Local boards are the reason, and really the only reason, why local control is local. Special district boards are the voices of the community. The truth is that every elected or appointed public official needs to worry about governance because governance is what boards do. It’s what they bring to the table. Governance is taking the wishes, needs, and desires of the community and transforming them into policies that govern the district. Survival of special districts depends in large part on how well-run the boards are.
CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy offers curriculum-based training built around the essential partnership between board members and general managers. Designed for both new and seasoned board members, our groundbreaking curriculum equips attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively and uphold vital governance responsibilities. This conference fosters collaborative leadership and sets a strong foundation for achieving shared goals within your special district.
Attendees will learn:
• How to work as a team
• The roles of the board and staff
• Attributes and characteristics of highly effective boards
• How culture, norms, values, and operating style influence the district
• Specific jobs the board must perform
• How individual values, skills, and knowledge help to shape how effective boards operate
• The importance of moving from “I” to “we” as the governance team
• The board’s role in setting direction for the district; the board’s role in finance and fiscal accountability
• And more!
NOTE: You must complete the first-time attendee track to qualify for SDLF Certificate in Special District Governance.
SDLA Graduate? Join us for our Returning Attendee Track with Two Days of Breakout Sessions with topics such as (sample from previous year):
Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Navigating Community Engagement
Legislative Relations 201
Good Governance
Financial Reporting
Public Agencies and Lawyers
Detailed schedule can be found on the SDLA Website.
First-Time Attendee Schedule of Events
Monday 4/21/25
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration and Networking Reception
Tuesday 4/22/24
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. First-Time Attendee Sessions
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sip and Savor Evening Reception
Wednesday 4/23/25
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. First-Time Attendee Sessions
Open Evening
Thursday 4/24/25
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First-Time Attendee Sessions
12:00 p.m. Graduation Certificate Distribution
Returning Attendee Schedule of Events
Monday 4/21/25
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration and Networking Reception
Tuesday 4/22/25
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Returning Attendee Sessions
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sip and Savor Evening Reception
Wednesday 4/23/25
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Returning Attendee Sessions
4:00 p.m. Conference ends for Returning Attendees
Pricing:
Early Bird Registration on or before March 21, 2025:
$825 CSDA Member
$1,650 Non-member
Regular Registration after March 21, 2025:
$890 CSDA Member
$1,780 Non-member
Send additional attendees from the same district and receive discounted pricing per additional attendee!
Before Early Bird (3/21/25)
CSDA Member $565
Non-member $1,130
After Early Bird (after 3/21/25)
CSDA Member $625
Non-member $1,250
Members: discounted pricing will automatically populate at checkout. Non-members: call to obtain discounted pricing for attendees 2, 3, 4, etc.
Interested in Exhibiting/Sponsoring? Check out all of the opportunities and register here.
Need help paying for this conference? Scholarship funds are available from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). Apply here
HOTEL RESERVATIONS: CSDA room reservations in the CSDA room block start at the rate of $199 plus tax and fees per day. The room reservation cut-off is March 21, 2025; however, space is limited and may sell out before this date.
Information regarding hotel reservations and links to book in the CSDA room block will be emailed to the attendee only (not the individual registering the attendee) within 24 hours of registration.
Cancellations must be in writing and received by CSDA no later than March 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. All cancellations received by this date will be refunded less a $75 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations made after March 21, 2025. Substitutions to another attendee are possible but only for SDLA South (not transferable to another conference) and must be done in writing no later than April 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Please submit any cancellation notice or substitution requests to meganh@csda.net or fax to 916-520-2465.