schedule of sessions - dec 2019 - store & retrieve data ... · purposeful positioning for...
TRANSCRIPT
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SCHEDULEOFSESSIONSAsofDecember4,2019
Wednesday,January29,20208:30am–9:45am
InventoryingandAccountingforCapitalAssets:ACaseStudy(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)
TheSanFranciscoInternationalAirport(SFO)receivedarecommendationfromitsauditorstoconductaphysicalinventoryofitscapitalassets,andwasalsonotifiedbytheCityandCountyofSanFranciscothatanewfinancialsystemwouldbeimplementedforalldepartments.Inresponse,SFOembarkedonacomprehensiveprogramtodothefollowing:
• Cleanupitscapitalassetsdatabaseinpreparationformigrationtothenewfinancialsystem,includingconsolidationofparent/childassets,writingoffassetswithhistoricalcostlessthanthecapitalizationthreshold,andwritingofffullydepreciatedeasementsandcapitalinterest.
• Improveitspolicies,procedures,andpracticesrelatedtoconstructing,capitalizing,valuing,depreciating,inventorying,andaccountingforcapitalassets.
• Conductaphysicalinventoryofallcapitalassetsfor43divisions,representing$6.4billionathistoricalcost.
UsingSFO’sexperience,thissessionwillpresentaroadmaponhowtoconductaphysicalinventoryofcapitalassetsandimproveprocedurestoassurethoseassetsareaccountedforaccurately.Thepanelistswillshareforms,reports,andpoliciesdevelopedduringtheprojectthatcanbetailoredbyothergovernments,includingobservationcountsheets,reportstomanagement,assetlists,andwrittenpoliciesandprocedures.Practicaladviceandpitfallstobeavoidedwillbediscussed.
Speakers: ShaneBalanon,ProcessControlManager,SanFranciscoInternationalAirport KevinHarper,Partner,KevinW.HarperCPA&Associates
CreatingaRightBrainCultureinaLeftBrainEnvironment(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Financedepartments/divisionsareoftenperceivedasbeingtoorigid,rulebound,andclosedofftoanythingoutsidethebox.Whileitisimportanttomaintainstrongfiduciaryoversightof
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youragency’sfiscaloperations,itisalsoincreasinglyimportanttocreateaworkculturethatembracescollaboration,newideas,andcontinuouslearning.Movingbeyondthetechnicalskillsandfocusingontheinterpersonalskillswillelevateyourleadershiptoanewlevel,andwillhelpcreateacultureofacknowledgement,respect,andtrustwithbothyouremployeesandyourcustomers.
Howdoyoudothat?Youcreatearightbrainculture.Thisdynamicsessionwillprovide7keystrategiestofosterarightbraincultureandembraceemotionalintelligencewithinyourfinancedepartment/division.WewilldetailthespecificactionsandinitiativesthattheCityofRedwoodCityhasimplemented;discusstheartofsaying“no”;anddemonstratehowtoenhancecommunicationandengagementforthebenefitofyouroperations.
Speakers: KimbraMcCarthy,AssistantCityManagerofAdministrativeServices,CityofRedwoodCity
DerekRampone,FinancialServicesManager,CityofRedwoodCity
Gonein24hours–ParadiseLostandtheCampFire’sLastingEffects(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)OnNovember8,2018,theCampFire,thedeadliest,mostdevastatingwildfireinCaliforniahistory,hitButteCounty,destroyingover14,000homes,includingmostoftheTownofParadise,andkilling85people.Manyofthe26,000ParadiseresidentsrelocatedtoChicoandothernearbycitiesovernight.ThistragedyforeverchangedthelivesofallButteCountyresidents.Assuch,ithasdramaticallyaffectedtheeconomyandfinancesoftheTownofParadise,ButteCounty,theCityofChico,andothernearbytowns.ThissessionwillprovideafirsthandaccountoftheCampFireanditseffectsfromalocalgovernmentfinancialandinformationtechnologyperspective.Questionsdiscussedwillincludethefollowing:
• Whathappenswhenyourtaxbasisiseliminatedovernight?• WhathappenswhenyourCity’spopulationgrowsby20,000overnight?• Willyourinformationsystemsbackupsoperateuponanemergencyrelocation?• HowtoworkwithCalOESandFEMA?• Areyoupreparedforalarge-scaledisaster?
Speakers: ScottDowell,AdministrativeServicesDirector,CityofChico MeeganJessee,DeputyAdministrativeOfficer,CountyofButte JoshMarquis,InformationSystemsManager,CityofChico
TheColemanReport(willberepeated)(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Inhisannualupdateonlocalmunicipalfinancialconditionsandissues,MichaelColemanwilldiscussthelatesthotlegislativeandbudgetissuesintheCapitol,importantlegaldevelopments,currenttrendsandissuesinkeylocalrevenues,includingsalestax,propertytax,andhighwayuserstax,andthelatestonmunicipalfinancialhealthandbankruptcy.
Speaker: MichaelColeman,FiscalPolicyAdvisor,CSMFOandLeagueofCaliforniaCities
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WhoisWatchingtheHenHouse?The457NestEggDilemma(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Manycitieshaveabetterunderstandingoftheir457planfeesandfiduciarydutiesthaneverbeforeinthepast.Implementingbestpracticesareimportant,butwithoutunderstandingtherolesandresponsibilitiesofalltheplayers,suchasconsultants,third-partyrecord-keepers,andinvestmentoversightcommittees,thefighttoprotectanddeliverthisbenefitiscaughtinthecrosshairsofnewhiddenfeesinplainsight.Understandingtheroleofallthe457planrelationshipsiskeytoestablishingbestpracticesandprovidingproperoversight,notjustfortheplan,butalsoforthosewatchingthe“henhouse”itself.
Speakers: DavidBilby,DirectorofFinance/Treasurer,CityofChulaVista JeffChang,Partner,BestBest&KriegerLLP MaribelLarios,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,FiduciaryExpertsLLC
PurposefulPositioningforPositiveDebtIssuanceResults(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Publicagenciescontemplatingtheissuanceofdebttofinanceeithernewinfrastructureimprovementsortorefinanceexistingdebtmustensurethattheyaresecuringthelowestcostsandbestpossibleterms.Successfuldebtissuanceisaresultofmanyfactors,nottheleastofwhichispre-planningandstrategizingtogetyouragencyintopfiscalshape.Haveyoureviewedandupdatedyourfinancialpolicies,suchasdebtmanagement,reserve,andinvestmentpolicies,anddotheyfollowbestpracticesandmeetcurrentregulatoryrequirements?Areyourauditsnotonlyuptodate,butaretheythoroughanddotheyprovidetheinformationaratingagency,lender,orotherpotentialinvestorislookingfor,includingsupplementaryinformationsuchasdebtcoverageratios,appropriatedemographicdata,orotherinformationthatmayberequiredundercontinuingdisclosureundertakings?Doyouhaveadequaterevenuestofundthedebtservice;ifnot,whatdoyouneedtodotoincreaserevenuesordecreasecosts?Learnhowyoucanpositivelypositionyourselffromleadersinthefieldofpublicdebtissuance.
