While you’re getting ready for the holidays, don’t forget to give yourself the life-long gift of knowledge. 2017 kicks off with a variety of our most popular classes from using social media, managing conflict and understanding local governance in California – to financing counties and an emerging issues discussion on the sharing economy. Check out the classes and register today before you head out for the holidays! 

Download the Course Schedule for information on all the classes offered by CSAC Institute and Register Now. Classes are open to all county staff and elected officials. They are an affordable $129 each and include class materials and lunch. Discounts for multiple registrations.

Register today for the following January Courses

Effective Use of Social Media and Electronic Communications

Thursday, January 12, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento

Confused about social media, which platforms are right for your county, how to find time to manage it, what to post? In this high-energy workshop, former Sacramento County communicator-turned-social-media-specialist Kerry Shearer will help you understand what to focus on, how to implement it, and ways to quickly create compelling content using the latest photo, audio and video techniques! He’ll give you updates on current popular social media sites and upcoming platforms to watch, while giving you concrete tips, tools, apps, and hands-on interaction in an engaging way that will help you become a social media Ninja (or at least have a lot more confidence!). Kerry’s background as a public information officer, broadcaster, and social media guru means he can help even those who don’t consider themselves to be social media or tech-savvy to come away with newly developed knowledge, skills and techniques to begin implementing immediately, whether you’re a social media newbie or a seasoned practitioner. 

Manage Conflict (even Hostility) in Comfort 

Friday, January 13, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Riverside County

Conflicts and disagreements are a fact of life. They can contribute to better outcomes or can lead to an escalating situation. Transform the most difficult circumstances into a satisfying experience for all involved. This course helps County elected officials and executives identify constructive approaches to positively managing conflict whether from the dais, in a meeting, or one-on-one. Participants analyze their own response to conflict and develop tools to quickly assess and respond to difficult situations and create practical, positive outcomes. Instructor is Dr. Laree Kiely, president of the Kiely Group and professor at the USC Marshall School of Business. 

Leadership and Change: Practices to Move People and Organizations 

Thursday, January 19 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Contra Costa County

County officials and managers discuss the need for change in their organizations, yet struggle when change is difficult to accomplish within the depths of the organization. This course helps participants move past technical solutions to the practices for approaching adoptive challenges. Discussion highlights why some changes happen relatively quickly while others are stymied. Participants explore change from the perspective of those whom the change affects. Practical discussions focus on design of a change process; practices to diagnose, interpret and select interventions; barriers; and creating an environment in which people can expand their capacity to address adaptive change. Instructor is Bill Chiat, Dean of CSAC Institute. For the last 35 years he has worked with hundreds of local agencies in crafting change. 

Local Governance in California: All Those Local Agencies! 

Friday, January 20, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Merced County

California has a complex system of providing services through local governments. This course provides an overview of local government structure and responsibilities in California. You’ll learn the basics of all the local agencies and how they interrelate with county responsibilities. A brief history of California governance is followed by a review of the roles and responsibilities of the state, cities, counties, special districts and an alphabet soup of other local agencies. Discussion highlights the authority and responsibilities of the county as it relates to other agencies through a county case study on the interrelationships of all these local agencies. Instructor is Bill Chiat, CSAC Institute Dean, former executive director of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions and experienced executive in county, district and city governments. 

Emerging Issues: The Sharing Economy 

Thursday, January 26, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento

The sharing economy is breaking the mold for the way goods and services are provided by private companies in our state. Specifically, online short-term rental platforms are challenging existing models for hotel tax collection, land use designation, and local ordinances seeking to protect public health and safety. This session will explore how sharing economy lodging is being managed in different communities with different results. Case studies will be offered to illustrate how counties are tackling the problems through existing or new tools.

Financing California Counties: The History 

Friday, January 27, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento

Have you found yourself overwhelmed trying to understand the county revenue sources and funding streams? And how we ended up with this complex system? This course provides an in-depth examination of the history of county revenue sources and how they have evolved. Exploring the context of county funding decisions by the Legislature and the Administration over the last 40 years is critical in understanding the current state-county funding and revenue relationships. The class examines the history and consequences of major elements in county revenues including: Proposition 13, 172, 1A, Vehicle License Fees, Realignment, ERAF, property tax allocations, current year State budget and more. Instructor is Diane Cummins, Special Advisor to the Governor on State and Local Realignment.

To register for courses or to learn more about the Institute, credential programs, and courses, please visit www.csacinstitute.org. If you have problems registering for a course, please contact Chastity Benson at cbenson@counties.org.