Current and retired members of the California city management community took part in the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) Town Hall Meeting on Friday, May 1.
The university-wide Town Hall Meeting is part of the CSUF curriculum for several Intro to American Government courses. Students chose public policy research topics and presented their findings and policy recommendations in a town hall discussion setting. City managers engaged with students and discussed the practical implications of their research.
CSUF reached out to the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) for partnership in this event since members of CCMF have enthusiastically participated in prior town hall meetings.
“City managers are the daily practitioner of public policy. They see the practicality of policy implications and can be some of the most involved guest we have at these events,” said Adjunct Professor Karalee Etheridge-Watson.
CCMF Executive Director Ken Pulskamp commented, “Engaging with academia is just one of the many ways CCMF promotes and encourages excellence in city management. These kinds of events are great opportunities for CCMF members to interact with possible future city managers and help them learn about the intricacies of the profession.”
Over 600 students participated in this year’s event. Etheridge-Watson noted that the CCMF community was a very important part of the success of this event, and looks forward to future partnership opportunities.
CCMF Members in Attendance:
- John Gillison – City Manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga
- Steve Harding – Retired City Manager
- Charley Wilson – Senior Policy Manager, Southern California Edison
- Debra Kurita – Retired City Manager
- Tom Bakaly – City Manager, City of Hermosa Beach
- Michael Rock – City Manager, City of Lomita
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- John Gillison listens to student presentations
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- Adjunt Professor and Tripepi Smith member Karalee Etheridge-Watson addresses Town Hall meeting attendees