Speakers: JeffreyMeyer,RetiredDirectorofAdministrativeServices,CalaverasCountyWaterDistrict
ToddSmith,ManagingDirector,HilltopSecurities CameronWeist,Partner,TheWeistLawFirm
SB998–TheDo’s,TheDon’ts,andthe“ItDepends”!(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)AreyoupreparedtocomplywithSB998onFebruary1,2020?SB998putsrestrictionsonshuttingoffwatercustomerswithincertaintimeperiodsandothercriteria.Wateragenciesfaceseverefinesfornotcomplying,socomegeteducatedonwhatyouneedtodotoprotectyouragency!Evenifyouareprepared,comelistentothebestpracticesofotheragenciesregardingcompliancewithSB998andstrategiestominimizetheimpactonyourorganization.Thissessionisdesignedtobeinteractive,withparticipantandattendeequestions,insights,andcompliancetips.
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Speakers: KristyMincey,CustomerServiceBillingManager,EasternMunicipalWaterDistrict
CindyByerrum,President,PlatinumConsultingGroup JimCiampa,ManagingPartner,Lagerlof,Senecal,Gosney&KruseLLP
ActuarialInformation/Valuations101(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
WiththerecentattentiononpensionreformandGovernmentalAccountingStandardsBoard(GASB)reportingrequirementsforpensions,financepractitionersneedtobecomewellversedinhowtoreadactuarialreports,includingbasicterms,methodology,andinformationessentialtodeterminingyourpensionplancontributionandfundedstatus.Thissessionwillexplainwhatyouneedtoknowinclearterms,andwillhelpyoutranslatethiscomplexinformationfordecisionmakers,employees,bargainingunits,andthepublic.
Speaker: JulianRobinson,SeniorPensionActuary,CaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem
InterviewQuickTakes–NailingYourChancetoShine(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Doyouwanttohoneyourinterviewskillsinalow-riskenvironment?Haveyoueverwonderedwhatinterviewpanelistswerethinkingduringaninterview?Doyouwantconstructiveandusefulfeedbackregardingwhatyoudowellandwhatyoucouldimprove?Youreffectivenessininterviewingcanmakeorbreakyoursuccessingettingaseniorfinanceposition.Attendeeswhoregisteredinadvancewillhaveanopportunitytoparticipateinasimulatedinterviewpanelsettingandgetimmediatefeedbackfromtoprecruiterfirmsandseasonedfinanceprofessionalswhohaveservedonnumerousinterviewpanels.Eachsegmentwillconsistof15minutesofhandlinginterviewquestionsandopportunitiestonotehowyouwouldliketostrengthenyourpresentationand5minutesforfeedback,includinghelpfulsuggestionsfromthepanelists.Wanttomultiplythebenefitsforyourself?Bringyoursmartphoneandrecordyoursessiontoreviewhowyoucomeacross.UptothreeotherCSMFOmembersmayattendeachsessionasobservers.
Speakers: RichardLee,FinanceDirector,CityofSanMateo SarahRagsdale,AdministrativeServicesDirector,MountainHouseCommunity
ServicesDistrict BobbiPeckham,President,Peckham&McKenney,Inc.
Wednesday,January29,202010:15am–11:30am
TheLeader’sToolkit:MaximizingYourDailyLeadershipEffectiveness(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Thesuccessfulleader’sdaystartswith“Goodmorning”andendswith“Thankyou.”Inbetween,therearedozensofinteractions,behaviors,anddecisionsthatwilldeterminethesuccessofthatleaderandtheirteamforthatdayandinthefuture.Dailyleadershipactionswewillexploreindetailincludebodylanguage,importanceofapositiveattitude,displaying
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authenticity,andplayingupyourskillsandknowledge.Emphasiswillbeon15actionsyoucantakedaily,likearticulatingvisionandgoals,teachingandengagingothers,stayingcalmandlevelheaded,andbeingapositiverolemodel.Wecanalladdtoolstoourleadershiptoolbox,andyouwillbeabletousetheseimmediatelyonthejob.
Speaker: NeilKupchin,Management&TrainingConsultant
LeaseAccounting,PartDeux(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)GASBStatementNo.87,Leases,establishesasinglemodelforleaseaccountingbasedonthefoundationalprinciplethatleasesarefinancingsoftherighttouseanunderlyingasset.Thisisasignificantchangefromcurrentguidanceandwillmostlikelyhaveamaterialimpactonyourfinancialstatements.Atthe2019CSMFOConferenceinPalmSprings,wepresentedthe“Top10”implementationissuesarisingfromGASBStatementNo.87.Whiletheimplementationissueswereanimportantpartofgettingstarted,thenextstepispracticalguidance.Let’sdiscusstheoutcomesofimplementingleasestandards,walkthroughnumeroustypesofleaseslikelytobeencountered,andreviewhowleaseswillendupinthefinancialstatementsandnotedisclosures.MostgovernmentalagencieswithinCaliforniawillbeimplementingthesestandardsinfiscalyear2020/21,sotimeisoftheessence!
Speakers: CraigBoyer,AssistantController,CountyofAlameda DavidBullock,Partner,Macias,Gini&O’ConnellLLP
NavigatingtheUncertainWaters:CalPERS’NewPensionOutlookForPublicAgencies(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
TheCaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem(CalPERS)hasdevelopedanewtoolforemployerstohelpplanforfuturepensioncosts.Called“PensionOutlook,”thisfreeprogram,availablethroughtheCalPERSportal,allowsemployerstoadjustkeyvariablesinthepensioncostequationandseewhatitwouldmeanfortheiragency’spensionobligationsovertime.Attendeesatthissessionwillseeademonstrationofthetoolandlearnhowtoadjusthypotheticalinvestmentreturns,factorinpossiblefuturediscountratechanges,andincorporatehypotheticaladditionaldiscretionarypaymentstoseetheimpacttoyourplans’fundedstatus,contributionrates,andtotaldollarcosts.Thisisanexcitingnewtoolforyouandyouragencytousetoextrapolatethebudgetaryimpactsthatcouldarisegivenvariousmarketeventsandemployercontributionscenarios.
Speaker: KerryWorgan,SupervisingPensionActuary,CaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem
WhyEveryLocalGovernmentNeedsaLong-TermFinancialPlan(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Withincreasingtalkofan“imminentrecession”andrisingfinancialpressuresconfrontingalllevelsofpublicservice,thevalueofpreparingalong-termfinancialplancontinuestospreadacrosstheCalifornialocalgovernmentlandscape.However,therearemanydifferenttypesoffinancialplans.Someplanshaveworkedwell.Othersdidnotquiteliveuptotheirexpectations.Threeseasonedlocalgovernmentprofessionalswillexplainwhatalong-term
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financialplanis,howsuchplanshaveworkedtoturnaroundsomedistressedlocalgovernments,andhowtheymaybeusedtonavigatefuturefinancialstress.
Speakers: TomHaynes,AssistantChiefFinancialOfficer,CountyofYolo ScottMitnick,CityManager,CityofElSegundo MattPaulin,ChiefFinancialOfficer,CityofStockton
StarWars,SplashMountain,Cars–AllAreGoodOptions!(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)TheWaterInfrastructureFinanceandInnovationAct(WIFIA),grants,theCleanWaterStateRevolvingFund(SRF),debt,and/orinternallygeneratedcash–thissessionwilldiscusshowapractitioner/issuermaximizesprojectfundingtogettheprojectbuilt.Learnfromthepanelabouttherightmixtomaintainflexibilityandpreservefuturedebtcapacity.Youwillalsohearfromthefinancingcommunityaboutavailablestateandfederalprogramsandhowthesesourcesmaybetherightoptionforyou.
