Webinars

Webinar:GASB 68, 75, 87, 96, 101: What's All the Fuss About?

Presenter: James Ramsey, Eide Bailly CPAs This session will explain the pension (GASB 68) and OPEB (GASB 75) rules in layman’s terms that are simple to understand. We will explore the differences between the two GASBs and talk about how they affect your assets and liabilities. We will 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 will 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!). 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Maximize Your Membership: Resources for General Managers

Presenter: Michael Meyer, CSDA We understand that the job of a General Manager can be very demanding. Your membership in CSDA helps keep you current on new laws, best practices, and innovative solutions. Join us as we discuss the tools and resources available to help you best serve your district and create a pipeline for future success. Please note this session is offered for informational purposes only and does not qualify for a certificate. Free to all CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Innovative Approaches to Building Infrastructure: Design-Bid-Build

Innovative Approaches to Building Infrastructure: Thinking Beyond Design-Bid-Build Presenter: Craig Hayes and Michael Maurer, Best Best & Krieger, LLP With demands on existing infrastructure increasing, are there better ways to get major projects built? New legislation allows special districts to implement progressive design-build project delivery methods to hire design and construction teams at the beginning of a project. Special Districts being able to partner and collaborate with preferred design and construction teams provides the opportunity for reduced project risks, cost savings, and, ultimately, better infrastructure projects. However, it can also present unforeseen legal, practical, and political risks and challenges. This presentation will discuss how special districts can successfully use progressive design-build, along with other similar and underutilized alternative project delivery tools, to build public infrastructure. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: New Member Benefit: How to Claim Free Amazon Business for CSDA Members

Presenters: Neil McCormick, CEO, CSDA Tessa Sullivan and Lauren Bolanos, Senior Account Executives, Amazon Business The California Special Districts Association announces a new partnership with Amazon Business. Exclusive to CSDA members, receive free Business Prime and special Government pricing on thousands of essential items. Existing Prime members will receive a pro-rated refund when upgrading their account with CSDA's benefit code. On this webinar, we’ll cover all the benefits of Amazon Business and walk you through how to claim your savings. With Amazon Business Prime’s fast and free shipping, you now have one less thing to worry about! Questions about your member benefits? Contact Member Services at 877.442.7887 or membership@csda.net. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Free to all Please note: this webinar is offered for informational purposes only and so does not qualify for a certificate.

Webinar: Successful Communication Strategies for Public Agencies

Presenters: Maurice Chaney, City of Roseville Nicole Coleman, Sacramento Area Sewer District Lorraine Garcia, Coachella Valley Water District Caroline Gongora, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Developing a communication strategy sets your agency or department on a trajectory for success and serves as a comprehensive roadmap with clear goals, objectives, strategies and tactics. In this session, you’ll gain the expertise to devise measurable communications strategies that will bring clear value to your organization Session Highlights: Crafting a Long-Term Strategy: Learn to create an agency- or department-wide three to five-year communications plan.Tailored Communications Planning: Master the art of creating customized communications plans for various projects, programs, and crises. Comprehensive Planning Process: Dive deep into the planning process, from initial research to final measurement, covering all critical steps in between. Securing Stakeholder Engagement: Gain crucial buy-in from your agency, ensuring a collaborative approach to communication efforts.Collaboration vs. Autonomy: Explore how to effectively collaborate with consultants on your communication plans or confidently tackle them in-house. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: How Special Districts Can Implement Budget-Neutral Energy Efficiency Projects with Low-Cost

Going Green: How Special Districts Can Implement Budget-Neutral Energy Efficiency Projects with Low-Cost Financing Presenters: Stefan Morton, Municipal Finance Corporation; and Dan Mitchell, Centrica Business Solutions Does your district have the need for energy efficiency projects, but you don’t know where to start? Please join to learn about the energy projects available to special districts, the costs and budget impacts of these projects, and how to obtain financing. Speakers will describe the green energy subsidies that are available to public agencies from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, which can help lower project costs and allow Districts to meet their sustainability goals. Speakers will inform you on how to best position your district to get a bank loan, update you on the current market conditions, and how to structure your financing so that debt service payments are offset by energy savings. Please note this session is offered for informational purposes only and does not qualify for a certificate. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free to all. Sponsored by the CSDA Finance Corporation.

