Wednesday, August 26, 2026
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM–8:30 AM
SDRMA Sponsored Full Plated Breakfast
Breakfast is included in the full conference registration.
8:30–10:30 AM
General Session Keynote: Thinking Inside the Box: How Tough Times Fuel True Creativity and Innovation
Kyle Scheele: Innovation and Leadership Speaker, Champion of Crazy Ideas, Accidental TikToker (3M+ Followers), Author
Sponsored by 
We've all said it: “If only I had ________, then I could do __________.”
We're convinced that the only thing standing between us and our best work is more money, more time, more resources, more buy-in, a better team, a better boss, a better piece of software… the list goes on.
But the truth is, real creative work thrives within constraints.
True creative work exists in the gap between what you have and what you think you need. After all, if you had everything you needed, you wouldn’t need creativity at all.
True creativity showed up when the Apollo 13 astronauts had to make square filters fit round tubes. It showed up when a global pandemic made in-person work a liability. And it'll show up for you too, once you let go of your misguided beliefs about what true creativity requires.
In this talk, Kyle will:
- Show how constraints are the breeding ground for creativity.
- Identify the difference between constructive constraint and restrictive constraint.
- Help reframe the constraints in your organization and find the solutions you've been searching for.
- Walk through tools and exercises to break through creative blocks.
Awards Presented:
- SDRMA Safety Awards
- Transparency Certificate of Excellence
- District of Distinction
All registered conference attendees are welcome.
10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Strategic Planning for Special District Boards and Managers
Rock Rockenbach, Rock Solid Options
Practical approaches for boards and managers to develop strategic plans that align policy and execution, translate priorities into actionable projects, and move ideas from vision to implementation.
The Playbook for Responding to Catastrophic Injuries
Jeff Rush, California JPIA
Debbie Yokota, ARM, CPCU, CSDM, Special District Risk Management Authority
Catastrophic work injuries occur on a regular basis to employees at public agencies of all sizes. These life-changing claims are complex, individualistic and require much higher standards of coordination and communication. Jeff Rush will draw on over three decades of experience to address what to do during each step of the process, the parties who will assist you and your employee, and the one tip you can use to reduce the likelihood that your employee retains an attorney.
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Board Members
Michael Saunders, Georgetown Divide Public Utility District
This session provides board members with a practical overview of how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Participants will explore steps they can take now to position themselves and their agencies for an effective response, including key policies and plans that should be in place and personal preparedness considerations. The session will cover the board's role before, during, and after an emergency; how responsibilities—particularly those of the Board President—may shift during a crisis; and best practices and strategies for communication, including working with staff and the public. The goal is to ensure board members understand their governance role, support management appropriately, and can navigate their district before, during, and after an emergency.
Hiring Retirees the Right Way
Steven Berliner and John LaCrosse, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
With workforce shortages and institutional knowledge loss accelerating, public agencies are relying on retired annuitants as a practical solution more than ever. But rehiring retirees comes with a thicket of legal requirements, from strict limitations on the work they can perform to the 180-day sit-out rule, plus limits on hours and wages. This session walks through what you can and can't do under the law and CalPERS' guidance, plus CalPERS enforcement procedures and penalties. The presenters will share their extensive experience in these matters, offering practical tips and best practices for structuring assignments that meet your agency's needs without putting retiree pensions or agency compliance at risk.
How Special Districts Can Integrate AI Into Their Operations
Kevin Benson, VC3
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for large cities or private-sector organizations - it is increasingly accessible and practical for special districts of all sizes. This session will provide a clear, real-world look at how AI can be applied across district operations to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and support better decision-making. Attendees will learn how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks, assist with customer service, improve asset and infrastructure management, and unlock insights from existing data. The session will focus on practical, low-risk entry points, including the use of tools already available, as well as considerations around governance, data security, and public transparency.
Through relatable examples and actionable guidance, participants will leave with a better understanding of where AI fits within their organization, how to get started, and how to build a roadmap for responsible and effective adoption.
