Sunshine Ushers in Conference Season and a NEW Skills Certificate

We all experienced a long, active winter in California this year, and I am embracing the transition from record snowfall and droughtbusting rain through spring’s sunshine that allows us to take full advantage of longer days. As we enter summer, we move into conference season, bringing us together to revitalize relationships and encourage each other to expand our networks and strive for new goals.

I am happy to serve as CSDA President in the year when the new Essential Leadership Skills Certificate program is launched by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). This new certificate rewards the ambition of those who strive to expand their knowledge. With skill building offerings in communication, organizational development, financial management, human resources, leadership, and new laws, those who achieve the certificate demonstrate their commitment to high standards in special district leadership. With so many dedicated professionals participating in educational opportunities, I am excited to see this new certificate recognizing those who have taken the challenge. Who will be among the first to earn the new certificate?

The CSDA conferences offer high quality, tailored content designed for special district professionals. The list includes in-person events for board secretaries and clerks, general managers and leaders, and board members. In addition, there are workshops, webinars, and courses of study that anyone wishing to expand their professional knowledge should consider. If you identify an offering that isn’t in your district’s budget, please don’t be shy about applying for a scholarship at sdlf.org/scholarships.

We hope you are enjoying the updated style of the California Special Districts magazine. This issue includes inspiring content from two of the speakers at the upcoming General Manager Leadership Summit, stories highlighting special districts serving their communities (don’t miss Clovis Veterans Memorial District’s Community Influencers event or the many districts featured for their effort in the Save Our Water state campaign), as well as legal and financial highlights, the ever-popular Movers and Shakers section that shines the spotlight on achievements made by special district professionals, and more. Enjoy!