Maximize Your Membership: Resources for Board Secretaries/Clerks

Presenter: Michael Meyer, CSDA Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned pro, CSDA’s welcoming community of board secretaries and clerks is here to help. Join us as we talk about ways to connect with your peers, access role-specific guides and trainings, and use your CSDA membership to improve the efficiency of your district. Please note this session is offered for informational purposes only and does not qualify for a certificate. 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Free to all CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Mastering Good Governance for a Better District

Presenter: Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc. Good governance is the foundation of effective, transparent, and accountable leadership of your district, and an essential starting point for building and maintaining an efficient and effective special district. This session is full of practical, proven guidance to help you master the principles of good governance and streamline your board and manager roles and relationships: building board teamwork, carrying out the director’s role with excellence and building a productive relationship with your manager. You will take home ideas for change and improvement, including evaluating whether to have committee meetings and if so, how to structure them; how to ensure your board is focusing on the right information and issues; dealing with difficult directors, improving deliberation and providing clear policy direction to the manager; a pain-free and productive method for evaluating the manager’s performance, and more. This is an interactive session full of examples and real-world ideas. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Developing and Updating Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans for Special Districts

Developing and Updating Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans for Special Districts: Aligning with Current Standards and Best Practices Presenter: Tony Coletta, Jacob Green & Associates, Inc. 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. The speakers willl 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. Participants will gain valuable insights into: Creating or updating EOPs that meet current standards and best practices Ensuring EOPs address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of their districts Developing strategies for effective EOP implementation and staff training Understanding the importance of regular EOP reviews and updates Aligning EOPs with broader emergency management frameworks and adjacent jurisdictions 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Building Tomorrow: Mastering Capital Project Financing for Special Districts

Building Tomorrow: Mastering Capital Project Financing for Special Districts Presenters: Rick Brandis, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Dmitry Semenov, Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC 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. Please note this session is offered for informational purposes only and does not qualify for a certificate. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free to all Sponsored by the CSDA Finance Corporation.

Webinar: Do's and Don'ts of Initiative Campaigns

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. In this update to one of our current on-demand webinar offerings, the speaker will 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. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: California Government Compensation Reporting Rules and Requirements

CA Government Compensation Reporting Rules and Requirements Presenter: Scott Nelsen, 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. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Dealing with Evolving Boundaries and Boards By - Division, Voting, Vacancies and More

Dealing with Evolving Boundaries and Boards: By-Division Voting, Vacancies, and More 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. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors

Presenter: Jacqueline Wade, 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. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Sexual Harassment Prevention for Non-Supervisors

Presenter: Rebecca Green, Richards Watson Gershon Under Senate Bill 1343, passed in 2018, California employers with five or more employees must provide at least 1 hour of training and education regarding sexual harassment, abusive conduct and harassment based on gender to all employees within 6 months of their assuming their role, and every 2 years after. SB 1343 also includes temporary and seasonal employees, who must be trained within 30 days of their hiring or 100 hours worked, whichever is first. This training must be consistent with what is provided to other employees. The requirement for seasonal and temporary workers began on January 1, 2020. This training, via webinar, will satisfy SB 1343 requirements. The webinar is interactive, allowing attendees to ask questions. This webinar will not be recorded; it will only be offered live. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training

Presenter: Gary Bell, Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC State law requires local agency officials to complete two hours of ethics training within the first year of his or her service. Then, every local agency official must receive at least two hours of training in general ethics principles and ethics laws relevant to his or her public service every two years thereafter. This training satisfies these requirements by covering various ethics topics, including a discussion of the Ralph M. Brown Act. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: Accommodating Mental Health Disabilities - Strategies for Success

Accommodating Mental Health Disabilities-Strategies for Success 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. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

Webinar: General Manager Evaluations: A Strategic Approach

Presenter: 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. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free CSDA Member $125 Non-member CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).