Workshops

In-Person Workshop: Navigating Governance and Finance in Special Districts

Presenter: Rick Wood, CSDA

Includes required fiscal training for elected/appointed officials

Join us for a dynamic in-person workshop designed for special district officials and staff.

This session includes:
• Required SB 827 Fiscal & Financial Training (2 hours): Mandatory training for local agency officials satisfying new statutory requirements of SB 827, effective January 1, 2026. Topics include municipal budgeting, financial reporting, capital financing, debt management, and ethical stewardship of public resources.”
• CSDA Resources: Stay informed with the latest developments from the California Special Districts Association, including upcoming programs, resources, and strategic initiatives relevant to district governance and operations.
• Legislative Update: Get the latest insights into current and pending legislation affecting special districts, including advocacy efforts and compliance expectations for 2026 and beyond.  This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen their district’s financial leadership.

This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of changes and strengthen their district’s governance and financial leadership.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 pm

Free to local government attendees from San Bernardino County Use Code FREESANBERN at checkout
$75 CSDA Members (not in San Bernardino County)
$150 Non-members (not in San Bernardino County)

 

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Records Management

Presenter: Diane Gladwell, Gladwell Governmental Services

This interactive workshop will provide information about legal requirements and best practices for e-mail, records retention, and technology options for managing electronic records. This session will also cover media and devices, terminology, electronic records and e-mail retention, document imaging systems, software solutions, and taxonomies. 

Wednesday and Thursday, January 21 and 22, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

2026 CSDM Study Group

2026 CSDM Study Group Now Forming

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the 2026 Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) Study Group. Group members and their facilitator will be members of an exclusive CSDA online community. Each month study group participants participate in one or two conference calls regarding a topic related to the CSDM exam. Participants are responsible for actively engaging in the online community and submitting five sample questions per month regarding that month’s topic. Participants are also required to serve as the presenter during at least one conference call per year to summarize and present reading material for their fellow attendees. 

Earn valuable credit hours – complete the CSDM Online Study Group and receive up to 50 hours toward “related continuing education” on your CSDM application. Topics covered include governance; legal requirements; policy development; ethics in public service; personnel; budgets and audits and more!

Limited class size!  $100 fee to go towards the cost of your CSDM Exam Fee if taken within 1 year of completion.

2026 Schedule

01.21.26 Overview of the CSDM application, scholarships available, and CSDM Prep Community
02.18.26 Laws Governing Special Districts - Part 1
03.11.26 Laws Governing Special Districts - Part 2 
04.15.26 Advocacy  
05.20.26 Finance
06.17.26 Finance Part 2
07.15.26 Governance
09.16.26 Human Resources 
10.21.26 Public Administration

Humboldt Municipal Water District Governance and Strategic Planning Training

Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 1 Governance Foundations

Presenter: Hilary Straus, Citrus Heights Water District

This course teaches the foundational knowledge and skills that identify and define the essential building blocks of a successful board, focusing on the critical elements of governance: effective trustees, board mindset, structure, process and protocols, individual/team standards, board's role and responsibilities.

Wednesday and Thursday, February 11 - 12, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Budget Preparations for Special Districts

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenters: Paula Hansen, Southgate Recreation and Park District, and Rick Wood, CSDA

Developing a budget is one of the most important functions for local government. It is also one of the most difficult. Identifying priorities, forecasting revenue, addressing competing interests, determining the correct strategies, estimating cost of service, and ultimately allocating a limited pool of resources involves careful planning and effective decision-making across an entire organization. 

Wednesday and Thursday, February 18 - 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: Navigating Governance and Finance in Special Districts

Presenter: Justin Williams, MUN CPAs

Includes required fiscal training for elected/appointed officials

Join us for a dynamic in-person workshop designed for special district officials and staff.

This session includes:
• Required SB 827 Fiscal & Financial Training (2 hours): Mandatory training for local agency officials satisfying new statutory requirements of SB 827, effective January 1, 2026. Topics include municipal budgeting, financial reporting, capital financing, debt management, and ethical stewardship of public resources.”
• CSDA Resources: Stay informed with the latest developments from the California Special Districts Association, including upcoming programs, resources, and strategic initiatives relevant to district governance and operations.
• Legislative Update: Get the latest insights into current and pending legislation affecting special districts, including advocacy efforts and compliance expectations for 2026 and beyond.  This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen their district’s financial leadership.

