Programs

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Essential Leadership Skills Certificate

Offers special district employees who are aspiring to be general managers the opportunity to be recognized for learning essential skills needed for success in local government leadership.

Earning this certificate demonstrates training in critical skills to competently lead special districts. The modules are taught by experienced certified special district managers and local government experts.

Do you want to receive reminders for upcoming training requirements, program highlights, and more? Commit to being one of the first to earn the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate today!

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Effective Communication 2 Required

Grassroots Advocacy and Public Outreach

    OnDemand

Who Does What? Best Practices for Board / Staff Roles

 OnDemand

Organizational Development 1 Required

Organizational Development

Virtual Workshop:
May 8th & 9th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Virtual Workshop:
October 2nd & 3rd, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register 

Financial Management 1 Required

Financial Management for Special Districts

In-Person Workshop:
April 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sacramento

Register

Virtual Workshop:
October 30th & 31st, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Budget Preparations for Special Districts  

Virtual Workshop:
February 28th & 29th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register 

Human Resources Management 1 Required

Human Resources Boot Camp for Special Districts

In-Person Workshop:
April 25, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sacramento

Register

Virtual Workshop:
October 9th & 10th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Leadership 1 Required

Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector  

In-Person Workshop:
May 1, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sacramento

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So, You Want to Be a General Manager?  

In-Person Workshop:
June 23, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Anaheim

Register

In-Person Workshop:
September 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Indian Wells

Register

Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector  

Virtual Workshop:
September 18th & 19th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Special District Laws1 Required

Overview of Special District Laws

Virtual Workshop:
June 5th & 6th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

In-Person Workshop:
October 8, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Register

Requirements

To earn the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate (ELSC), participants must complete the following six modules:

  1. Effective Communication (5 hours)
  2. Organizational Development (6 hours)
  3. Financial Management (6 hours)
  4. Human Resources Management (6 hours)
  5. Leadership (6 hours)
  6. Special District Laws (6 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should apply?


This is individual recognition. Supervisors, managers, department heads, and/or new general managers are encouraged to apply.

What do you receive?


Upon completion and verification of the application and submission of the one-time fee, you will be recognized by receiving a custom certificate in a beautiful, padded folder, that can be presented at an upcoming event should you be able to attend.

How long is the certificate good for?


This achievement lasts a lifetime. All you need to do is keep SDLF current anytime you change addresses, jobs, etc.

CSDM Hours: Continuing education, application approval, and the paid fee will equal a total of 50 points toward the Certified Special District Manager program (35 hours for education and 15 hours for completing the program.)

Fees: $65, one-time fee

Apply Now