Speakers: JorianneJernberg,WIFIAProgramDirector,U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyBrianMandell,DebtManager,CityofSanDiego
ChristopherStevens,SupervisingEngineer,CaliforniaStateWaterResourcesControlBoardShannonGroff,Director,FitchRatings
LocalGovernmentInvestmentConsiderationsundertheCaliforniaGovernmentCode(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
ThissessionreviewsthetypesofinvestmentsandinvestmentpracticesthatarepermittedandprohibitedforCaliforniapublicagencies.WewillalsodiscussahistoryofkeychangestotheCaliforniaGovernmentCodeovertheyearsandprovideacomprehensivelistofinvestmentguidanceandpolicyresources.Attheconclusionofthissession,youshouldbeableto(1)determinewhichinvestmentsarepermittedorprohibitedforCaliforniapublicagencies,(2)listfourwaystheCodehaschangedwithinthepast4years,and(3)identifyandapplyinvestmentpolicybestpractices.
Speakers: ChristinaValencia,ExecutiveManagerofFinanceandAdministration/AssistantGeneralManager,InlandEmpireUtilitiesAgency
SarahMeacham,ManagingDirector,PFMAssetManagementLLC,andProgramAdministrator,CaliforniaAssetManagementProgram(CAMP)
OptimizingWaterRevenueswithAdvancedMeteringInfrastructure(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Wateragenciesfacereducedrevenuesandhigherenforcementcostswhenimplementingconservationpolicestopreservelimitedwaterresources.Manywateragencyboardshaverequiredlocalwateragenciestosubmitconservationplansinexchangeforfinancialassistance,whichoftencompelsthemtomodifytheirbusinessplans.Manywateragenciesarelookingfornewideastoboostrevenuesandoptimizeperformance.Someofthesestrategiesconsistofthefollowing:
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• Replaceagingpipesandinstallnewwatermeters• Installnewadvancedmeterreader/advancedmeterinfrastructure(AMR/AMI)
technologytoimprovecustomerbillingandrevenuecollection• Financetotalprojectcostsandreduceoutstandingloanbalanceswithfuturegrant
dollars
Youwillhearfromthefinancingpartner,thetechnologyprovider,andanagencythathasimplementedafixednetworkAMI.
Speakers: CraigJones,ManagementAnalystII,CityofVentura KevinBarnes,SeniorAMISolutionSpecialist,Ferguson LanceHolman,President/ChiefExecutiveOfficer,HolmanCapital
SpeedCoaching(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Thissessiongivesyoualivelyandengagingwaytotapmultipleperspectivesandinstantlybroadenyournetwork.CSMFOhasagreatteamoftalentedvolunteerseniorprofessionalswhoarepleasedtohelpcolleaguesandrisingstarsfindresourcestoanswertheirquestionsandenjoytheircareers.Inthecourseofthesession,youwillhaveopportunitiestorotatefromonecoachtoanotherinsegmentsofabout15minuteseach.Learnwhatyoucandotoaddresskeyissuesandgrow.
Speakers: DonMaruska,MasterCoach CSMFOVolunteerCoaches
InterviewQuickTakes–NailingYourChancetoShine(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Doyouwanttohoneyourinterviewskillsinalow-riskenvironment?Haveyoueverwonderedwhatinterviewpanelistswerethinkingduringaninterview?Doyouwantconstructiveandusefulfeedbackregardingwhatyoudowellandwhatyoucouldimprove?Youreffectivenessininterviewingcanmakeorbreakyoursuccessingettingaseniorfinanceposition.Attendeeswhoregisteredinadvancewillhaveanopportunitytoparticipateinasimulatedinterviewpanelsettingandgetimmediatefeedbackfromtoprecruiterfirmsandseasonedfinanceprofessionalswhohaveservedonnumerousinterviewpanels.Eachsegmentwillconsistof15minutesofhandlinginterviewquestionsandopportunitiestonotehowyouwouldliketostrengthenyourpresentationand5minutesforfeedback,includinghelpfulsuggestionsfromthepanelists.Wanttomultiplythebenefitsforyourself?Bringyoursmartphoneandrecordyoursessiontoreviewhowyoucomeacross.UptothreeotherCSMFOmembersmayattendeachsessionasobservers.
Speakers: JenniferCallaway,FinanceDirector,CityofMorroBay DustinClaussen,DirectorofFinance,CityofHayward ValerieGaetaPhillips,President,BobMurray&Associates
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Wednesday,January29,20202:00pm–3:15pm
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1. Fullcostrecovery–allocationtoallfunds2. Investreserves/one-timemonies(internalloans)3. Costsharingandcontract/MOUProvisions4. AdjustbenefitlevelsandeligibilityforOPEB5. Tax-exemptexchange6. Syntheticfreshstart7. PensionObligationBonds(POB)
Theparticipantswilldiscussthebenefitsandrisksforeachoption,butmoreimportantlywillfocusontheprocesstheytookinevaluatingtheiroptionsandthestepsneededtoimplementtheirrecommendedpathway.Becauseeachagencyhasadifferentliability/financialpositionandpolicycontext,wewillprovidetwoperspectivesfromcitiesthathavebeguntoaddresstheirunfundedretirementcost.Thedialoguewilldiscussthepracticalstepsneededtogettheircouncilstoadecision.
Speakers: SamanthaArgabrite,DeputyCityManager,CityofSimiValley AdamRaymond,CityManager,CityofGlendora JulioMorales,Director,UrbanFutures,Inc.
HiringCalPERSRetireestheRightWay(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)CalPERScontractingagenciesareusingretireesmoreandmoretoprovideneededservices.Therestrictionsonhiringretireeshavebecomestricterandenforcementofthoseruleshasincreased.Theresultisthatpublicagenciesandtheretireestheyhireareincreasinglygettinghitwithpenaltiesforviolatingtherules.Hiringretireestherightwayisnoteasy,butitispossible–andwewillshowyouhow!Topicstobecoveredincludethefollowing:
• Whatretireescanbehiredtodo• Limitsonhours,salary,benefits,anddurationofappointment• Penaltiesforviolatingtherules• “Extrahelp”assignmentsandthelimitsonfillingavacantposition• Thedifferencebetweenindependentcontractorsandemployees
Speakers: ReneeOstrander,Chief,EmployerAccountManagementDivision,CaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem
StevenBerliner,Partner,LiebertCassidyWhitmore
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OneDayyouWakeupandHaveMaterialWeaknessesinInternalControl(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)Isitpossibletoonedaywakeupandrealizeyouhavenumerousdeficienciesininternalcontrolsandotherrelatedchallenges?Iftheanswertothatquestionisyes,thenthelargerquestionishowtorespondandmanageasignificantundertakingtocorrectyearsofunidentifiedcontroldeficiencies,gainenoughsupporttoinstitutechange,andfocustheorganizationonmovingforwardbyofferingsolutionstogovernancebodiesandstakeholders.Ourpanelofspeakerswillguideyouthroughhow,atmultiplegovernmentalentities,management,internalaudit,andexternalauditcollaborativelyworkedtogethertooffersolutions,buildtransparencyintothetransitionprocess,andprovideaccountabilityinordertobuildastrongerandmoreresilientorganizationthroughitsinternalcontrols,policies,andprocedures.TheywillsharewithyoutheirexperiencewithbestpracticesandhowtousetheprinciplesfoundintheCommitteeofSponsoringOrganizations(COSO)authoredinternalcontrolframework,whichwasdevelopedtoprovidethoughtleadershipthroughtheframeworkandguidanceoninternalcontrol,enterpriseriskmanagement,andfraud.
