On-Demand Webinars


On-Demand Webinars must be purchased by the individual viewing the course.  Please do not attempt to register someone else for an on-demand webinar. 
Please visit www.csda.net/support for more information and assistance.

CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority.


Disclaimer: The legal information and course content provided in these on-demand webinars are accurate at the time of recording, but best practices, laws, and regulations may change. Consult your legal counsel for the most current advice, as CSDA cannot guarantee the accuracy or relevance of the content. By accessing these webinars, you acknowledge the aforementioned disclaimer and the importance of verifying information and seeking professional advice as needed.

Closed captioning is available for on-demand webinars. Please note that these captions are automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.


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"But...It's Our Standard Contract" - Sign This, Not ThatOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Patrick Skahan, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Has a vendor ever said “Sign this, it’s our standard boilerplate contract?” Districts are constantly negotiating vendor contracts, but how can they know if the contracts actually protect the district? This presentation will help districts build a better contract by discussing typical terms and identifying potentially problematic provisions. We will provide tips on how to avoid getting stuck with a bad vendor, spot hidden provisions that create liability, and address deal-breaker provisions.

Duration: 1 hour

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points 		WEBCONTRACT
2025 Annual Employment Law UpdateOn-Demand Webinar
Presenter: Michael Youril, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on the latest updates in employment law, designed to help Special Districts stay up to date with the ever-evolving legal landscape. In an era of constant change and heightened employee expectations, it is crucial to understand the implications of new regulations and legislation to maintain a fair and compliant workplace environment.

Duration: 2 hours

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points 		WEB25ANNEMP
2026 Annual Employment Law UpdateOn-Demand Webinar
Presenter: Michael Youril, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Join us for an engaging and informative webinar on the latest updates in employment law, designed to help special districts stay up to date with the ever-evolving legal landscape. In an era of constant change and heightened employee expectations, it is crucial to understand the implications of new regulations and legislation to maintain a fair and compliant workplace environment

Duration: 2 hours

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points 		WEB26ANNEMP
2026 Ethics AB 1234 Compliance TrainingOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Gary Bell, Colantuono, HIghsmith & Whatley PC

State law requires two hours of ethics training every two years and within one year of taking office. The training is also required for certain employees. This webinar or presentation will fulfill this requirement with up-to-date examples, recent developments in the law, and current guidance from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

Duration: 2 hours		WEB2026ETHICS
2026 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors (2 hours)On-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Laura Fowler, Best Best & Krieger, LLP

This two-hour presentation will comply with the requirement of AB 1825 and AB 1661 and will cover: what constitutes sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace; how to recognize and avoid harassment; what procedures to follow if you witness harassment (or are harassed yourself); the potential consequences, including personal liability, of harassment; what constitutes abusive conduct in the workplace in compliance to AB 2053; and orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in compliance with SB 396.

Duration: 2 hours		WEB2026SHP
A Guide to Creating New Board Member OrientationsOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters:
David Aranda, Certified Special District Manager
Tawnia Pett, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Tina Knapp, Orange County Sanitation District

New Board members need a good start. An orientation that is comprehensive, factual, and strategic is crucial as they begin their service and provides them with vital information they need. This course is intended for the District administrators to prepare a proper Orientation process and provides many ideas and methods to bring new Board members up to speed as quickly as possible.

Duration: 1.5 hours		WEBORIENT
AB 2561: New Requirements for Public EmployersOn-Demand Webinar
Presenter: Eric Riss and Jay Trinnaman, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

With the passage of AB 2561, public sector employers now have a duty to report out their employment vacancies.  This new requirement can impact multiple areas including budgets, operations, public perception, and more. This webinar discusses the new requirements, potential impacts for public agencies, and strategies for mitigating possible negative impacts.

