Learn about CEQA, objective standards, and more at the 2023 Planning Commissioners Academy
Session information for the 2023 Planning Commissioners Academy, including keynote speakers Berké Brown and Dan Walters, is now available. Scheduled for March 29-31 in Garden Grove, the academy provides new and seasoned planning commissioners with updates about recent legislative and regulatory changes, as well as role-specific tools and guidance.
This year's academy will cover a range of topics, including California Environmental Quality Act procedures, objective standards, SB 330 (Skinner, 2019) implementation, the Surplus Land Act, and public meetings.
Kicking off the academy is keynote speaker Berké Brown, a behavior change specialist who helps organizations cultivate values-based visions and the strategic plans needed to achieve them. During the academy, Brown will guide planning commissioners through a series of motivational concepts and explore how their personal and work values can produce resilience in the face of challenges and clarity in the face of change.
Closing out the academy is Dan Walters, a political columnist for CalMatters. Walters has been a journalist for more than 60 years and helped write several books, including “The Third House: Lobbyists, Money and Power in Sacramento.” Walters will speak about how California’s housing crisis has affected the relationship between the state and local governments.
The academy will also include overviews of the basic roles and responsibilities of planning commissioners. The full schedule is available in the “schedule” section of the academy webpage.
Registration and hotel information
Registration for the full academy starts at $675 for city officials from any League of California Cities member city. Conference registration includes admission to all educational sessions, the Wednesday reception, Thursday breakfast and lunch, Friday breakfast, and access to all program materials. The deadline to register is March 22. After this date, officials must register on-site.
The 2023 Planning Commissioners Academy will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, located at 11999 Harbor Blvd in Garden Grove. The Hyatt is located 13 miles from John Wayne/Orange County Airport and offers discounted self-parking for guests staying at the hotel.
A limited number of hotel rooms are available at a reduced rate for conference attendees. The discounted hotel rate cut-off is Feb. 28. Hotels often sell out prior to the deadline, so reserve early!
For more information, visit the Planning Commissioners Academy webpage. Please direct all registration questions or comments to Conference Registrar Megan Dunn. Please direct any other questions to Associate Manager, Event Program, Kayla Boutros.