Stop Being Conflicted – Conflicts of Interest 101 and Legal Updates
Jeff Frey, Atkinson and Kevin Harris, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Every public employee risks encountering conflict-of-interest issues without a solid understanding of California’s conflict-of-interest laws. Simply reading the statutes and regulations often isn't enough, as the law's nuances can be complex and challenging to interpret. This presentation will provide an overview and legal updates on conflicts of interest, including Government Code section 1090, the Political Reform Act, and common law conflicts.
Reserves & Investment Policies: How Much Is Enough and What Your Policies Should Actually Say
Rick Wood, CSDA
Everyone agrees reserves matter…until someone asks why you're "sitting on all that money." This session cuts through the confusion around reserve targets, giving you the language to explain and defend your position with boards, the public, and auditors, while also examining when tapping reserves is actually the right call. We'll go beyond boilerplate investment policies to tackle the liquidity vs. yield tension, how to update policies in volatile markets, and what auditors and rating agencies are really looking for. Walk away with practical tools to defend your reserve levels and a sharper policy framework to back them up.
Zero Carbon, Full Throttle: No Excuses, Just Implementation
Dan Muelrath, Wayne Weaver, Kait Knight, and Jennifer McCoy, Diablo Water District
Learn how Diablo Water District is driving full-throttle toward zero carbon by 2027, sharing real-world lessons from green buildings, renewable fuels, and solar projects — with a focus on implementation over excuses.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
SDLF Board and Annual Meeting
12:15–2:30 PM
Policy and Practice - A Legislative and Legal Update
CSDA Advocacy and Legal Affairs Team
Trying to keep up with the relentless action affecting special districts in our Capitols and Courts? Catch up on the biggest legislative, budgetary, and legal issues impacting local governments and the communities they serve. This session will cut through the noise and provide a high-level overview of the key public policy matters that truly do matter most to our membership.
Awards Presented:
- Innovative Project/Program of the Year Award (large district)
- Innovative Project/Program of the Year Award (small district)
- Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy Award (large district)
- Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy Award (small district)
- Ralph Heim Exceptional Outreach & Advocacy Award
- CSDA Lifetime Achievement Award
Lunch is included in full conference registration.
2:45–3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
International Water Partnership Strengthens Communities Across Borders
Tom Coleman and Dusty Moisio, Rowland Water District
This year-long initiative, supported by the Asian Development Bank's Water Organizations Partnerships for Resilience (WOP4R) program, established a twinning partnership through which Rowland Water District provided mentorship and technical guidance to Norzagaray Water District (Philippines) to enhance operations, reduce water loss, and strengthen accounting practices.
Your Wish Is My Command – How to Efficiently Manage CPRA Requests
Kevin Harris and Nicolle Falcis, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
California public agencies are receiving an increasing number of California Public Records Act requests from the public. While it is essential to respect constituents' constitutional rights, managing requests that involve large volumes of documents can be challenging. Public entities must strike the right balance, protecting rights to access public information while minimizing operational burdens of these CPRA requests. This presentation will provide an overview of CPRA laws, practical guidance on responding to CPRA requests, key exemptions/privileges, conducting efficient searches of responsive documents, and strategies for managing voluminous/vexatious CPRA requests.
How to Properly Tender Property Liability Claims and What to Expect
Roberto Lozano, Special District Risk Management Authority
A discussion on the principles of tendering/risk transfer with a specific focus on practical application. Focus will be on best practices for tendering new claims to subcontractors/vendors and effective strategies to secure timely and positive outcomes with real-world case examples.
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Social Security Coverage Issues for Public Agency Employees
Nancy G. Hilu, Hanson Bridgett, LLP
This session will focus on Social Security coverage basics, potential Social Security coverage pitfalls and associated liability your agency may face, what agencies can do to ensure their employees have Social Security coverage, when intended, and how to use the Social Security modification process to obtain Social Security coverage, as well as other ways to reduce your agency's risk in this area.
Financial Technology and Innovation in Special District Finance
Josh Byerrum and Samantha Prall, Platinum Strategies, Inc.
Leverage modern accounting/payroll systems for efficiency and transparency. Select and integrate software, utilize data analytics for informed decisions, and train staff to optimize financial operations using innovative tools.