Duration: 30 minutes		WEBAB2561
AB 339 Explained: New Labor Notice Rules for Public ContractingOn-Demand Webinar

RCRC, CSAC, UCC, CSDA, and Cal Cities have teamed up to bring you a webinar on what agencies need to know about implementing AB 339 (2025). Effective January 1, 2026, AB 339 updates the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) by establishing new formal notice and procedural requirements for local public agencies related to contracting. For any contracting decision involving services within the scope of work for any represented employees, management must now adhere to a minimum of 45 days' written notice to the affected employee organization before issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotes (RFQ), or renewing or extending an existing service contract. This session offers both policy context and a technical breakdown of the new requirements for contracting under the MMBA, along with strategies for implementation.

Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Please note: This webinar is provided by the Rural County Representatives of California and so is not eligible for CSDA educational credit.		WEBAB339
Accommodating Mental Health Disabilities: Strategies for SuccessOn-Demand Webinar
Presenter: Jennifer Rosner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Public sector disability discrimination claims are on the rise and many employers will face challenges accommodating an employee whose mental disability impacts or limits their job performance. Unlike physical disabilities, mental disabilities can be difficult to recognize and/or accommodate. This presentation will address some of the unique challenges an employer faces when presented with an employee’s mental disability. You’ll learn about an employer’s responsibilities when an unspoken mental disability is suspected; how far an employer is required to go to accommodate a mental disability; knowing when the accommodation process is over; and the circumstances under which an employer can separate a disabled employee.

Duration: 1 hour		WEBDISAB
Are You ADA Compliant? How to Tackle Website and PDF AccessibilitOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Mac Clemmens, Streamline Powered by CivicPlus

Is your district ADA compliant? This session covers two critical components of digital compliance: websites and PDF documents. Learn how to assess your current compliance status, improve accessibility on your site, and make even complex PDFs (like meeting minutes, annual budgets, and scanned documents) fully accessible to all. We’ll share practical tools, checklists, and tips to help you validate and remediate your content, along with real-world strategies for building a more inclusive digital presence for your community.

Duration: 1 hour		WEBCOMPLIANT
Avoiding Common Mishaps-The Reasonable Accommodation ProcessOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Eric Riss and Nate Kowalski - Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

The interactive and reasonable accommodation process is rife with potential legal landmines, and employers can incur significant liability when they fail to recognize or avoid them. This session will address common mistakes made by employers when managing workplace accommodations and provide practical perspectives and strategies to reduce legal risk.

Duration: 1 hour

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points 		WEBSREASACC
Blue Ribbon LeadershipOn-Demand Webinar
Presenters:
Josh Bonner, Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District
Scott Sear, Desert Recreation and Park District

This webinar explores the many awards and recognitions available to special districts, and how the journey to achieving them can help transform your district’s work culture.

Duration: 2 hours		WEBRIBBON
Board Member and District Liability Issues 2025On-Demand Webinar
Presenters: Rebecca Wilson, Lozano Smith, Attorneys at Law

Get a comprehensive overview of liability concerns affecting special districts and their board members. This presentation provides essential guidance on understanding, managing, and mitigating liability risks while serving your community effectively.

Duration: 1 hour

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points 		WEB25LIAB
Board Member/Trustee On-Demand Webinars BundleOn-Demand webinars recommended for Board Members/Trustees:
  • Maximize Your Membership Series: Resources for Board Members
  • Demystifying LAFCOs
  • General Manager Evaluations: A Strategic Approach that Works
  • Who Does What? Best Practices in Board/Staff Roles
  • Board Member and District Liability Issues 2025
  • How to Build a Better Multi-Year Strategic Plan
  • Effective Meeting Management Through Parliamentary Procedure
  • Mastering Good Governance for a Better Board and Better District
  • Successful Communication Strategies for Public Agencies
  • Brown Act Update 2026
  • SB 707 Brown Act Revamp
  • Intro to Special District Finances for Board Members
    		• BOARDMEMKIT
    Board Secretary/Clerk BundleOn-Demand Webinars recommended for Board Secretaries and Clerks:
  • Maximize Your Membership Series: Resources for Board Secretaries/Clerks
  • A Guide to Creating New Board Member Orientations
  • Customer Service Excellence in the Public Sector
  • Successful Communication Strategies for Public Agencies
  • California Public Records Act Update
  • Tune Up to Get, and Stay, in Peak Legal Shape
  • Understanding the Roles/Responsibilities of Public Employees
  • Unlocking Efficiency with Time-Saving Cloud Tools
  • Who Does What? Best Practices for Board/Staff Roles
  • Brown Act Update 2026
  • Are You ADA Compliant? How to Tackle Website and PDF Accessibility
    		• BOARDSECKIT
    Bridge the Gap: Interim Financing Solutions for Your Agency's NeedsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Bill Morton, Municipal Finance Corporation