Speakers: ElenaAdair,FinanceDirector,CityofAlameda TomHennig,DirectorofAdministration,RanchoMurietaCommunityServices
District VanessaBurke,Partner,ThePunGroupLLP,AccountantsandAdvisors MarkSteranka,Partner,MossAdams
AreyouReadyfortheNewFiduciaryActivitiesRules?(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)GASBStatementNo.84,FiduciaryActivities,waseffectiveJuly1,2019formostCalifornialocalgovernmentsandrequiresareviewoffiduciaryfundsandotherpotentialfiduciaryactivities.Thissessionwillreviewthenewcriteriaforidentifyingfiduciaryactivitiesandthefourfiduciaryfundtypesthatshouldbereported.Agencyfundshaveretired.Custodialfundsarethenewgenerationoffiduciaryactivities.Thissessionwillprovideanoverviewoftheaccountingandfinancialreportingrequirementsforfiduciaryactivities,aswellassomeCalifornia-specificexamples.
Speakers: MicheleMarkLevine,DirectorofTechnicalServices,GovernmentFinanceOfficersAssociation
AmyMeyer,Shareholder,Maze&Associates
HotTopicsfromtheRatingAgencyDesks(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Inthissession,youwillgetanupdateaboutthehottopicsratingagenciesarediscussingwithlocalgovernments.Whetheryouareconsideringissuingnewdebtorareabouttoundergoyourannualratingagencysurveillancecall,youwillwanttoknowwhattoexpectfromtheratingagencies.Thehottopicsincludecybersecurity,wildfirerisks,LIBORtransition,infrastructurefinancing,economicdevelopment,preparingforthenextrecession/slowdownintheeconomy,aswellasESG(Environment,Social,andGovernance).
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Speakers: AlexandraCimmiyotti,VicePresident/SeniorCreditOfficer,Moody’sInvestorsService
JennyPoree,SeniorDirector/AnalyticalManager,Standard&Poor’s
HealthCareChallengesandOutlook(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Hearfromtwoleadingpolicyexpertsinthehealthcarespace:DougMcKeeverfromCoveredCalifornia,andDonaldMouldsfromtheCaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem(CalPERS).Learnabouthealthcaretrendsatthefederal,state,andlocallevels,includingfactorsinfluencingcosts,access,andqualityofcare.Specialattentionwillbepaidtoeffortstounderstandandaddressthecostdriversthatcontinuetoresultinrisinghealthcarecostsforindividualsandemployers,suchaspharmaceuticalcosts,hospitalization,andregionaldifferencesacrossourvaststate.
Speakers: DougMcKeever,ChiefDeputyExecutiveDirector,Program,CoveredCalifornia DonaldMoulds,ChiefHealthDirector,CaliforniaPublicEmployees’Retirement
System
FlyinginClouds:HowtoGainVisibilityofOutsourcedInformationServices(InnovationandIT)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Organizations,includinggovernments,aremovingtheirdata,accounting,andmanagementinformationsystemstothecloudbycontractingwithinfrastructure,platform,andsoftware-as-a-serviceproviders.Whileshiftingoperationsresponsibilitiestoserviceorganizationsandvendors,theultimatebottomline,“thebuckstopshere”responsibility,remainswiththegovernment.Learnwhatstepsyoushouldtaketoincreaseyourcyberresilienceandcontrolyourexternalauditcosts. Bestpracticesandtoolsexisttogaininsightandpracticeoversightofyourcontractorsandvendors,includingtheirsuppliersthatareprovidingservicestoyourCityindirectly.Thissessionwillcoverthecybersecuritytriad,relatedreportingrisksatahighlevel,andwhatyourfinancialstatementauditorsshouldbeevaluating.Thendivedeeperintoquestionsyouandyourexternalauditorsshouldbeaskingyouroutsourcedservicemanagementconcerningcybersecurityframeworks,informationsecuritymanagement,andhowtoproactivelyuseserviceorganizationcontrol(SOC)reportstohelpyouevaluatehowwellyourserviceproviderismaintainingtheconfidentiality,integrity,andavailabilityofyourorganization’sdataandinformation.Finally,thissessionwillcoverthedocumentationneededtomanageyouroutsourcedservicesandsupportyourannualfinancialstatementaudits.
Speakers: BrianKelleher,ChiefFinancialOfficer,ContraCostaTransportationAuthority JasmineCosta,ITAuditManager,Macias,Gini&O’ConnellLLP
MicheleMcDonald,IT/CyberSecurityManager,Macias,Gini&O’ConnellLLP
Rate-settingwithaDiviningRod–GroundwaterFeeswiththeSustainableGroundwaterManagementAct(SGMA)(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Inthemidstofamajordrought,CaliforniaGovernorJerryBrownsignedwhatwasperhapsthemostsignificantwaterlegislativeinitiativeinCaliforniainhalfacentury:theSustainable
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GroundwaterManagementAct(SGMA).Thelegislationprovidesaframeworkforlong-termsustainablegroundwatermanagementbyrequiringlocalandregionalauthoritieswithincommongroundwaterbasinstoformGroundwaterSustainabilityAgencies(GSAs),whicharethenrequiredtoprepareandimplementlocalGroundwaterSustainabilityPlans(GSPs).WhiletheSGMAhascatapultedCaliforniaforwardinitsquesttosustainablymanageitsmostpreciousresource,thelawwaspassedinastatethatstruggleswithcomplicatedrate-settingrequirements,emboldenedutilityratewatchdogorganizations,amassiveagriculturalcommunitywithhighoperatingcosts,andmanyquestionsregardingthefuturecostsofactuallyimplementingtheSGMA.
WhiletheSGMAclearlygivesGSAstheauthoritytocollectrevenuefromgroundwaterextractors,thelawdoesnotspecifywhichexistingCaliforniafeeauthorit(ies)is/areapplicableinregulatinggroundwaterextractioncharges.GSAsacrossthestatehavealreadyadoptedawidediversityofSGMA-relatedfeesandtheyhavecitedawidevarietyoflegaljustificationsforthosegroundwaterextractionfees.Thispanelwillexaminevariousexamplesofthosefeesandexploresomecasestudiesinmoredetail.
ThispresentationwillhelpsimplifythemyriadofpotentiallegalinterpretationsthatfaceGSAsandtheirmemberagencies.ThepanelwillreviewwhattheSGMAsaysaboutGSAs’feeauthority,howthatauthorityrelatestootherfeeauthorities,andthebestlegalvehiclesforadoptingasustainablerevenuesourceforGSAs.ThispresentationwillbeofinteresttoallGSAsaswellasanywaterutilities,cities,and/orcountiesthataretiedtoaGSA,whichimplicatesavastmajorityofthemunicipalgovernmentsacrossCalifornia.