This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of changes and strengthen their district’s governance and financial leadership.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 am Networking and Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Workshop

$75 CSDA Members
$150 Non-members

Price includes continental breakfast

 

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 2: Setting Direction / Community Outreach

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc

This workshop highlights the importance of setting the direction for your district, including the critical components and pitfalls to avoid. Attendees will walk through the steps of establishing and fulfilling your district’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals, and how to communicate those objectives to your constituents. This session looks at common communication breakdowns and potential areas for improvement in public agency communications. Emphasis on communicating as a governing official will include identifying audiences, responding to public input, navigating media relations, and engaging in legislative outreach and advocacy.

Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5, 2026 
9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations

Part of SDRMA Spring Education Day

Presenter: Hilary Straus, Citrus Heights Water District

This course teaches the foundational knowledge and skills that identify and define the essential building blocks of a successful board, focusing on the critical elements of governance: effective trustees, board mindset, structure, process and protocols, individual/team standards, board's role and responsibilities.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

$150 CSDA Member *Special reduced pricing at this location on this date only

Price includes lunch.

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: Navigating Governance and Finance in Special Districts

Presenter: Rick Wood, CSDA

Includes required fiscal training for elected/appointed officials

Join us for a dynamic in-person workshop designed for special district officials and staff.

This session includes:
• Required SB 827 Fiscal & Financial Training (2 hours): Mandatory training for local agency officials satisfying new statutory requirements of SB 827, effective January 1, 2026. Topics include municipal budgeting, financial reporting, capital financing, debt management, and ethical stewardship of public resources.”
• CSDA Resources: Stay informed with the latest developments from the California Special Districts Association, including upcoming programs, resources, and strategic initiatives relevant to district governance and operations.
• Legislative Update: Get the latest insights into current and pending legislation affecting special districts, including advocacy efforts and compliance expectations for 2026 and beyond.  This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen their district’s financial leadership.

This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of changes and strengthen their district’s governance and financial leadership.

Thursday, March 26, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 am Networking and Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Workshop

$75 CSDA Members
$150 Non-members

Price includes continental breakfast

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Prevailing Wage: Basics and Beyond

Presenter: Deborah Wilder, Contractor Compliance and Monitoring, Inc

This workshop will cover the following topics:
• Prevailing Wage Basics and Updates: Review basic contract clauses that need to be in all prevailing wage contracts (including change orders), the requirement that ALL contractors and subcontractors need to be registered, and the penalties which are imposed on the contractor AND the agency for non-compliance.
• You've Got Federal Funding, Now What? Federal funding for a project brings additional prevailing wage requirements. We'll discuss those additional requirements, everything from mandatory contract provisions, to bidding, to apprentices, through final enforcement.
• Prevailing Wage Enforcement - the Deep Dive: This section will include confirming the proper California wage rate and understanding when those rates are issued and go into effect; reviewing audit options and the top issues that contractor miss on their certified payrolls; reviewing apprenticeship requirements and documentation; confirming that training contributions are properly made; and confirming whether subsistence and travel or shift pay is required to close your project with confidence.

Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16, 2026

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Michael Grabow, CPS HR Consulting

This course for supervisors will explore the supervisory skills necessary to work with people in the public sector environment. The course will cover what is expected of a supervisor; how to monitor and evaluate employees; and how to coach, mentor, and motivate employees. Through interactive exercises and engaging dialogue, you will learn how to create effective, productive, and successful teams; describe the various roles of a supervisor; understand the Emotional Maturity Continuum and how to apply it in the workplace; list best practices for effective performance management; practice defining performance standards; explain the GROW model of coaching; identify what motivates people; and list strategies for boosting motivation.

Monday, April 20, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$275 SDRMA Member
$325 CSDA Member
$650 Non-member

Price includes lunch.

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

 

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: Human Resources Boot Camp for Special Districts

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Jack Hughes, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Are you prepared to face the important HR trends that are emerging now? CSDA is pleased to present a full day HR Boot Camp that will cover cutting-edge information that HR professionals at special districts need to know. Divided into four segments: hiring, performance evaluation, employee discipline, and legal trends, this day is designed to maximize your time and give you substantive information you can use at your district right away.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$250 SDRMA Member
$325 CSDA Member
$650 Non-member

Price includes lunch.

