, LLP

This presentation will discuss how special districts can leverage social media and artificial intelligence to engage with the community in a direct manner, while also being cautious of the legal implications of using these tools.

Smooth Transitions: Mastering the Onboarding of New Board Members

Stephanie Smith, Best Best & Krieger LLP

Proper onboarding is a cornerstone of effective governance, and the role of the clerk is pivotal in ensuring a successful transition for newly elected or appointed board members. But onboarding isn’t just about welcome packets and first meetings, it’s about building a foundation for informed decision-making, ethical conduct, and collaborative leadership from day one. This session will cover best practices for orienting new members, including tips for streamlining the process, setting expectations, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. We’ll also explore how to handle unexpected board vacancies, interim appointments, and the unique dynamics of bringing new members into an existing team. Whether you're preparing for an election cycle or facing a mid-term seat to fill, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to keep your board, and your agency, moving forward with confidence.

Trust-Building with Your Communities Through Communications

Ryder Todd Smith, Tripepi Smith

Is your 218 process going poorly? Did a First Amendment audit cause a lot of frustration? Is distrust in your district distracting the Board and staff from the mission? Let's discuss the evolving world of communications, social change and how to help your agency build trust with the communities you serve.

2:30 - 2:45 pm

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

2:45 - 4:00 pm

Breakout Session Options

Public Sector Customer Service

Becky Lunders, CPS HR Consulting

Today’s customers are more demanding, less tolerant, and increasingly impatient. Although customers come from diverse cultural backgrounds and speak different languages, one thing today’s customers have in common is “they want it all, NOW.” This session builds on your already positive and professional service relationships and will help you go one step further to provide exceptional customer service.

District Policies: From Idea to Execution

Olivia Clark, Best Best & Krieger LLP

Have an old district policy that needs updating, a draft policy that needs executing, or a new policy you want to put into practice? This session is optimal for officials and staff who are involved in any policy-making decision and will cover the process from start to finish with real-world examples, draft language, and pitfalls to avoid.

Cybersecurity and IT Strategy for Special Districts

Corey Kaufman, VC3

In this session we will discuss how to develop an IT strategy roadmap. We will identify the necessary items to build an effective and realistic IT strategy.

In this session we will outline the elements needed to build out an effective IT strategic plan. This will include addressing the following items:

• What is required to build an IT Strategic Plan
• Identifying the goals of the local government agency
• How to identify the current risks and build a realistic plan to remediate those risks
• How does this impact the budget 
• How to make sure that we have executed on the plan we put together

4:00 PM

Graduation: Certificates Awarded