    Temporary or unexpected funding gaps can increase costs, delay critical infrastructure, and affect your district’s ability to best serve your communities. Learn how special districts can leverage short-term debt to keep projects on track and maintain critical cashflow for agency operations.

    Please note: this webinar is offered for informational purposes only and does not qualify for educational credit.

    Duration: 45 minutes    		WEBBRIDGE
    Brown Act Update 2026On-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Oliver Yee, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

    There are important changes to the Brown Act that have come into effect for 2026, including SB 707 on teleconferencing. During this comprehensive legal update on the Brown Act, we will discuss those changes as well as provide a refresher on key provisions of the Brown Act.

    Duration: 2 hours    		WEB26BRACT
    Building Relationships with Your Lawmaker's District OfficeOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: CSDA, Congressman Salud Carbajal's office, Senator John Laird's office, Assemblyman Tom Lackey's office

    Every State Legislator and Representative of the U.S. Congress has at least one district office with a district director and field staff who focus on connecting with and serving the lawmakers’ constituents. This office is your first point of contact, or gateway, to your State and Federal representatives. Our panel of actual lawmakers’ field staff will explain how special districts can best engage, build relationships, and partner with Legislators through the district office.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBBUILDREL
    Building Tomorrow: Mastering Capital Project Financing for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar

    Presenters: Dmitry Semenov, Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC; Rick Brandis, Oppenheimer & Co.; Sandeep Karkal, Novato Sanitary District

    The session will discuss key considerations for capital project financing (bonds, private placements, financing leases, and government loans - USDA, SRF, WIFIA, etc.) and how market conditions impact your district's ability to obtain financing. The session focuses on practical aspects of capital project funding: How municipal financing process is organized What team members you need to have on board How to select appropriate financing tools in different market environments Why interest rate is not the only criteria you should consider What on-going responsibilities you have once debt is issued A market update will also be provided, because even though we may not always know what the future holds, we should always know where we stand right now.

    Duration: 1 hour

    Please note this course is offered for informational purposes only and so does not qualify for a certificate.    		WEBCAPBUILD
    California Government Compensation Reporting Rules & RequirementsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Scott Nelsen and Ian Berg, Starting Line Advisory

    All special districts must file a state compensation report (GCC – Government Compensation in CA) with wage and benefit data by position in April of each year, for the prior calendar year. The GCC Report has many different rules and nuances in how to assemble properly. We will discuss common mistakes made in reporting and how to fix them. Lastly, we will explore different ways to gather the data needed to file the report in based on each payroll system.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBGOVCOMP
    California Public Records Act 2025 UpdateOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Darren Ziegler, Best Best & Krieger, LLP

    In each recent year, either the courts or the Legislature has found a way to expand the scope and responsibilities of public agencies under the California Public Records Act. Requests are more frequent and have become increasingly complicated. Everyone is rightfully looking for innovative ways to handle the barrage of requests received, but there are also tried and tested tools that can help a Special District manage in this new frontier. In this webinar, participants will discover one new tool that can better manage and facilitate requests and will reexamine the benefits of a tried and tested tool that can reduce production costs. Additionally, the discussion will feature best practices that each Special District can begin to implement right away.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points     		WEB25CPRA
    California Public Records Act Update 2026On-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Christine Wood, Best Best & Krieger, LLP

