A spectacular fall kicks off with two special two-day workshops on Realignment and Performance Measurement, and the opening of the CSAC Institute’s new Southern California campus hosted by San Bernardino County. Read on for details on all the upcoming September and October classes. Download the July-December Course Guide for details. Register now. Class size is limited and they fill quickly.

The CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government provides county officials, senior executives and managers with consummate opportunities to expand your capacity to exercise leadership and governance in volatile and uncertain times. Classes are open to all county staff and elected officials. They are an affordable $149 each and include instruction, class materials and lunch. Discounts available when registering for three or more classes.

September Classes

County Budgeting and Financial Planning

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento Campus

Counties have complex systems for budgeting and financial management. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of county budgeting and the budget process. Discussion includes a review of the County Budget Act, a year in the county budget cycle, key elements of a budget, and integration of strategic plans into the annual budget. Participants will also examine county revenue sources, sales and property tax allocation, General Fund and special funds, creating and integrating department-recommended budget components, and public involvement in the budget process. The class will also explore key elements in longer-term county financial planning and management. Class is a must for everyone involved in the budget process. Instructors are Patrick Blacklock, County Administrator of Yolo County, and Robert Bendorf, County Administrator of Yuba County.  

Leadership and Change: Practices to Move People and Organizations

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – San Bernardino County Campus
Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Merced County Campus

County officials and managers discuss the need for change in their organizations, yet struggle when change is difficult to accomplish within the depths of the organization. This course helps participants move past technical solutions to the practices for approaching adoptive challenges. Discussion highlights why some changes happen relatively quickly while others are stymied. Participants explore change from the perspective of those whom the change affects. Practical discussions focus on design of a change process; practices to diagnose, interpret and select interventions; barriers; and creating an environment in which people can expand their capacity to address adaptive change. Instructor is Bill Chiat, Dean of CSAC Institute. For the last 35 years he has worked with hundreds of local agencies in crafting change. 

SPECIAL TWO-DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

Realignment 101: The Basics of 1991 and 2011 Realignments

Thursday-Friday, Sept. 14-15 - TH: 10:00 to 4:30; F: 8:30 to 3:30 – Sacramento Campus

This two-day course examines the history and rationale for establishing it in 1991, why programs were included, what was learned, and the expansion to realignment in 2011 – all updated with program and funding changes through 2016. Participants first examine the establishment and programs of the 1991 realignment. Discussion details health and human services and mental health programs. Participants explore individual programs, how they work, funding and current status. The course examines the 2011 realignment – including AB 109 – with an emphasis on public safety programs. Details on the realigned programs, changes to 1991 realignment services, implementation, funding and how counties are implementing the 2011 realignment are all discussed. The second day features a detailed examination of fiscal issues: structure and allocation of local funds; flow of funds in human services, public safety, health, behavioral health, and other programs; forecasting and tracking realignment, VLF and Prop 172 funds; fund growth; and other fiscal issues. Instructors include Diane Cummins, Special Advisor to the Governor on State and Local Realignment; Andrew Pease, Finance Director, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency; and Robert Manchia, San Mateo County Human Services Agency.  

Building and Maintaining a Team Environment

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 - 10:00 to 3:30 – Contra Costa County Campus
CLASS IS FULL

Counties use teams as a method to get work done. It takes a certain organizational culture to support teams. This course examines the culture and attributes of high-performing teams in the public sector. Hands on simulations demonstrate team strategies. Strategies, tools and resources are shared along with team leadership practices, and how to transition to a team culture. Participants examine the group dynamics required for team success, define team responsibilities and accountability, how to evaluate team performance against mission, and the leadership practices to lead and sponsor teams. Instructor is Dr. Jerry Estenson is Professor of Organizational Behavior at CSU, Sacramento.  

SPECIAL TWO-DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

Performance Measurement & Management: Accountability for Results

Thursday-Friday, Sept. 21-22 – TH: 10:00 to 4:30; F: 8:30 to 3:30 – Sacramento Campus

World-class public agencies recognize the critical role of performance management and measurement in helping define the strategy, public value and performance expectations of the organization as well as aligning individual and agency decision-making toward desired public value creation. They also help managers assign and use resources effectively. Because the public is demanding accountability and transparency from government, performance measurement is a leadership practice for county managers to better plan and manage outcomes and not just activities. The workshop focuses on designing effective and realistic performance measurement systems. Participants explore practical approaches, techniques and tools to create, implement and analyze measurements to improve county performance and better communicate outcomes to the community. Hands-on exercises examine criteria for measurement selection, with time for participants to develop balanced, outcome-based measures for their agencies. Instructors are Laree Kiely, Ph.D. president of the Kiely Group and professor at the USC Marshall School of Business; and Bill Chiat, Dean of CSAC Institute and former CEO of Napa County.

County 101: Duties, Authorities & Responsibilities of Counties 

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2017 - 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento Campus 

Counties have very broad authorities and responsibilities. Federal and state laws along with county-adopted policies and ordinances frame how each of the 58 counties implement those duties. With such broad responsibilities it is difficult for county officials and staff to be aware of all the duties and mandates across all departments. This class examines each county responsibility area and, at a policy level, highlights what is mandated, required and/or discretionary, and the roles and authority counties have for that service. It would also look at the history of counties in California. Instructor is Bill Chiat, CSAC Institute Dean, former executive director of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions and CEO of Napa County.