Series Overview

As California communities face budget shortfalls, economic uncertainty, and increasing demands for public services, local leaders are seeking practical tools and leadership strategies to help them make informed, sustainable decisions.

Through expert presentations and real-world case studies, participants will hear promising practices for fiscal planning, strategic budgeting, governance, and organizational resilience. Sessions will also focus on current and innovative revenue models, best practices in financial management, and a deep dive on how labor costs are impacting budgets statewide. 

Whether you are shaping policy, developing budgets, or leading organizational change, this series will provide strategies and examples to help local leaders guide their agencies through fiscal uncertainty while maintaining public trust and delivering essential services.

Webinar Schedule

#1: Strengthening Local Government Financial Management: Strategies for Accountability, Efficiency, and Sustainability | Thursday, Oct. 8, 11 AM – 12:30 PM 

Strong financial management is the foundation of effective local government. This webinar explores practical strategies and proven best practices that help California cities, counties, special districts, and other public agencies strengthen financial stewardship, improve transparency, and support long-term fiscal sustainability.

Participants will learn about key financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, internal controls, financial reporting, reserve policies, and long-term financial planning. The session will also highlight approaches for managing fiscal uncertainty, complying with regulatory requirements, and using financial data to support informed decision-making.

Don’t miss this enlightening first webinar of our series!

Speakers: 

• Ben Rosenfeld – Ben Rosenfeld Consulting, Former San Francisco Controller
• Matthew Hymel – Matthew Hymel Works (MHW) Consulting, Former Marin County Administrator 
• Jon Holtzman – Managing Partner, Renne Public Law Group

Register here.

#2: Managing Labor Costs in Local Government: Tactics for Fiscal Sustainability | TBD

Labor costs are one of the largest and most complex components of a local government’s budget. From salaries and overtime to pensions, healthcare, and other post-employment benefits, understanding the full cost of your workforce is essential for effective financial planning and long-term sustainability.

In this webinar, participants will gain a practical overview of the key drivers of labor costs for California local governments. We’ll explore how compensation, benefits, retirement obligations, and workforce trends impact budgets, and discuss strategies for evaluating labor costs during budget development, collective bargaining, and long-term financial planning, and presenting them to policymakers and the public.

#3: Building Fiscal Resilience: Diversifying Local Government Revenue Streams | TBD

As California local governments navigate evolving economic conditions, budget constraints, and growing community needs, identifying sustainable revenue opportunities has never been more important.

Join this informative webinar to explore practical revenue strategies that can help cities, counties, and special districts strengthen their financial resilience while supporting long-term community priorities. Industry experts will discuss current funding trends, innovative revenue-generation approaches, and best practices for maximizing existing revenue sources while maintaining transparency and public trust.

During this session, you’ll learn about:

• Emerging revenue opportunities for California local governments
• Strategies to optimize existing taxes, fees, and service revenues
• State and local policy developments that may impact revenue planning
• Best practices for long-term fiscal sustainability and financial resilience
• Real-world examples of successful revenue initiatives from California agencies