    In each recent year, either the courts or the Legislature have found a way to expand the scope and responsibilities of public agencies under the California Public Records Act. Requests are more frequent and have become increasingly complicated. Everyone is rightfully looking for innovative ways to handle the barrage of requests received, but there are also tried and tested tools that can help a special manage in this new frontier. In this webinar, participants will discover one new tool that can better manage and facilitate requests and reexamine a tool that can reduce production costs. The discussion will also feature best practices to implement right away.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points     		WEB26CPRA
    CalPERS UpdateOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Michael Youril, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

    This webinar addresses those compliance issues that CalPERS has been particularly interested in reviewing the last few years and the best strategies for avoiding running afoul of the rules. Topics Include examples of the MOU language to use to avoid common pitfalls and the practices to regularly follow to ensure continued compliance.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBPERSUPDATE
    Closing Time: Leading Your District to a Clean CloseOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Katherine Krisch and Heather Rowden, Krisch & Company

    This course will discuss key year-end close steps for Auditors and internal staff. Learn how to make sure you’ve covered all key points and don’t miss important steps!

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBCLOSING
    Contracting for Public Works, Services, Equipment, and SuppliesOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Gary Bell and Aleks Giragosian, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC

    Special districts regularly contract for public works, services, equipment, and supplies. This presentation will discuss the different procedures when contracting for each, the requirements, policies, and ordinances needed by state law, and best practices and pitfalls to avoid for staff and board members. Getting contracting right up front saves time and expense later on.

    Duration: 90 minutes    		WEBCONTRACTING
    Creating a Workplace of Respect: A Guide for Special District LeadersOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Lorie Reichel-Howe, Conversations in the Workplace

    Implement a process for creating clarity around behavioral expectations, establishing buy-in to established expectations, and training people to hold accountability conversations anytime behaviors cross the line from respect to disrespect.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBRESPECT
    Customer Service Excellence in the Public SectorOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Gil Morales, CPS HR Consulting

    Unlike many businesses that provide customer service, public service providers are often the only game in town. This customer service training program is designed for public employees who routinely deliver services in the field. This class will explore the Three Dimensions of Service as they apply to your agency: the human dimension, the business dimension, and the hidden dimension.

    Duration: 2 hours    		WEBCUSTEXC
    Cybersecurity Checklist for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Amber Mena, VC3

    About 25 percent of local governments don’t have a cybersecurity plan in place. So, where do you begin? — We’ve distilled tips, best practices, and recommendations into a checklist that special districts can use to score themselves, find cybersecurity gaps, and create an action plan.

    Duration: 45 minutes    		WEBCHECK
    Dealing with Evolving Boundaries and BoardsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Jeff Hoskinson, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

    Overview of controlling laws and regulations related your special district governance, from elections, to vacancies, to the transition to By-Division voting, and beyond.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBBOUND
    Demystifying LAFCOsOn-Demand Webinar

    Demystifying LAFCos: Boundaries, Latent Powers, Consolidations, Municipal Service Reviews, and More

    Presenters:
    Gary Bell and Matthew Summers, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
    Joe Serrano, LAFCO of Santa Cruz County

    ?This session will provide a practical, informative discussion of the key provisions of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act, how LAFCOs work on the ground, and how and why special districts benefit from being informed and active participants with LAFCO. Taught by two attorneys with significant LAFCO experience, as well as a LAFCO executive officer, this webinar provides attendees an overview of the LAFCO process and why it is important for special districts. Topics will include: LAFCO role and laws governing agency formations, consolidations, dissolutions, and boundary changes, e.g. annexations, detachments; LAFCOs’ power over services, such as when a special district seeks to expand or activate a latent service power; and municipal service reviews and how districts can turn MSRs to their advantage. Board Members, General Managers, and staff will benefit from the tips for a successful LAFCO process, and will learn how special districts can ensure their voice is heard by serving as special district representatives on LAFCO Boards.

    Duration: 2 hours    		WEBDEMYSTIFY
    Developing and Updating Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar

    Developing and Updating Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans for Special Districts: Aligning with Current Standards and Best Practices

    Presenters: Tony Coletta and Elizabeth Sallack, Jacob Green & Associates

    Join us for an essential 2-hour webinar designed to guide California's special districts through the process of developing, updating, and implementing effective Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). This session will provide a comprehensive approach to creating EOPs that align with current standards and address the unique needs of special districts. Our expert presenters from Jacob Green & Associates will lead attendees through the critical components of a robust EOP, highlighting recent legislative requirements and best practices in emergency management. This webinar is tailored to address the specific challenges and responsibilities of diverse special districts across California.

