Momentum Builds at 2025 CSAC Legislative Conference

The 2025 CSAC Legislative Conference brought together more than 400 county leaders, executives, and policy staff across California for three days of meaningful dialogue, hands-on learning, and statewide advocacy. Held April 23-25 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, the conference served as both a high-level policy summit and a platform for building stronger relationships between counties and the state, and with each other. 

The first two days of the conference have set the tone. 

The week’s themes – outcomes over process and people over politics – were powerfully framed during the two General Sessions. On Wednesday, CSAC President Jeff Griffiths kicked off the event with a compelling call for deeper collaboration across all levels of government. A panel of three former state finance directors followed, offering a rare and candid look at California’s fiscal history and the evolving state-county relationship. That same session featured Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who detailed new initiatives aimed to reducing wildfire risks, stabilizing the insurance market, and building long-term disaster resilience. 

Thursday’s General Session shifted focus to the federal policy landscape. Congressman Kevin Kiley highlighted the intersection of federal action and county responsibilities, while Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to the Governor, led a forward-thinking discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in public service. CSAC CEO Graham Knaus closed the session with a powerful address outlining CSAC’s proactive approach to homelessness, disaster readiness, and federal budget impacts on county government. 

Outside the main sessions, attendees engaged in an array of workshops and policy meetings focused on California’s most urgent challenges. From an Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Committee double-feature to a workshop focused on “Meeting the Mandate,” a session examining how counties are adapting to shifting financial and service responsibilities under state law, breakout discussions addressed challenges like water supply, immigration, and the needs of California’s aging population. 

Leadership forums added further depth. County officials participated in strategic gatherings of the Latino Caucus, the Urban Counties of California Board, and CSAC’s own Foundation Board – creating opportunity for regional and affinity-based collaboration. At the Women’s Leadership Forum, attendees discussed emerging trends in civility and how to practice psychological safety. A highlight of the conference was a powerful join session with the League of California Cities and CalMatters, where participants engaged in a candid, cross-governmental discussion on homelessness and housing. 

As the conference heads into its final day, county leaders are energized and focused – ready to solidify next steps and bring new momentum and ideas back to their communities.