Creating Happily Ever After in Public Service: The Magic of Collaboration

4/29/2026 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

This session is designed to help CMCA members to develop and strengthen the relationships that are essential to effective governance and long-term career growth. Clerks serve as a vital link between organizational leadership, staff, elected officials, and the public. Developing positive, professional relationships with legal counsel, the City or General Manager, the Board or Council, and community members enhances not only individual performance but also organizational success.

Participants will gain practical tools to refine their communication skills—including understanding different communication styles, selecting words with purpose, and determining what information to share and when. The session also addresses the unique challenge of operating within politically sensitive environments, providing strategies to navigate these situations with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and awareness of verbal and nonverbal communication.

By applying these principles, clerks will be better equipped to build trust, foster collaboration, and contribute to a more connected, responsive, and resilient local government organization.

Presenter(s):

Keely Royas, Deputy City Clerk, City of San Buenaventura and Ashley Pereda, Assistant City Clerk, City of San Buenaventura

Data, Dollars, and Decisions: How to Win the Budget Game

4/30/2026 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

This session is designed for experienced Municipal Clerks who want to move beyond budget mechanics and strengthen their strategic influence. Rather than focusing on basic request processes, it explores how to use operational data and timing to drive results. Attendees will learn to identify meaningful metrics that illustrate the Clerk’s Office’s impact—such as workload trends, compliance value, and service efficiency—and translate them into persuasive narratives that resonate with decision-makers.

The session also covers advanced tactics for navigating the budget cycle, aligning requests with organizational priorities, and anticipating political and fiscal constraints. Real-world examples from larger jurisdictions will demonstrate how data storytelling and strategic framing can turn routine budget asks into supported initiatives.

By focusing on strategy, evidence, and communication, this session helps seasoned Clerks elevate their role from process managers to informed advocates for their department’s resources and priorities.

Speaker(s):

Toni J. Taber, City Clerk, City of San Jose and Amanda Hook, Senior Analyst, City of San Jose

Employee Performance Management Through Effective Communication

4/30/2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

This session is designed to support both new and experienced supervisors strengthening their performance management skills. Participants will gain tools for navigating difficult conversations with confidence, documenting behavior in a fair and effective manner, and counseling employees on unprofessional conduct. Advanced attendees will leave with deeper insights into fostering accountability, encouraging professional growth, and using communication as a proactive tool to resolve challenges before they escalate.

Presenter(s):

Kelly Clancy, East Bay Regional Park District; Megan Wiegelman, City Clerk, City of La Mesa; and, Jennifer Woodworth, City Clerk, City of Hollister

 

A Clerk’s Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Charting a Course for Citywide Engagement and Policy Implementation

4/30/2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

For seasoned clerks, this session goes beyond the basics. We’ll dive into change management techniques to build long-term records culture, cross-department engagement strategies that create accountability, and methods for tracking metrics and participation that connect records efforts to citywide goals. Participants will also explore how to leverage gamification and recognition to influence compliance, without increasing administrative burden.

In addition, this session will provide practical skills and tools to design and implement a citywide initiative from the ground up. The framework shared can serve as a template or guideline not only for records management, but for launching any citywide program that requires broad staff engagement, leadership buy-in, and measurable outcomes. This foundation equips clerks to step into a leadership role in shaping culture, managing change, and empowering their organizations far beyond records.

Speaker(s):

Mahealani Ah Yun, City of Palo Alto; Christine Prior, City of Palo Alto; and Nicole Bissell, City of Palo Alto