    Key topics include:
  • Essential components of a comprehensive EOP based on FEMA's Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101
  • Incorporating SEMS and NIMS principles into your EOP
  • Addressing recent legislative requirements, including AB2311, AB 477 (Access and Functional Needs), and SB 160 (Cultural Competence)
  • Strategies for integrating EOPs with city, county, and state frameworks
  • Developing and incorporating functional annexes, such as EOC Activation Guides
  • Best practices for EOP review, updating, and adoption processes
  • Ensuring EOPs address recovery operations, continuity of operations, and succession of authority
  • Techniques for aligning EOPs with hazard mitigation plans
  • Strategies for training staff on EOP implementation and documenting this training

    Duration: 2 hours
    		• WEBEOP
    Disaster Recovery Checklist and Best Practices for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Amber Mena, VC3

    Could you recover your data after a ransomware attack? What if a tornado or flood struck your town or city? Sure, you may have all your data backed up somewhere, but a disaster recovery plan goes far beyond just data backup. When a disaster hits, it’s not very helpful when the recovered data looks like a big pile of random stuff. How do you piece it back together? How will you recover your data and restore operations after a cyberattack or other disaster? We will share a few fictional stories of what might happen to you, based on our 29 years of experience serving local government. We’ll also share a 9-point disaster recovery checklist that you can use to evaluate your special district.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBDISASTER
    Do's and Don'ts of Initiative CampaignsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Richard D. Pio Roda and Amanda Cusick, Meyers Nave

    The Secretary of State of California publishes a Statewide Initiative Guide to provide an understanding of the procedures and requirements for preparing and circulating initiatives, filing sections of the petition and complying with procedures for verifying signatures. Join Richard D. Pio Roda, Principal in Meyers Nave’s Municipal and Special District Law Practice Group, as he reviews the Do’s and Don’ts of the entire initiative campaign process for Special District employees and elected officials including how to provide impartial and unbiased information to constituents regarding ballot measures.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBCAMPAIGNS
    Do's and Don'ts of Initiative Campaigns - 2025 UpdateOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Richard Pio Roda, Redwood Public Law, LLP

    The Secretary of State of California published a Statewide Initiative Guide to provide an understanding of the procedures and requirements for preparing and circulating initiatives, filing sections of the petition and complying with procedures for verifying signatures. Join Richard D. Pio Roda, Partner at Redwood Public Law LLP, as he reviews the Do’s and Don’ts of the entire initiative campaign process for special district employees and elected officials including how to provide impartial and unbiased information to constituents regarding ballot measures.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEB2025UPDATE
    Effective Management of People in a Hybrid WorkplaceOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Sylvette Wake, CPS HR Consulting

    Effective people management benefits from a diverse toolbox of strategies, approaches, and tools. Managing a remote and hybrid team requires modifying some of your existing tools and adding a few new ones. This class draws on best practices of experienced managers of remote and blended teams and offers you practical ideas to enhance your bag of management strategies.

    Duration: 1 hour

    Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points     		WEBEFFMAN
    Exploring Financial Strategies: Funding Options for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Constantine Baranoff and Adam Thimmig, Lozano Smith, Attorneys at Law

    Special districts, local government entities established for specific purposes like fire protection or water management, have several available funding options. Funding options allow special districts to finance their operations, infrastructure projects, and services while meeting the specific needs of their communities.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBEXPFIN
    Finance BundleOn-Demand webinars recommended for those wishing to increase their knowledge of special district finances:
  • Grant Funding 101 for Special Districts
  • Grant Funding 201 for Special Districts
  • Prevailing Wage Process and Requirements 2026
  • CalPERS Update
  • How to Build a Solid Financial Foundation for Your District
  • Grant Funding Readiness and Continuity Planning for Maintaining Essential Services
  • California Government Compensation Reporting Rules & Requirements
  • Exploring Financial Strategies: Funding Options for Special Districts
  • GASB 68, 75, 87, 96, 101 – What's All the Fuss About?
  • Innovative Approaches to Building Infrastructure: Thinking Beyond Design-Bid-Build
    		• FINANCEKIT
    Fraud Prevention Tools that Keep District Funds SafeOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Reagan Ballo, Five Star Bank

