Build the road to success by sharing your knowledge at the 2024 Public Works Officers Institute

Jun 28, 2023

The League of California Cities is accepting session proposals for the 2024 Public Works Officers Institute. Scheduled for March 13-15 in Monterey, the institute will bring together public works officers from throughout the state to discuss the biggest issues facing cities and the public works profession.

Noncommercial submissions from any individual, group, business, or organization on any topic are welcome. Session proposals must be submitted online by Aug. 17.

Submissions proposals for panel discussions, facilitated discussions, and opportunities for keynote speakers are welcome. Topics to consider include:

  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Road safety
  • Bridge programs
  • New legislation
  • Strategies for working with other department heads/city council
  • Smart cities technology
  • Succession planning and strategies for managing staffing shortages
  • Water programs
  • Legal updates
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Member-driven and member-led programming is a cornerstone of Cal Cities’ educational activities, with more than 95% of all programming coming directly from open calls for proposals. When preparing a proposal, try to answer the following key questions:

  • Is the topic new or critical for public works officers?
  • Does the session apply to both seasoned and new public works officers?
  • Will the session draw a wide audience?
  • Does the description clearly state the session’s key takeaways?
  • Will this issue stimulate action and further important discussion?
  • Does the panel reflect the diversity of Cal Cities members and California cities — north and south, large and small, urban and rural?

Proposals are evaluated on their broad appeal, topic timeliness, originality, innovation, interactivity, creativity, supporting evidence, the ability to provoke discussion or thought, and the absence of product or vendor commercialization.

Session proposal tips, along with last year’s schedule and session materials, are available on the Public Works Officers Institute webpage. For more information contact Education and Events Manager Christina George.