Speakers: TyrellStaheli,ChiefFinancialOfficer,IndianWellsValleyWaterDistrict JenaShoafAcos,Associate,BrownsteinHyattFarberSchreck MarkHildebrand,Owner,HildebrandConsultingLLC
InterviewQuickTakes–NailingYourChancetoShine(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)
Doyouwanttohoneyourinterviewskillsinalow-riskenvironment?Haveyoueverwonderedwhatinterviewpanelistswerethinkingduringaninterview?Doyouwantconstructiveandusefulfeedbackregardingwhatyoudowellandwhatyoucouldimprove?Youreffectivenessininterviewingcanmakeorbreakyoursuccessingettingaseniorfinanceposition.Attendeeswhoregisteredinadvancewillhaveanopportunitytoparticipateinasimulatedinterviewpanelsettingandgetimmediatefeedbackfromtoprecruiterfirmsandseasonedfinanceprofessionalswhohaveservedonnumerousinterviewpanels.Eachsegmentwillconsistof15minutesofhandlinginterviewquestionsandopportunitiestonotehowyouwouldliketostrengthenyourpresentationand5minutesforfeedback,includinghelpfulsuggestionsfromthepanelists.Wanttomultiplythebenefitsforyourself?Bringyoursmartphoneandrecordyoursessiontoreviewhowyoucomeacross.UptothreeotherCSMFOmembersmayattendeachsessionasobservers.
Speakers: KeithDeMartini,FinanceDirector,CityofSanBruno KaranReid,DirectorofFinance,CityofConcord TeriBlack,President,TeriBlackandCompany
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Wednesday,January29,20203:30pm–4:45pm
It’stheHousingSupply,Stupid!(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Theongoinghandwringingaboutanimpendingrecessionandtherecentvolatilityoffinancialmarketsstandinstarkcontrasttoaneconomythatjustkeepstruckingalongat2.5%growthdespitetradewars,arealestateslowdown,andtheinvertedyieldcurve.ButallisnotaswellintheGoldenState,wherejobandoutputgrowthhaveslowedtonationalaveragesafteryearsofbeingfarandawayabovethoselevels.Thereasonfortheslowingisbasiceconomics–alaborscarcitythatleavestoomanyjobopeningsinthestateunfilled.Thatscarcityis,inturn,beinglargelydrivenbyalackofhousingsupplyand,unfortunately,GovernorNewsomhasnotsecuredevenbasicreformstohelpexpandsupply.Assuch,nextyearwillbeeventougherforCaliforniabusinessesastheystruggletofindtheworkerstheyneedtotakeadvantageoftheotherwiserobustU.S.economy.
Speaker: ChristopherThornberg,FoundingPartner,BeaconEconomics
Thursday,January30,20208:30am–9:45am
ProtectingYourEntityfromFraud(FinancialManagement)(F–Fraud)Whileadvancesintechnologyhavebroughtgreatertransparencyandefficiencytohowpublicentitiesoperate,theyhavealsoexposedthemtoapervasivebarrageofsophisticatedattackstodeceiveanddefraudthemofpublicfunds.Thissessionwillfeaturepractitioners’effortstorecognizeandmanagetheseattacks,andasecurityprofessionalwhowillsharethegenesis,evolution,andanticipatedfuturetrendsofthesefraudulentattacks.
Speakers: DouglasAlessio,AdministrativeServicesDirector,CityofLivermore RichardLee,FinanceDirector,CityofSanMateo KellynWagnerRamsdell,IntelligenceAnalyst,NorthernCaliforniaRegional
IntelligenceCenter
TheColemanReport(REPEAT)(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Inhisannualupdateonlocalmunicipalfinancialconditionsandissues,MichaelColemanwilldiscussthelatesthotlegislativeandbudgetissuesintheCapitol,importantlegaldevelopments,currenttrendsandissuesinkeylocalrevenues,includingsalestax,propertytax,andhighwayuserstax,andthelatestonmunicipalfinancialhealthandbankruptcy.
Speaker: MichaelColeman,FiscalPolicyAdvisor,CSMFOandLeagueofCaliforniaCities
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GASBUpdate–TheImplementationGuidesareHere(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)Thewaitisoverwiththeissuanceofnewimplementationguidesonfiduciaryactivitiesandleases.Thoseguidesarebeingsupplementedwithaproposedimplementationupdatethatconnectsthedotsonsomeimportantissues,suchashowtoassessapotentialfiduciarycomponentunitthathasnoboardandhowtodeterminewhetheragovernmentcontrolsarighttouseassetincontractthatcouldbealease.ThissessionwilladdressthoseissuesandmoreasCaliforniagovernmentsfaceimplementationissuesassociatedwithnewGASBstandards.
Speaker: DavidR.Bean,DirectorofResearchandTechnicalActivities,GovernmentalAccountingStandardsBoard
CaliforniaBurning:FightWildFire...ButHowtoPayForIt?(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
OneofCalifornia’smostpressingandpotentiallydevastatingchallengesisthemanagementofuncontrolledwildlandfires,especiallyconsideringthenow-recognizedpotentialtospreadtourbanareasandevensuburbansubdivisions.Expertthought-leadersaredevelopingkeystrategies,includingtheessentialthree-prongedapproachtowildlandfiremanagement:firesuppression,vegetationmanagement,andstructureresiliency.Severaldifferentfundingapproachesfortheseessentialserviceswillbepresented,includingProposition218-compliantspecialtaxes,property-relatedfees,andbenefitassessments.TheCityofSantaBarbara’suniqueandverysuccessfulfundingapproachwillbepresentedasacasestudy.
Speakers: ChristopherBraden,FireServicesSpecialist,CityofSantaBarbara JohnBliss,President,SCIConsultingGroup
Yesterday-Cannabis,Tomorrow-Hemp,andFinance-FiscalTrends(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
SincethepassageofProposition64,citiesinCaliforniahavedealtwiththefiscalimpactsandbenefitsofallowingcannabisbusinessestooperateintheircommunities.ThispresentationwilldiscusshowoneagencyhasadoptedcommunityeconomicbenefitsandhowtheCity’sChiefofPolicemarketedit.Inaddition,thepanelwilldiscussthelessonslearnedfromthecollectionoftaxes,audits,thechallengesoftaxapportionment,theimpactsofdeliveryservicesonretailstorerevenues,mergersandacquisitions,andtheredflagsofprojectingrevenuesfromcannabisoperationsinthebudgetprocess.Finally,thepanelwillexaminehowthe“impactsofhemp”willreshapetheeconomicdevelopmentofcannabisbusinessesinCalifornia.
Speakers: JoannaAltman,AssistanttotheCityManager,CityofVallejo AndrewSalinas,ChiefofPolice,CityofPortHueneme DavidMcPherson,CannabisComplianceDirector,HdLCompanies
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Inclusion,DiversityandEquity:BuildingaCultureofExcellenceintheWorkplace(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Thissessionwillfocusonhowtoenhanceyourworkforcebyembracingdiversityofthought,age,gender,andculturalbackground,whileestablishingequityandpromotinganinclusiveenvironment.DanMcAllister,SanDiegoCountyTreasurer-TaxCollector,andLisaMarieHarris,DirectorofFinance/TreasureratSanDiegoCountyWaterAuthority,bothadvocateforthesepracticeswithintheiragenciesandonbehalfoftheirworkforce.Asmanagers,theyvalueandseektopromoteinclusivepracticesofengagementwithstafffromdifferentbackgrounds,beadvocatesfortheirstaff’sprofessionalgrowthanddevelopment,anddevelopmentoringopportunities.Thispursuitofinclusivenessattheiragenciessupportsbettermanagementanddecision-making,andenhancesthepublic’soverallexperiencewiththeirrespectiveagencies.Together,DanandLisaMariewillfocusontheirexperienceimplementinginclusioninthepublicsectorbysharingbestpracticesandexperience,aswellasprovidingguidancetootherprofessionalschargedwithgrowingtheirstaffforfuturegenerations.
