Fall 2026

Dear CCMF Members and Sponsors,

As we head into fall, it’s a good time to pause from the day-to-day demands of city management and reconnect with the people and resources that make our profession stronger. The work of a city manager rarely slows down. There are always new challenges to navigate, teams to support, community needs to address and decisions to make. Having a network of colleagues and resources to turn to along the way is one of the things that makes our profession so valuable.

I want to thank our members and sponsors for continuing to support CCMF and the city management profession. Your involvement allows us to provide programs, resources and opportunities designed specifically for California’s city managers and the professionals who support them.

One of the most valuable parts of CCMF membership is having resources available when you need them. From mental health support and confidential counseling to resume reviews, model contracts, professional development opportunities and leadership resources, CCMF is here to support you through the different stages of your career. We encourage you to take a look at the resources available through your membership and make sure you are taking advantage of them.

We also continue to invest in professional development through our Executive Education Grant Program, which provides members with opportunities to participate in nationally recognized leadership programs. We are pleased to announce that both of our $10,000 grants for the 2026-27 program year have been awarded. Fairfield Assistant City Manager and Director of Human Resources Farbod Pirouzmand attended the Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI) at Stanford University, while San Juan Bautista City Manager Ashley Collick will attend Harvard Kennedy School’s Leadership Decision Making program. We appreciate the opportunity to support our colleagues as they take part in these valuable professional development opportunities. Learn more about the Executive Education Grant Program.

In September, CCMF will also bring city management conversations to several major conferences. At the League of California Cities Annual Conference, our panel, “Governing in the Fishbowl: Leadership Under Social Media, Public Records and 24/7 Scrutiny,” will explore the challenges of leading a city in an increasingly public and connected environment. We’ll also continue the conversation at the MMANC Annual Conference with “Behind the Desk: The Real Life of a City Manager,” a candid discussion about the realities of the profession. Learn more about the panels and panelists. 

Another important CCMF program is just around the corner. The New and Future City Managers Seminar, our annual program for new and aspiring city managers, will take place Nov. 4-6 at the Westin Pasadena. The seminar brings together emerging leaders from across the state for practical discussions, professional development and an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues who are navigating many of the same challenges. The 2026 cohort has been selected, and we look forward to welcoming them to Pasadena.

Looking ahead to February 2027, CCMF will gather in San Diego for the Annual Member Appreciation Dinner and our biannual Golf Tournament during the 2027 League of California Cities City Managers Conference. These events provide an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, recognize our corporate sponsors and celebrate those who continue to contribute to the city management profession. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Whether you are looking for professional development, a resource to help navigate a challenge, an opportunity to connect with colleagues or simply a chance to step away from the day-to-day and recharge, CCMF is here for you. I encourage you to stay connected, take advantage of your membership and share CCMF with colleagues who may benefit from becoming involved.

As we look ahead, I also want to recognize someone who has played an important role in CCMF and the city management profession. After many years of dedicated service, Ken Pulskamp has announced his retirement as Executive Director of CCMF, effective at the end of this year. Ken has given his time, experience and energy to strengthening the Foundation, building connections among city managers throughout California and supporting the development of future leaders. His impact extends well beyond his role as Executive Director, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy through the relationships he has built and the people he has supported along the way. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our membership, I want to thank Ken for his leadership, dedication and many years of service to CCMF. We are grateful for all he has done for the Foundation and the profession.

Thank you for your continued commitment to CCMF and to the city management profession. I look forward to seeing many of you this fall.

Best,

Ken Striplin
CCMF President