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

 

Co-sponsored by 

In-Person Workshop: Financial Management for Special Districts

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenters: Paula Hansen, Southgate Recreation and Park District
Justin Williams, MUN CPAs
Rick Wood, CSDA

Money, money, money…it’s on everyone’s mind and on your job description. Make sure you understand the full scope of financial information affecting special districts today. From budgeting and internal controls to long-term planning and capital improvement plans. Attendees will get the information they need to begin to assess the overall financial health of their district, and the steps needed to make positive changes.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$250 SDRMA Member
$325 CSDA Member
$650 Non-member

Price includes lunch.

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

 

Co-sponsored by 

Virtual Workshop: Organizational Development

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Justin Scott-Coe, Monte Vista Water District

This workshop will help leaders conduct an overall organizational assessment of their district, provide a primer on strategic planning, and instruct on the best practices for leadership development and team building. We will also explore how to handle inevitable changes in your organization, implement effective performance management strategies, promote employee engagement, and handle conflict resolution, including managing disputes and fostering an environment of effective collaboration.

Wednesday and Thursday, May 27 - 28, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Overview of Special District Laws

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Cole Huber LLP

Part One: Board Governance – Brown Act, Ethics, Elections and Vacancies - an overview of board governance  issues. The presentation will address Brown Act requirements, including agendas, closed sessions, committees, voting, teleconferencing, and recording of open meetings. The presentation also includes an overview of public service ethics laws, including conflicts of interest, Government Code section 1090, and related subjects.  Day One will also include an overview of district elections and filling elected positions that become vacant.  The discussion of these subjects will include analysis of recent legal developments and new laws as well as practical tips based on the speaker’s many years of experience advising local agencies.

Part Two: Transparency – Public Records, ADA Website Requirements, and Audits - review compliance issues related to the California Public Records Act (“CPRA”). It will also address California website compliance that integrates the CPRA, Brown Act, and addresses Section 508 ADA Compliance, State Controller Reports, Healthcare District Websites, and Open Data.  The presentation will also address special district audit requirements.

Wednesday and Thursday, June 10 - 11, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Pre-GM Summit: So, You Want to Be a General Manager?

Presenter: Scott Carroll, CSDM, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

A practical career development workshop for senior executives and emerging leaders in special districts. This action-oriented workshop includes: group and panel discussions on the journey, roles and skill sets of a general manager; identifying GM opportunities, including positioning yourself for executive recruitment; developing positive relations with the board, staff and peer agency executives; and leadership practices. Registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. Limited class size - register early!

Sunday, June 28. 2026
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
$130 CSDA Member and Non-member
Sponsored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF)
Price includes continental breakfast and lunch

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Pre-Annual Conference: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations

Presenter: Hilary Straus, Citrus Heights Water District

This course teaches the foundational knowledge and skills that identify and define the essential building blocks of a successful board, focusing on the critical elements of governance: effective trustees, board mindset, structure, process and protocols, individual/team standards, board's role and responsibilities.

Monday, August 24, 2026
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
$325 CSDA Member
$650 Non-member 
Price includes continental breakfast and lunch

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Pre-Annual Conference: So, You Want to Be a General Manager?

Presenter: Scott Carroll, CSDM, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

A practical career development workshop for senior executives and emerging leaders in special districts. This action-oriented workshop includes: group and panel discussions on the journey, roles and skill sets of a general manager; identifying GM opportunities, including positioning yourself for executive recruitment; developing positive relations with the board, staff and peer agency executives; and leadership practices. Registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. Limited class size - register early!

Monday, August 24, 2026
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
$130 CSDA Member and Non-member
Sponsored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF)
Price includes continental breakfast and lunch

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 3: The Board’s Role in Finance & Fiscal Accountability

Presenter: Justin Williams, MUN CPAs

This session will discuss 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. 
• The budget process, budget assessment, and communicating budget information to the public. 
• How to develop and analyze capital improvement plans and reserve guidelines.