    Join us for a conversation about fraud prevention tools that help keep district funds secure. We will discuss treasury solutions aimed to protect district funds and share cybersecurity best practices to reduce organizational risk.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBFRAUDTOOLS
    From Vision to Action: Special District Planning for ImpactOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Jacob Green, Jacob Green & Associates

    Learn how to create and implement effective strategic plans that align boards, staff, and community goals with measurable outcomes.

    Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes    		WEBVISION
    Fundamentals of Tax-Exempt FinancingOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: CSDA Finance Corporation Consultants

    Special districts can access lower interest rates by taking advantage tax-exempt financing. In this webinar, CSDA Finance Corporation consultants discuss what qualifies for tax-exempt financing, what financing structures are available, and what factors to consider when deciding which option is best for your district. An update on the current market will also beo provided

    Duration: 1 hour

    Please note: This webinar is offered for informational purposes only and is not eligible for educational credit.    		WEBTAXEXEMPT
    GASB 68, 75, 87, 96, 101 – What's All the Fuss About?On-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: James Ramsey, Eide Bailly CPAs

    This session explains the pension (GASB 68) and OPEB (GASB 75) rules in layman’s terms that are simple to understand. We explore the differences between the two GASBs and talk about how they affect your assets and liabilities. We also explore the leases (GASB 87) and IT subscriptions (GASB 96) and explain when they apply and how they affect your district’s financial statements. Lastly, we explore the upcoming GASB 101 that is related to compensated absences and how you can determine if it applies to your district (hint, it most likely does!).

    Duration: 90 minutes    		WEBGASB
    General Manager Evaluations: A Strategic Approach that WorksOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Martin Rauch, RAuch Communication Consultants, Inc.

    A well-executed general manager performance evaluation is crucial for both the manager's success and the board's effectiveness. But many boards tend to fumble, ignore, or mishandle this critical activity. Learn a proven process that will improve communication and understanding between the manager and board; incorporate both subjective and objective criteria for a well-rounded assessment; understand how to align the evaluation with clear policy directions and how to connect the evaluation process to the broader strategic plan and the manager's annual goals. There will be time for questions and answers. Join us to learn how a robust performance evaluation can drive excellence and mutual understanding among your board and staff leadership team.

    Duration: Approximately 2 hours    		WEBGMEVAL
    General Manager On-Demand Webinars BundleOn-Demand webinars recommended for General Managers:
  • Maximize Your Membership Series: Resources for General Managers
  • Maximizing Employee Potential through Coaching
  • Understanding Board & District Liability Issues
  • Demystifying LAFCOs
  • CalPERS Update
  • Mastering Good Governance for a Better Board and Better District
  • How to Build a Better Multi-Year Strategic Plan
  • How to Develop Your Agency's Succession Plan
  • SB 707 Brown Act Revamp
  • Who Does What? Best Practices for Board/Staff Roles
  • Brown Act Update 2026
    		• GMKIT
    Grant Funding 101 for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Alex Gibbs, Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.

    This session explores how special district staff can best to position their organizations to receive local, state and federal grant funds, including how to find relevant grant opportunities, grant writing best practices and how to advocate during and post grant submittal.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBGRANTFUND
    Grant Funding 201 for Special DistrictsOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Alex Gibbs, Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.

