The annual New & Future City Managers Seminar (NFCM) is one of the core initiatives through which the CCMF supports the next generation of city managers. This immersive, multi-day seminar offers new and aspiring city managers practical, hands-on mentorship from seasoned and retired professionals. Attendees are encouraged to openly discuss their goals, challenges and questions related to all facets of the city manager position. Through these conversations, participants gain insight into managing the complex demands of budgeting, political dynamics, legal challenges and public communications that are central to the role.

The 2025 NFCM Seminar took place in Pasadena from Nov. 5-7. A cohort of 22 local government professionals attended the workshop.

  • Leslie Arroyo – Assistant City Manager/ Public Affairs and Communications Director, City of Saratoga
  • Abel Avalos – City Manager, City of Artesia
  • Sean Brewer – City Manager, City of Coalinga
  • Justine Bruno – Deputy City Manager, City of Arcadia
  • Eric Ceja – Assistant City Manager, City of Indian Wells
  • Lara Christensen – Assistant City Manager/ City Clerk, City of Atascadero
  • Ian Dailey – Director of Finance, City of Torrance
  • Nico De Anda-Scai – Deputy City Manager, City of Azusa
  • Matthew Downing – City Manager, City of Arroyo Grande
  • Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale
  • Luis Garibay – Assistant City Manager, City of Simi Valley
  • Patrick Heisinger – Assistant City Manager, City of Redwood City
  • Imelda M. Huerta – Assistant City Manager, City of Vista
  • Amanda Lee – Assistant City Manager, City of La Mesa
  • Rich Lee – Assistant City Manager, City of South San Francisco
  • Virginia Penaloza – City Manager, City of Huron
  • Marlon Ramirez – Assistant to the City Manager, City of Downey
  • Nat Rojanasathira – Assistant City Manager, City of Monterey
  • Chris Tavarez – Interim City Manager, City of Hanford
  • Katherine Wand – Deputy City Manager, City of Claremont
  • Tanya Williams – City Manager, City of Rialto
  • Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

Two of the 2025 NFCM participants shared their takeaways with us below. If you are interested in participating in the 2026 New & Future City Managers Seminar, stay tuned to the NFCM Seminar webpage for more information.

How did you first hear about the New & Future City Managers (NFCM) Seminar?

I heard about it from my City Manager Aaron Adams who is on the board of CCMF – Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

I first heard about the NFCM Seminar through colleagues in the city management field who spoke highly of its impact on their careers. As a deputy city manager looking to continue growing in the profession, I was drawn to the Seminar’s reputation for providing meaningful insights and direct engagement with seasoned leaders. It felt like the perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of the city manager role. – Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale

Were there particular interactions you had with senior managers that were especially helpful? 

In between sessions and during our meals I found it particularly helpful just to speak one on one with senior city managers. Those interactions, covering a multitude of topics, were interlaced with a strong message of encouragement, which is crucial for a deputy city manager or assistant city manager about to take the next step. – Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

Yes — hearing candid stories from senior managers about their leadership journeys was incredibly valuable. Their willingness to share lessons learned, including the challenges they faced early in their careers, really resonated with me. The small-group conversations were especially impactful, providing me with the opportunity to ask practical questions about managing complex issues, building trust with elected officials and preparing for future leadership roles. – Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale

What were some of the best pieces of advice or tips you’re bringing back to your city from NFCM? 

For me, the most impactful piece of advice that I brought back from the seminar was the importance of being true to yourself in the city manager role. The message was the only way to have the best chance of success without burning yourself out was to be true to who you are, and if you do that you can feel good about whatever may happen during your tenure as a city manager. – Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

One of the strongest messages I’m bringing back is the importance of intentional communication — being clear, transparent and consistent with both staff and the community. I also appreciated the emphasis on developing and empowering teams, creating a culture of trust and investing time in mentorship. Several senior managers emphasized the importance of staying grounded, taking a long-term perspective and prioritizing relationships, all of which I plan to incorporate more intentionally into my work. – Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale

How has attending NFCM positively impacted your career?

All of the advice was invaluable. The real world stories and how to handle those situations will undoubtedly serve me well. But the relationships made with senior city managers, other deputy city managers and assistant city managers will impact my career the most. Having a group of people who you can call on and are able to relate to the specific issues that you are dealing with is priceless.  – Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

Attending NFCM has reinforced my desire to continue advancing in the profession and provided clarity on the skills and mindset needed to transition into a city manager role. The Seminar significantly expanded my professional network and gave me renewed confidence in my leadership approach. It was energizing to hear from leaders who were once in my position and to see a clear path forward for my own career growth. – Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale

Why would you recommend NFCM to other young city managers or assistant city managers? 

Absolutely! Probably the most useful and rewarding conference/training/seminar that I have done in my career. – Luke Watson – Deputy City Manager, City of Temecula

I would highly recommend NFCM to anyone aspiring to become a city manager because it offers a rare combination of mentorship, practical guidance and honest dialogue. The Seminar creates a supportive environment where emerging leaders can learn directly from experienced practitioners and build connections with peers who share similar goals. It’s an invaluable investment in your professional development and your ability to lead effectively within your organization and community. – Sara Gallagher – Deputy City Manager, City of Palmdale