The CSAC Institute for Excellent in County Government March schedule contains a wide variety of courses, including a brand new class on intentionality.  Check out the course schedule below. And if you want to plan ahead, download the entire schedule of January-June classes. We have a great line-up for you. Seating is limited and classes fill quickly. Register now.

The CSAC Institute provides county officials, senior executives and managers with consummate opportunities to expand your capacity to exercise leadership and governance in volatile and uncertain times. Classes are open to all county staff and elected officials. They are an affordable $149 each and include instruction, class materials and lunch. Discounts available when registering for three or more classes.

March Classes

Purpose, Outcomes and Intentionality: Make Things Happen in Your Agency

MARCH 1, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Sacramento Campus

NEW! We all have those nagging problems that lurk in the background, the ones you know you should tackle but never seem to have time.  They are often the big hairy ugly ones we really don’t want to tackle.  Or worse, we’ve made them “unsolvable,” working around rather than tackling them. This class provides a much needed break to really examine these issues.  Participants take a step back to identify the roots of the issues, re-frame them as necessary, and then identify alternative strategies, reducing roadblocks, sequencing steps, identifying stakeholders and developing flexibility in getting to your goals. The class is about creating a mind-set for tackling problems and knowing whether you’re making progress or not. Be prepared to be challenged, and encouraged to think in new ways.

Instructor:  Mary Kirlin, DPA is a former professor and department chair in public policy at Sacramento State University.

Local Governance in California: All Those Agencies!

MARCH 8, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Shasta County Campus

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:  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.

Talent Development and Succession Planning

MARCH 9, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
San Bernardino County Campus

This interactive course will confront the “retirement wave” of baby-boomers leaving local government and explore strategies and best practices to create effective leadership development and succession planning programs in county government.  The course includes case examples, small group discussions as well as presentations.  Discussion highlights: workforce demographic challenges facing county government; why talent development and succession planning are key to building organizational capacity, especially in tough times; steps to get started; and best practices and lessons learned from leadership development and succession planning programs.

Instructors: Dr. Frank Benest, former city manager of Palo Alto and a noted expert in succession planning. Donna Vaillancourt is the Human Resources Director for San Mateo County.

Crafting and Implementing Effective Strategic Plans

MARCH 9, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Sacramento Campus

Most counties and departments create strategic plans. Sometimes they provide clear guidance to decision makers and staff; sometimes they don’t. This course examines how to make the plan a living document … and have it mean something to those affected. Participants examine: 1) how to craft a strategic plan with the Board of Supervisors or other governing board; 2) engagement of the community and staff in the process; 3) tips to prepare an actionable plan; 4) communication of the plan; and 5) putting a plan into action. Best practices and case examples are used to explore integration of the plan into agency operations and decision-making. Discussion highlights tips for structuring an effective strategic workshop.

Instructor:  Angela Antenore, M.Ed. is an experienced strategic facilitator, agency board member and university instructor.

Manage Conflict (Even Hostility) in Comfort 

MARCH 15, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Contra Costa County Campus

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:  Dr. Laree Kiely is president of the Kiely Group and a professor at the USC Marshall School of Business.

Mastering Social Media Basics

MARCH 16, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Merced County Campus

Confused about social media, which platforms are right for you, how to find time to manage it, what to post? This class 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! You will explore popular social media sites along with concrete tips, tools, apps and hands-on interaction that will help you become a social media Ninja (or at least have more confidence!). Valuable whether you’re a newbie or seasoned practitioner you will go away with knowledge and techniques to implement immediately.

Instructor: Kerry Shearer is former Sacramento County Public Information Officer and a consultant specializing in social media.

Emerging Issues: The Crisis of Housing

MARCH 22, 2018 – 10:00AM – 3:30PM
Sacramento Campus

California has reached a crisis point regarding both the availability of housing and its affordability. The average price of a home in the state is two‐and‐a‐half times the average national price and rents are fifty percent higher than the rest of the country. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, major changes to local government land use authority, local finance, CEQA, and other major polices are likely necessary to address California’s high housing costs and limited availability. This course will focus on statewide and locally-driven policy solutions emerging through legislation and local policy changes, as well as case studies.