The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to announce that the city of Winters and city of Willows have been selected as the recipients of the fifth annual Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund grants.

The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund offers two $5,000 grants to local governments to fund summer internships. Half the funding for this program comes from the estate of Judy Lyn Kelsey, a longtime California city manager with a passion for uplifting others. At the beginning of her career, Kelsey interned in the City Manager’s Office in the city of San Dimas and participated in a grant program for the Los Angeles Police Department. She saw great value in these experiences and donated part of her estate to enable internships for individuals with a passion for local government. Kelsey’s estate funds one $5,000 grant annually. CCMF matches her gift to provide a second $5,000 grant.

The city of Winters and the city of Willows were selected for the 2024 awards based on their detailed plans for meaningful internship programs and their need for additional support within the cities.

“The 2024 Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund grant recipients demonstrated a significant need for further assistance within their respective cities,” said CCMF Executive Director Ken Pulskamp. “CCMF appreciates the chance to aid interns as they embark on their careers in city management, thereby contributing to the advancement of California cities.”

The city of Winters will use the funding to enhance public engagement by developing outreach materials, creating website content in both English and Spanish and supporting economic development research on infrastructure issues. This research will focus on improving connections between small businesses and community resources.

The city of Willows’ intern will work to improve customer service in the administrative, community development and services departments. The intern will support permitting processes, manage recreation division activities, research and prepare grant applications, assist with meeting preparations for the City Council and Planning Commission and handle Public Records Act Requests.

Please visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage for more information and contact scholarship@cacitymanagers.org with any questions.