Postscript to the Lunch General Session Legislative and Legal Update
CSDA Advocacy and Legal Affairs Team
Did you leave today's Legislative and Legal Update Luncheon still hungry for more? That's what the "Postscript" breakout session is for. Here's your chance to meet with the heads of CSDA's advocacy and legal team in a smaller setting designed to address your questions related to the topics presented earlier during the general session. P.S. Be sure to bring your notes and plenty of questions—this is intended to be one big Q&A session.
One Voice, Clear Expectations: How Boards Can Get General Manager Evaluations Right
Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc.
Learn a practical, strategic approach to General Manager performance evaluations that strengthens board-manager relationships, clarifies expectations, aligns with goals, and helps boards deliver fair, effective evaluations with one voice.
Unlocking Your Agency’s Future: Succession Planning Through Talent Development
Christine Martin, Tripepi Smith
Succession planning is no longer optional for agencies facing retirements, competitive hiring markets, and evolving leadership demands. This session explores practical strategies to intentionally attract, develop, and retain talent with an eye toward long‑term leadership continuity. Learn how to identify critical roles, build internal career pathways, and position your agency as an employer of choice—ensuring institutional knowledge is preserved, and future leaders are ready when transitions occur.
2:45–3:45 PM
CSDA Finance Corporation Board and Annual Meeting
4:00–5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
From Insight to Influence: Developing Political Acumen
Mary Egan, Cathy Capriola, and Tasha Tervalon, MRG LLC
Learn to lead with political acumen —a core leadership competency. Build insight, integrity, and influence to navigate complexity, drive impact, and elevate your leadership in any environment.
Public Funds Investing 101: Compliance, Safety, and Strategy
Sarah Meacham and Bob Shull, California CLASS
We will discuss the basics of investing your agency’s public funds in compliance with the California Government Code and simple strategies to maintain a safe, liquid, and productive investment portfolio.
Trail Blazers: New and Future GM Meetup
Justin Scott-Coe, CSDM, Monte Vista Water District
Scott Carroll, CSDM, Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Join us for an engaging and interactive breakout session designed exclusively for new and aspiring General Managers. "Trail Blazers" is your opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic role of serving as a general manager. Whether you're new to the position or setting your sights on the next horizon in your career, this session will equip you with practical strategies, leadership tools, and industry best practices to navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities on the trail. Don't miss this chance to build your professional network and ride away with actionable ideas to excel in your role.
Internal Controls for Small Staff
Roger Martinez, Vasquez + Company, LLP
For districts with small teams, internal controls must be practical, flexible, and sustainable. This session will highlight simple, high-impact practices - including technology-enabled controls - that strengthen oversight without adding headcount. Topics include segregation-of-duties alternatives, workflow and approval automation (e.g., role-based access, electronic approvals, and audit trails), and policy-based controls that improve transparency. We’ll also discuss right-sized options such as shared services and third-party providers (e.g., outsourced payroll/AP, bank lockbox, or independent reconciliations) to reduce key-person risk and improve control consistency. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and low-cost solutions they can apply immediately.
Are You ADA Compliant? Tackling Website and PDF Accessibility
Mac Clemmens, Streamline, powered by CivicPlus
Learn how to assess ADA compliance across websites and PDFs, improve accessibility, and apply practical tools and strategies to build an inclusive, compliant digital presence for your community.
5:00–6:00 PM
SDRMA Member Reception (by Invitation Only)(insert SDRMA logo if room)
Mosey on over for some refreshments, vittles and a chance to win raffle prizes before heading to the Taste of the City reception. Network with your fellow SDRMA members and get to know the friendly ranch hands of the SDRMA crew!
Electronic invitation to follow in early August
6:00–9:00 PM
Taste of the City – Boots and Bites
Pull on your boots for Taste of the City – Boots & Bites, an evening of local flavors, great company, and Western‑style fun. Enjoy line‑dancing lessons and live performances with the Ventucky Stompers and DJ Rick and take part in a silent auction benefiting the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF).
Reception is included with full conference registration.