Speakers: LisaMarieHarris,DirectorofFinance/Treasurer,SanDiegoCountyWaterAuthority
DanMcAllister,Treasurer-TaxCollector,CountyofSanDiego
DoMorewithLess:ThePowerofAutomation(Innovation&IT)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Asbudgetstighten,agencymanagementiscompelledtowringefficiency(andcash)outofprograms,whileimprovingservicestoconstituents.Inearly2019,theMendocinoCountyBoardofSupervisorsmadeincreasedefficiencyaformalgoal.Sessionpanelistswilldiscussthereturn-on-investment(ROI)relatedtoapplicationimprovementandbusinessprocessprojects.Theywillexaminepracticalbusinessapproachesthatagenciescanimplementtosavestafftimeandmoney,andtheywilldiscussthebasicsofcalculatingROI,aswellastechnologybestpracticesthatincreaseefficiencyofuse.Thissessionisdesignedtosparktheinterestofagencymanagement,financialofficers,andtechnologistsinimplementingprocessimprovementsusingtechnology.Itwillgiveyourecommendationsforprojects,andamethodologytomeasuretheeffectivenessofyourprojects.
Speakers: JanelleRau,DeputyChiefExecutiveOfficer,CountyofMendocino TomJakobsen,SeniorPartner,ClientFirstTechnologyConsulting
7HabitsofHighlyEffectiveInvestmentPrograms(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Publicfundinvestmentprogramsareoneoftheonlyplaceswhererevenuecanbegeneratedwithoutchargingtaxesorfeestotaxpayersorratepayers.Havingkeyfundamentalsinplacehelpsensurethethreeprimaryinvestmentprogramobjectivesofsafety,liquidity,andincomearemet.Thissessionwilldiscusssevenaspectsofasuccessfulinvestmentprogram,whicharethefollowing:
1. Adetailedasset/liabilitymatching(cashflow)model2. Aresponsibleamountofinterestrateriskandcreditrisk
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3. Donottrytotimethemarket4. Youlovelossesandhategains5. Theprogramfollowsgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples(GAAP)6. Benchmarkyourinvestmentprogramandportfolioinmultipleways7. Providequality,timely,andtransparentreporting
Speakers: TomJuarez,ChiefInvestmentOfficer,CityofLosAngeles RickPhillips,President/ChiefInvestmentOfficer,FTNFinancialMainStreet
Advisors
Thursday,January30,202010:15am–11:30am
LeadingSuccessfulTeamandOrganizationalCultureChange(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)“Thisisagreatplacetowork!”Wewouldalllikeourteammemberstoarticulatethissentiment,andthereisawayeveryleadercancreateorchangetheircurrentculturetoachievethisgoal.Organizationalcultureismadeupofacombinationofgoals,values,expectations,andethicsthathelpinfluencebehaviors.Inthisaction-packedsession,wewillpresentspecificactionstotaketocreateorchangeyourorganizationalculturefrom“goalongtogetalong”tofullyengaged.Thistransformationbeginswithsuccessfulfinancedepartmenton-boardingandcontinueswithrecognition-drivenleadership,recognizingwhatmattersmost,andpracticingperformance-basedurgency,allofwhichwillbeexploredsoyoucanmakeyourteamandorganization“agreatplacetowork”quicklyandeffectively.
Speaker: NeilKupchin,Management&TrainingConsultant
TransformingLocalGovernmentFinancesThroughInnovativeUseofSpecialTaxes(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Thepanelwilldiscussthevariouswaystheuseofspecialtaxesistransforminglocalgovernmentfinancetohelpenhancelocaljurisdictions’revenue,promoteinnovativedevelopmentprojects,andfundcoreinfrastructureandservices.Communityfacilitydistricts(CFDs)havelongbeenusedtofundinfrastructurefor“greenfield”developmentsinsuburbanareas.Overthelastdecade,thistoolhasexpandedinscopetofundservicesandhasbeenincreasinglyappliedtourbansettings.ThemodernizationoftheCFDtoolstillpromotesdevelopment,butnowalsohelpsmitigatedevelopment’sstrainonalocaljurisdiction’sbudgetandinfrastructure.Thepanelwillprimarilycovertwotopicsrelatingtospecialtaxes:
• City-wideServicesSpecialTax:Thefirstpartofthepanelwillhighlightonecity’sinnovativeapproachtoimplementingaservicesspecialtaxonallfuturedevelopmentwithinthecity’sboundaries.
• UrbanCommunityFacilitiesDistricts:ThenextportionwillfocusoncreativeapplicationsofCFDsforinfrastructure.
Attendthissessiontofindoutifthesetoolsmightprovidesomeincreasedfinancialflexibilityforyourjurisdiction.
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Speakers: LukeBrewer,DebtSpecialist,CityandCountyofSanFrancisco MattPaulin,ChiefFinancialOfficer,CityofStockton KenDieker,Principal,DelRioAdvisorsLLC EricMcKean,Director,Stifel
GASBUpdate–ProjectsUnderConstruction(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)TheGASBBigThreecontinuetograbtheaccountingandfinancialreportingheadlines,butthereismoretotheGASB’stechnicalagenda.Inadditiontoprovidingparticipantswiththelatestonthefinancialreportingmodel,revenueandexpenserecognition,andthedisclosureframework,thissessionwillprovideinsightsonforthcomingstandardsthataddresspublicprivatepartnerships,availabilitypaymentarrangements,subscription-basedinformationtechnologyarrangements(cloudcomputing),andmanyothertopicsonthecurrentandresearchagendas.
Speaker: DavidR.Bean,DirectorofResearchandTechnicalActivities,GovernmentalAccountingStandardsBoard
TheSalinasPlan:CreativelyAddressingBudgetDeficits,theCostofServices,andAffordableHousing(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
AscostsforCalPERSretirementareprojectedtoalmostdoubleoverthenextsevenyears,citiesthroughoutCaliforniafaceincreasinglyunsustainablestructuraldeficits.Citiesareforcedtograpplewithdifficultquestionsaboutmaintainingvitalserviceswhilealsofindingresourcestotacklenewerchallenges,suchashousingaffordability,inanenvironmentwhereemployeeandconstructioncostsarerapidlyrisingandoutsideaidisstaticordeclining.Recognizingthischallenge,attheendof2018,theCityofSalinascompletedaplantoaddressforthcomingbudgetdeficits(throughnewrevenue,internalefficiencies,andcostreductions)andtoestablishnewandexpandedinitiativesthataddressthegrowinghousingcrisis.TheSalinasPlanincludesover30recommendationscoveringsevenactionareas,designedtobeimplementedoveramulti-yearperiod.Overthelastyear,theCityhasbeenactivelyworkingtoimplementtherecommendedactions.
ThissessionprovidesanoverviewoftheSalinasPlan,anupdateonhowthe(sometimescontroversial)implementationofrecommendationshasprogressed,andhowtheplanhasevolved.Presenterswillalsodiscusstheprosandconsofalarge,public-facingstudyinchangingtheconversationwithinthecommunity,aswellastheCity’sabilitytoprovideservicesandstilltakealeadershiproleinaddressingdifficulthousingissues.Thissessionwillalsodemonstratehowacity’sfinancialplanshouldfocusonmorethanjustfinancialsustainability;ultimately,thequantity,quality,andcostofservicesprovidedarethemeasuresbywhichthecommunityjudgesitsofficials,andservicelevelpreservation(orprioritization)needstobeavitalcomponenttoanyfinancialplan.
