District of Distinction

District of Distinction Accreditation

In a time where proper fiscal management and responsibility in public agencies is paramount and the task of governing these agencies has become even more complex, regulated and costly, it has become increasingly important to demonstrate to constituents that districts have sound fiscal management policies and practices in place among other areas of importance in district operations.

This accreditation is designed as a way for districts to highlight their prudent fiscal practices along with other areas important to effectively operate and govern a special district. Districts will be recognized for three full years.

Requirement for the BASIC Level

All directors/trustees, general manager, and executive staff (as designated by the district) have received training in governance as well as compliance with AB 1234 Ethics Training and AB 1825 Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors.

AB1234 Ethics & AB1825 Harassment TrainingOne Training of Each

Ethics

2026 Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training - October 20, 2026

Live Webinar: Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training

2026 Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training - On-demand Webinar:

On-Demand Webinar: Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training

Harassment for Supervisors

2026 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors - February 4, 2026

Live Webinar: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors

2026 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors - October 6, 2026

Live Webinar: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors

2026 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors - On-Demand

On-Demand: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors

Governance Training Select an Option

The Governance requirement must be fulfilled within the past 5 years for any new Board Members, GM, and or Executive Staff. If the district’s Board and staff have remained the same since their last renewal, they do not need to complete this requirement again.
*Districts with boards larger than 7 need at least a majority of total board members completing this training requirement.

Option #1

Attend ANY module of the Special District Leadership Academy (virtual or in-person in 2026)

Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations: Wednesday and Thursday, February 11 and 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day
Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 2: Setting Direction / Community Leadership: Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day
Workshop: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Sacramento
Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 3: Board’s Role in Finance: Wednesday and Thursday, September 2 and 3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day
Virtual Workshop: SDLA Module 4: Board’s Role in Human Resources: Wednesday and Thursday, December 9 and 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day
Workshop: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations, Monday, August 24, 2026, in Palm Desert (a pre-conference workshop)

Option #2

Attend the Special District Leadership Academy Conference (SDLA):

May 11 – 14, 2026 in San Diego, CA

July 19 – 22, 2026 in San Rafael, CA

September 13 – 16, 2026 in San Luis Obispo, CA

*Completing all four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy, either as standalone workshops OR completing the first-time attend track of the Special District Leadership Academy counts toward the Certificate in Special District Governance, which is also a requirement for higher levels of District of Distinction

Option #3

Can’t make it to one of CSDA’s scheduled governance training? Would your district prefer internal training at your location? We have you covered! With CSDA’s “Governance to Go” program, you can complete an online request for training that works for you and your district. All of our governance training options also meet the requirement for six hours of governance training for the District of Distinction program from the Special District Leadership Foundation. Details, fees, and request forms are available here: Workshop Requests - California Special Districts Association (csda.net)

Option #4

Other courses may qualify as well, however, will need to be submitted for review by SDLF.

Take The District of Distinction To The Next Level!

Earn the right to use the program’s seal as visual proof that your special district stands out from others. Complete multiple SDLF programs and obtain various levels of this accreditation. Levels of accreditation include silver, gold, and platinum!

Application

Complete the application.
Send application and all supporting materials to SDLF.
Approval process review performed by SDLF staff.
Receive your certificate and recognition.

Download

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is considered “executive staff?”

Generally, this will include the General Manager of the district. Any other staff members that the district deems as “executive staff” would also need to meet the requirements of this accreditation.

Which courses qualify for the six-hour governance training?

Through the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), any one of the four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy would satisfy this requirement. Those include: Governance Foundations, Setting Direction/Community Leadership, Board’s Role in Finance & Fiscal Accountability, and Board’s Role in Human Resources. Attendance at the CSDA Special District Leadership Academy Conference satisfies this requirement as well.

In addition, Board Member Best Practices (3 hours) plus two approved webinars will satisfy this requirement. Approved webinars are: Board Member and District Liability Issues; Must Have Communication Protocols for Board & Staff; and Who Does What? Best Practices in Board Staff Relations. CSDA has offered a “How to be an Effective Board Member” workshop and an “Introduction to Good Governance Principles” workshop in the past; either of those would satisfy the Governance training requirement as well.

If our district is up for reaccreditation, do we need to have the Board and executive staff retake a governance course?

Any Board members or staff who have already completed a governance course to qualify for a past accreditation in this program will not have to retake the course if they still remain on the board or as a staff member of the same district at the time of reaccreditation. Only new board or staff members would have to take a six-hour governance course if they have not taken one within the last five years.

What proof does the district need to submit for CA State Controller reporting compliance?

A screen shot of the information on the CA State Controller’s webpage would be sufficient.