    This Halloween grant writing webinar builds on the previous Grant Writing 101 edition held in March (currently in our On-Demand Library as "Grant Funding 101 for Special Districts"). Grant Writing 201 provides additional context and information for special districts who already have some experience writing and administering grant funds. Participants will learn how to exorcise the grant writing ghosts of unsuccessful applications past and learn how best to position their district and projects for spooky amounts of success.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBGRANTS201
    Grant Funding Readiness and Continuity Planning for Maintaining Essential ServicesOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Michelle Little and Jason Sirney, Witt O'Brien's

    In this webinar, you will learn more about grant funding that may be available to you and steps to ensure you are ready to take it on. We will briefly discuss FEMA Public Assistance and provide an introduction to working with FEMA Public Assistance, including application, process, and timelines. Our speakers will also discuss continuity planning, a pillar of DHS funding, and provide strategies for maintaining essential services under constraints and discuss funding, skills prioritization techniques, and allocating resources effectively during limited operational capacity.

    Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes    		WEBSERV
    Grassroots Advocacy and Public OutreachOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: CSDA and Washington Media Group

    *Part of the SDLF Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program

    Take Action: Legislative Relations 101
    Since the California State Legislature writes the laws that govern special districts, engaging with your legislators and other stakeholders in the Capitol is a necessary part of leading your district. Legislators always find time to listen to the voters they represent locally. Just as you serve your community, your legislators were also elected to serve. By providing information, cultivating relationships, and becoming a valuable resource, you can ensure your district’s perspective is understood at the state level.
    Take Action: Grassroots Advocacy 101
    It's been said that "when Legislators feel the heat, they see the light." Grassroots advocacy - mobilizing a legislator's constituents to speak out on a particular issue - can be one of the most effective tools for persuading your representatives. Hearing from the voters gives legislators the political cover - and the political motivation - they may need to support your position. By taking the time to identify, recruit, educate and mobilize a handful of voters in a legislative district, you can level up your persuasive power.
    Take Action: Media Relations 101
    The media can be an invaluable tool in reaching your audiences and broadening the reach of your messages, but success with the media doesn't come easy. Reporters face deadlines every day, if not every hour. They must produce multiple stories at once. They need to produce news that’s informative, interesting, and entertaining, because at the end of the day that's what sells. By knowing how reporters work, what kind of information they need, how to answer questions, and how to make your story rise above the noise, you can become a powerful voice on your issues, and a trusted source for future stories.

    Duration: 3 hours    		WEBGRASSADV
    How to Build a Better Multi-Year Strategic PlanOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenter: Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc.

    Whatever the challenges facing your district, it is critical to build a realistic, step-by-step, and well-supported plan to get there. This session will provide concrete guidance on evaluating the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing your district and developing clear board direction for the future. This lively session will feature sharing of actual experiences (good and bad) by the participants and webinar leader. The session will provide numerous practical tips that you can bring home to your district. It will also demonstrate how staff can develop implementation plans and successfully engage the board, executive team, staff, and public in this process. You will also learn how to pin down clear direction in plain English, measure results, and more.

    Duration: 2 hours    		WEBSTRATPLAN
    How to Build a Solid Financial Foundation for Your DistrictOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Scott Nelsen and Corey Mize, Eide Bailly CPAs

    The session discusses the financial policies most districts should have such as the reserve policy, investment policy, debt policy, budgeting polies, procurement and purchasing policies, and pension and OPEB funding policies. Learn the do’s and don’ts of each policy, with samples of each. This webinar also instructs on expense reimbursement policies and accounting policies and procedures. Fianlly, participants with learn checks and balances to ensure proper internal controls are in place to administer the policies effectively.

    Duration: 1 hour    		WEBSOLID
    How to Develop Your Agency's Succession PlanOn-Demand Webinar
    Presenters: Kammy Haynes and Craig Atkinson, CPS HR Consulting

    This session will explore the critical importance of succession planning in ensuring organizational continuity, leadership stability, and long-term success. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what effective succession planning involves, including identifying key roles, assessing internal talent, and creating targeted development strategies. The session will highlight practical tools and approaches for building a strong talent pipeline, fostering leadership readiness, and minimizing disruption during transitions. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing plan, this session will provide actionable insights tailored to public sector and agency needs.

    Duration: 1.5 hours    		WEBSUCCPLAN