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Speakers: AndrewMyrick,EconomicDevelopmentManager,CityofSalinas MattPressey,FinanceDirector,CityofSalinas RussBranson,Founder,RussBransonConsulting DavidEichenthal,ManagingDirector,PFMGroupConsultingLLC
ChangeIsComing:NeedsAssessmentsandSoftwarePlanning(Innovation&IT)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Doyoufinditincreasinglydifficulttomeettheneedsofmanagementandgoverningboardmemberswithyourcurrentsoftware?IsyourITstaffwarningthatyourfinancialsoftwarehasreachedend-of-lifestatus?Isyourvendorrequiringthatyouconductamajorupgradethatsoundsmorelikeanimplementationthanasimpleupdate?Thesearejustsomeofthefactorsthatcancauseanorganizationtoevaluatewhetheranupgradeofcurrentsoftwareorimplementationofnewsoftwareisneeded.Ifselectingnewsoftwaremaybeonthehorizonforyou,joinustodiscussstrategiesthatwillequipyoutodeterminewhetheranupgradeofyourcurrentsystemorimplementationofanewsystemisthebestoptionforyourorganization.Thesessionwillthenexplorebestpracticesinprojectmanagementandchangemanagementthatwilllayastrongfoundationforevaluatingyourcurrentenvironmentandplanningforanimplementationormajorupgrade.
Speakers: JasonAl-Imam,FinanceDirector,CityofFountainValley DavidFaraone,BudgetAnalyst,CityofFountainValley MicheleDotson,Manager,BerryDunn
NavigatingtheRagingRiversofDebtManagement(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Inrecentyears,theCalifornialegislature,theSecuritiesandExchangeCommission(SEC),andtheInternalRevenueService(IRS)havetakenactionstoencourageissuersofdebttoadoptpoliciesandproceduresconcerningthedebtissuanceprocessandpost-issuancecomplianceforbothfederaltaxandsecuritieslawpurposes.ThissessionwillcoverdevelopmentandimplementationofpoliciesandprocedurestocomplywithCalifornialaw.Thespeakerswillprovideinsightregardingbestpractices,priorities,andpitfallsinadoptingoramendingpoliciesandproceduresastheyrelatetobothsmallandlargeissuersofdebt.IssuesaddressedwillincludeCaliforniaGovernmentCodesection8855(i),therecentamendmentstoSECRule15c2-12,assigningresponsibilities,andestablishingtraining.
Speakers: GinaTharani,DirectorofFinancialServices/CityTreasurer,CityofAlisoViejo NoraO’Brien,Associate,BestBest&KriegerLLP AnnaSarabian,Principal,Fieldman,Rolapp&Associates
TakingaPolicy-BasedApproachtoSettingUserFees(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)ItisessentialtohaveastronganalyticalfoundationwhensettinguserfeesforGeneralFundserviceslikeplanningapplications,buildingpermits,andrecreationprograms;andthattheymeetStaterequirementsunderAB1600andPropositions218and26.Butthisisnotenoughforeffectivefeesetting.Thatisbestaccomplishedbytakingapolicy-basedapproachtodeterminingappropriatecostrecovery.Statedsimply,servicesareeitherfundedbygeneral
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purposetaxesorbysomeformofuserfees.Andsettinguserfees–determiningcostrecoverylevels–isoneofthefewremainingareasforlocalelectedofficialjudgment.Insettingfees,ifthereareareaswhereservicesfeesarenotassessedwheretheylegitimatelycouldbe,thengeneralpurposerevenuesaremaking-upthedifference.Thedirectconsequenceofthisislowerlevelsofservice(andintoughtimes,deepercuts)inessentialprogramsthathavenosignificantuserfeepotential,suchaspolice,fire,streets,libraries,andparks.
Fullcostrecoveryisnotwarrantedinallcircumstances:therecanbelegitimatepolicyreasonsforsubsidizingsomeservices.ButthosecircumstancesofpartialornocostrecoveryshouldbeclearlyarticulatedthroughadoptedCouncilpolicy,alongwiththosecircumstanceswherethegoalisfullcostrecovery.Thissessionwillpresentstrategiesfortakingapolicy-basedapproachtoratesettingthatwillresultinamoreeffectiveandproductiveprocessforthegoverningbody,community,andorganization.
Speaker: BillStatler,Consultant/RetiredDirectorofFinance&InformationTechnology,CityofSanLuisObispo
Let’sGetDigital:UnderstandingRecentAdvancementsinBankingTechnology(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Bankingservicesareacornerstoneofcashmanagementforlocalgovernmentsandthereisno“onesizefitsall.”Inrecentyears,bankshaveheavilyinvestedintechnologytopromotedigitalprocesses,eachwithitsownsetofopportunitiesandchallengesthatchangedependingonyouragency.Withmanynewandinterestingdigitalcapabilitiesoutthere,howcanyoudeterminewhatfitswellwithinyourtreasuryprocess?Thissessionwilldemystifynewbankingtechnologiesbyoutliningthepossibleadvantagesanddisadvantagesforyouragency,andwillprepareyouwithquestionstoaskifpresentedwiththeseoptions.Wewillalsohighlightsomeofthekeyfeaturesofmostbankingrelationships,suchasyourearningscreditrate(ECR),andwhatyoushouldexpectwhenevaluatingyourservices.Thediscussionwillincludeapublicagency’srecentexperiencewithrebiddingitsbankingrelationshipandtheimpactonitscashmanagement.
Speakers: DanMatusiewicz,FinanceDirector/Treasurer,CityofNewportBeach DavidCalvert,Director,PFMAssetManagementLLC
Thursday,January30,20201:45pm–3:00pm
FinancialFoundationsforThrivingCommunities(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Overthepastfewyears,GFOAhasbeenresearchinganewformulaforhowlocalgovernmentscanmaintaintheirfinancialhealthandtherebycontributetoathrivingcommunity.ThisnewformulaisbasedonaNobel-prizewinningbodyofworkabouthowcommunitiescanmakebetterdecisionsaboutsharedresources,suchasapublicbudget.Itbuildsontheconceptsoflong-termfinancialplanningandfinancialpolicies.Italsoraisesnewconceptsthatarevitaltofinancialhealth.Atthissession,youwillbeintroducedtothesefinancialfoundationsandfind
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outhowyoucanstarttoputthemintopractice.Attendeeswillwalkawayhavinglearnedthefollowing:
• Thefivefoundationsoffinancialhealth• Whattolookforinyourcommunitytoseeifthesefoundationsareinplace• Theleadershipstrategiesneededtostrengthenyourorganization’sfinancial
foundation
Speakers: JaimeBoscarino,FinanceDirector,CityofThousandOaks ShayneKavanagh,SeniorManager,Research,GovernmentFinanceOfficers
Association
PublicSpeakingforFinancialFolks(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)
Impactfulandmemorablepublicspeakingisbothanartandaskill.Withoutit,yourmessagecanbeignored,diluted,ornottakenasseriously.Inaddition,itisanessentialpartofleadership!Learnwhatittakestoovercomeyourfearofpublicspeakingandtobemoreeffectiveatit.Asafinancialprofessional,youneedpeopletolistentoyou!Thispresentationbreaksdownintobite-sizeandactionablechunkswhattodo.Thesessionisengaging,withexercisesthatmoveyouaroundandinteractwithothers.Herearesomemajortake-awaysfromthesession:
• Masterhowtobemorecalmandconfidentbefore,during,andafterapresentation.• Understandwhatyourbodyisconveyingtotheaudiencewithoutyouevenrealizingit.• Dothesethreethingsbeforeeverypresentationtofeelmoreconfident.• Learnhowtoexpressyourselfasaleaderthatotherswillwanttofollow.
