Summer 2026

Dear CCMF Members and Sponsors,

As we move through another busy summer, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy the season while continuing the important work of serving your communities. Summer is often filled with projects, events and new initiatives, making it an exciting time across local government. As we begin the 2026–27 CCMF program year, I’m pleased to share several recent accomplishments, highlight opportunities available to our members and provide a look at what’s ahead. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, now is a great time to continue taking advantage of the many valuable resources and programs CCMF has to offer.

One of the CCMF’s greatest priorities is investing in the next generation of local government leaders. This past May, CCMF proudly awarded Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund  grants to the cities of Vista and Rolling Hills. Vista will use the grant to fund a paid summer internship within its community development department, while also supporting initiatives in the city manager’s Office. Rolling Hills will use its grant to establish a structured summer internship focused on digitizing and organizing planning and property records into a centralized system.

We are also honored to support three outstanding graduate students through the Wes McClure Scholarship. Congratulations to Jamey Sinardi of California Lutheran University, Melanie Franceschini of the University of Southern California and Mirka Vargas of the University of Southern California, who each received a $2,500 scholarship to help further their careers in local government. We look forward to seeing the impact these future leaders will have in our profession.

Applications are now open for CCMF’s 2026–27 Executive Education Grant. Each year, CCMF awards up to two $10,000 grants to active members pursuing premier leadership development opportunities. Past recipients have attended programs such as Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education and Stanford’s Local Governance Summer Institute. If you’ve been considering investing in your professional growth, I encourage you to explore this opportunity and submit an application.

Each quarter, I also like to spotlight one of the many benefits available to CCMF members. This time, I’d like to highlight our complimentary Resume Review Service, offered in partnership with Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions. Whether you’re preparing for your first city manager position, pursuing your next leadership opportunity or simply updating your professional materials, this service provides personalized feedback from experienced local government recruiters to help you put your best foot forward.

Another exciting opportunity now accepting applications is the 2026 New & Future City Managers (NFCM) Seminar. As one of CCMF’s signature professional development programs, the seminar is designed to prepare new and aspiring city managers with practical leadership skills, valuable insights and lasting professional relationships. Limited to just 25 participants, the seminar creates an intimate environment where attendees learn from experienced city managers while building a strong network of peers. Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m., and I encourage anyone interested to apply early.

I also hope you’ll join us for our next CCMF Regional Lunch on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at The Getty Museum in Los Angeles. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and discuss the issues shaping local government today in a relaxed setting. Please RSVP by Friday, Aug. 28 as space is limited. Special thanks to Best Best & Krieger and Raymond James for generously sponsoring this event and helping make these valuable networking opportunities possible.

As we look ahead, there is much to be excited about. In the coming months, we’ll gather for the New & Future City Managers Seminar, continue expanding professional development opportunities for our members and begin preparations for two of CCMF’s premier annual events — the 2027 Annual Member Appreciation Dinner and the 2027 Golf Tournament. I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the year and appreciate your continued support of CCMF and our shared commitment to strengthening local government leadership across California.

Sincerely,

Ken Striplin
CCMF President

Testimonials

CCMF is a great forum for folks to learn—from those currently in the industry, from those who were in the industry—and to help set up the next generation of city managers.

Aaron Adams, Temecula City Manager & CCMF Board Member

One of the biggest benefits of being a part of CCMF is having that network, not just in our small local areas, but statewide. CCMF offers that to all of us.

Jessica Binnquist, Alhambra City Manager

CCMF provides scholarships for professional development, such as week-long trips to Harvard.

Justin Hess, Burbank City Manager

CCMF provides a concentrated foundation for understanding the potential future of being a City Manager.

Jorge Garcia, City Manager Pismo Beach

What CCMF does to bring people together and provide opportunities to connect, that’s where the magic happens.

Karen Pinkos , El Cerrito City Manager & CCMF Board Member

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