Issue 154 - December 2024
NEWS: WORTHY

A Look Back at the 2024 Academies and Summits
By Michelle Aguayo, Training CoordinatorThe 2024 Authority training schedule included many opportunities for members to participate in learning, including our signature two-and-a-half-day academies. Eleven academies were held statewide with roughly 320 attendees representing a variety of job roles, including executive leadership, risk management, parks and recreation, public safety, human resources, and public works. Designed by subject matter experts, academies cater specifically to local government needs and are one of our most popular training opportunities.
January
The year started with the Risk Management Academy in Indian Wells, where 30 attendees representing 28 member agencies praised the valuable content and informative speakers. Ray Markel with the City of Walnut shared, “I’m extremely thankful to everyone at the California JPIA for putting on such an informative and helpful Risk Management Academy. The topics discussed were very engaging and applicable to my agency. The Academy also provided a great opportunity to network and workshop ideas with colleagues and the Authority’ss risk managers. The California JPIA also never disappoints when it comes to accommodations and food. I would highly recommend their academies to any agency professional.”
February
The Parks & Recreation Academy took place at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. An Academy attendee said, “I loved the Academy! As a new supervisor who has dealt with contracts and insurance in a limited capacity, this has been extremely helpful.” Topics included contractual risk transfer, insurance review, emergency management, background checks, volunteers and part-time employees, aquatic center operations, and defending your agency against playground litigation. Another participant shared, “This is an excellent resource/training for parks and recreation professionals. It provides specific examples of how agencies can reduce risk at city programs and events.”
March and September
Due to the high demand for manager training, two sessions of the Management Academy were scheduled: one in spring and one in fall. The highly requested Academy received positive feedback, with Richard Lyons from SEAACA sharing, “Thank you, California JPIA. Once again, you hit a home run. I walked away with skills to assist me in my supervisory duties.”
In March, police and fire personnel from 23 different member agencies attended the Public Safety Academy in Paso Robles. The unique program includes a full classroom experience with breakout sessions for each discipline, and participants have highly praised it for its comprehensive content. Jay Enns, a fire battalion chief with the City of Paso Robles, said, “I will recommend this training to our captains looking to promote.”
April
Tenured city managers and agency executives met in San Diego for the Executive Summit in April. They engaged in leadership topics in a small group setting, with ample time for networking and learning from subject matter experts.
The Human Resources Academy featured new sessions on DEI, personnel rules, 360-degree evaluations, stay interviews, supervisor training, and high-profile investigations. Speakers included the Authority’s Kelly Trainer Policky and human resource professionals Carla Williams with the City of La Cañada Flintridge and Kristi Hobrecker with the City of Santa Clarita.
May
The Elected Officials Summit, recently created for local agency officials in office for more than three years, was held in Huntington Beach. The Academy focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of governance, leadership, and the California JPIA’s role in risk management. The summit included a media interview simulation, allowing attendees to practice live on-air interview scenarios.
June and November
Another academy popular enough to be featured twice is the Public Works Academy, held in June and November. Sixty attendees from 37 member agencies participated. Typical Academy topics are ADA litigation, claims investigation, preserving evidence, fleet and driver management, and harassment and bullying within the department. Attendees enjoyed the information sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities with peers from other member agencies.
August
The Leadership Academy was held in August for department directors and agency leaders. Attendees gained insight into conflict resolution, self-awareness, critical conversations, trust building, and public service ethics. Long-time instructor Forrest Story led discussions about trust, strategic thinking, and innovation. “This has been one of the most polished conferences I have been to,” shared Kathryn Morrison, clerk of the board for OCCOG, “From the speakers to the education provided, it was informative. The staff gave you a sense of belonging, and I left feeling more confident about my role at my agency.”
The Authority’s academy program is a great opportunity for member agency employees to deep-dive into topics relevant to their careers and network with fellow colleagues from different public agencies. For more information on the California JPIA’s training academies, contact Training Coordinator Michelle Aguayo.
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