Wednesday and Thursday, September 2 and 3, 2026
9:00 am -12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member 

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Michael Grabow, CPS HR Consulting

This course for supervisors will explore the supervisory skills necessary to work with people in the public sector environment. The course will cover what is expected of a supervisor; how to monitor and evaluate employees; and how to coach, mentor, and motivate employees. Through interactive exercises and engaging dialogue, you will learn how to create effective, productive, and successful teams; describe the various roles of a supervisor; understand the Emotional Maturity Continuum and how to apply it in the workplace; list best practices for effective performance management; practice defining performance standards; explain the GROW model of coaching; identify what motivates people; and list strategies for boosting motivation.

Wednesday and Thursday, October 7 - 8, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm each day

$215 SDRMA Member
$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member 

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Human Resources Boot Camp for Special Districts

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Jack Hughes, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Are you prepared to face the important HR trends that are emerging now? CSDA is pleased to present a full day HR Boot Camp that will cover cutting-edge information that HR professionals at special districts need to know. Divided into four segments: hiring, performance evaluation, employee discipline, and legal trends, this day is designed to maximize your time and give you substantive information you can use at your district right away.

Wednesday and Thursday, October 14 - 15, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm each day

$215 SDRMA Member
$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member 

Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

 

Co-sponsored by 

Virtual Workshop: Financial Management for Special Districts

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenters: Paula Hansen, Southgate Recreation and Park District
Justin Williams, MUN CPAs
Rick Wood, CSDA

Money, money, money…it’s on everyone’s mind and on your job description. Make sure you understand the full scope of financial information affecting special districts today. From budgeting and internal controls to long-term planning and capital improvement plans. Attendees will get the information they need to begin to assess the overall financial health of their district, and the steps needed to make positive changes.

Wednesday and Thursday, October 21 - 22, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

$215 SDRMA Member
$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Co-sponsored by 

In-Person Workshop: Navigating Governance and Finance in Special Districts

Presenter: Rick Wood, CSDA

Includes required fiscal training for elected/appointed officials

Join us for a dynamic in-person workshop designed for special district officials and staff.

This session includes:
• Required SB 827 Fiscal & Financial Training (2 hours): Mandatory training for local agency officials satisfying new statutory requirements of SB 827, effective January 1, 2026. Topics include municipal budgeting, financial reporting, capital financing, debt management, and ethical stewardship of public resources.”
• CSDA Resources: Stay informed with the latest developments from the California Special Districts Association, including upcoming programs, resources, and strategic initiatives relevant to district governance and operations.
• Legislative Update: Get the latest insights into current and pending legislation affecting special districts, including advocacy efforts and compliance expectations for 2026 and beyond.  This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen their district’s financial leadership.

This workshop is ideal for board members, general managers, and administrative staff seeking to stay ahead of changes and strengthen their district’s governance and financial leadership.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 am Networking and Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Workshop

$75 CSDA Members
$150 Non-members

Price includes continental breakfast

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

In-Person Workshop: Overview of Special District Laws

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Cole Huber LLP

Part One: Board Governance – Brown Act, Ethics, Elections and Vacancies - an overview of board governance  issues. The presentation will address Brown Act requirements, including agendas, closed sessions, committees, voting, teleconferencing, and recording of open meetings. The presentation also includes an overview of public service ethics laws, including conflicts of interest, Government Code section 1090, and related subjects.  Day One will also include an overview of district elections and filling elected positions that become vacant.  The discussion of these subjects will include analysis of recent legal developments and new laws as well as practical tips based on the speaker’s many years of experience advising local agencies.

Part Two: Transparency – Public Records, ADA Website Requirements, and Audits - review compliance issues related to the California Public Records Act (“CPRA”). It will also address California website compliance that integrates the CPRA, Brown Act, and addresses Section 508 ADA Compliance, State Controller Reports, Healthcare District Websites, and Open Data.  The presentation will also address special district audit requirements.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$325 CSDA Member
$650 Non-member

Lunch is included

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Virtual Workshop: Organizational Development

Qualifies toward the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program 

Presenter: Justin Scott-Coe, Monte Vista Water District

This workshop will help leaders conduct an overall organizational assessment of their district, provide a primer on strategic planning, and instruct on the best practices for leadership development and team building. We will also explore how to handle inevitable changes in your organization, implement effective performance management strategies, promote employee engagement, and handle conflict resolution, including managing disputes and fostering an environment of effective collaboration.

Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 - 3, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day

$265 CSDA Member
$530 Non-member

Need help paying for registration? Click here to apply for a scholarship.