Learn,master,andhavefun!
Speaker: SteveYu,ChiefFinancialOfficer/AssistantDean,UCLASchoolofLaw
PuttingForesighttoWork:AreyouFuture-Ready?(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)Inthisroll-up-your-sleevessession,attendeeswillpracticesomeoftheforesighttoolstheylearnedinRebeccaRyan'sgeneralkeynotesession.AttendeeswillparticipateinTheBigSort,atabletopcardgame,todiscussanddebatethetrendsmostlikelytoaffectouragenciesinthefuture.Materialswillalsobeavailableontheconferenceapp.
Speaker: RebeccaRyan,Futurist
ReadAllAboutIt:TheBlueBookHasBeenUpdated!(willberepeated)(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)JointheDirectorofGFOA’sTechnicalServicesCenterforaninformativesessionabouttheupdatedversionofGFOA’sGovernmentalAccounting,Auditing,andFinancialReporting(GAAFR),fondlyknownas“TheBlueBook.”ThenewBlueBookisactuallythetentheditioninaseriesofpublicationsthatextendsallthewaybackto1936.Inthissession,youwilllearn
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aboutthenewcontentfromrecentGASBpronouncements,otherexcitingchanges,suchasthetransitiontocitingtheGovernmentalAccountingStandardsBoard(GASB)CodificationofGovernmentalAccountingandFinancialReportingStandardsratherthanoriginalpronouncements,andtheupcomingsubscriptionmodel.
Speaker: MicheleMarkLevine,DirectorofTechnicalServices,GovernmentFinanceOfficersAssociation
NotJustAnotherERPPresentation:TwoAgencies’Experiences(Innovation&IT)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Intheeraofbigdata,withever-increasingcommunityandcustomerexpectations,manymunicipalagenciesarestilllivingwithantiquatedfinancialandinformationsystems.Astheseagenciesfacecompetingpressuresforlimitedresources,upgradingenterpriseplatformsisoftencostandtimeprohibitive.FortheSantaMargaritaWaterDistrict(SMWD)andtheSouthCoastWaterDistrict(SCWD),theiroutdatedandinefficientsystemsprovidedauniqueopportunityforeachagencytoimplementacontemporary,cross-departmentalplatformwithacommonmanagementobjective.
SMWDdevelopedaTechnologyEnterpriseResourcesProgram(TERP)toupgradeandimplementaportfolioofsystems–accountingsystem;customerbillingsystem;ComputerMaintenanceManagementSystem(CMMS);andGeographicInformationSystem(GIS).Theseupgradeswereundertakenasasingle,comprehensiveprocessthatinvolvedalldepartmentswithintheagency.Indoingso,theDistrictwasabletoimplementacommonschemaacrossitsdifferentinformationsystemsandreducedatasilos,andimprovecollaborationandworkefficiencies.TheDistrictcontinuestofindopportunitiestostreamlinebusinessprocessesandisimplementingdataanalyticsacrosstheplatform.Thispresentationwilldiscussbothagencies’approachtoundertakingtheseupgrades,thecross-departmentalcollaborationandchallenges,andbenefitsgained.
Speakers: PamelaArends-King,ChiefFinancialOfficer,SouthCoastWaterDistrict RobbGrantham,AssistantGeneralManager,SantaMargaritaWaterDistrict ChristineMcIlrevey,AccountingSupervisor,SantaMargaritaWaterDistrict DustinNavarro,InformationTechnologyManager,SantaMargaritaWater
District
WaterRatesandTrends–WhereAreWeGoing?(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Thecostofwaterservicesisrisingmuchfasterthancustomers’incomesandthereisnoendinsight.In2003,theaverage15hundred-cubic-feet(hcf)waterbillwas$30amonth.In2015,thatsamebillwasover$50.Whileincreaseshavebeenaveraging6%peryearforwaterservice,someCaliforniacommunitiesareheadedintothedreadeddouble-digitterritorywithmuchneededincreasesofmorethan10%annually.
Noonelikesarateincrease,andCalifornia’spenchantforregulation,mandatoryhearings,andlitigationmeansthatwaterratesareacontentiousissueinmanycommunities.Anaddedcomplicationisthatboththewaterindustryandthepublicsectoritselfhavereceivedalotofattentionoverthelastseveralyears–waterqualitycrises,failinginfrastructure,massive
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droughts,andaffordabilityconcernshereandacrossthenationhavebeenthefocusofongoingnationalmediacoverage.Consumersareengagedandrespondingonsocialmediaandshowingupatpublicmeetingstovoiceconcerns.Thismeansutilities’governingbodiesarechallengedwithincreasingratesinawaythatbalancestheseconcernswiththeveryrealneedtoinvestininfrastructureatalevelnotseenbefore.Thispanelwilldiscusshowrateshavechangedinthepast,howfutureregulationwillaffectratesinthefuture,andhowtodevelopcommunicationstrategiesthatbringcustomersalongasweworktoexplainthesecomplexissuesandgaintheiracceptance.
Speakers: KevinMascaro,DirectorofFinance,WesternMunicipalWaterDistrict MelissaElliott,DirectorofStrategicCommunicationServices,RaftelisFinancial
Consultants SanjayGaur,VicePresident,RaftelisFinancialConsultants
InvestmentPortfolioSolutions:WorkingWithanAdvisororGoingItAlone,andOtherThemesinPublicInvestments(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Thissessionwillexaminetheprosandconsofin-houseinvestmentmanagementwiththehelpofbrokers,aswellasoutsourcedsolutionsfromaregisteredinvestmentadvisor.Ofspecialnotearediscussionsaroundlimitstoeachapproach,pitfallstobeavoided,andadvantagestobothsolutions.Ineithercase,bothapproacheswillrequireunderstandinghowshiftingrates,changingFedpolicy,andfluideconomicconditionswillaffectportfoliovolatilityandreturn.Comeandlearnhowtomitigateriskandcaptureexcessreturnthroughchangingconditionsundereitheroption.
Speakers: VenusRodriguez,FinanceOfficer,CityofMerced LaurenWarrem,ChiefDeputyTreasurer,CountyofSanDiego CarlosOblites,SeniorVicePresident,ChandlerAssetManagement
UnderstandingtheLIBORTransition(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)ThefinancialindustryispreparingforaseismicshiftawayfromtheLondonInterbankOfferedRate(LIBOR),abenchmarkratethatunderliesthevastmajorityoffloatingratefinancialtransactions,towardanewalternative.Onaglobalbasis,roughly$350trillionworthoffinancialproductsarelinkedtoLIBOR,rangingfrominstitutionalproductssuchasderivatives,andfloatingratenotesandloans,toconsumerproductssuchasstudentloans,adjustableratehomemortgages,andsomecreditcards.Duringthissession,wewilldiscusswhyLIBORistransitioning,whattheendorsedalternativerateis(SecuredOvernightFinanceRate–SOFR),andhowthemarketisplanningforasmoothtransitionawayfromLIBOR.
Speakers: PeggyArrivas,AssociateVicePresident/SystemwideController,UniversityofCalifornia,OfficeofthePresident
EmilyBrock,Director,FederalLiaisonCenter,GovernmentFinanceOfficersAssociation
ReadieCallahan,LIBORTransitionOffice,HeadofCommunicationsStrategy,WellsFargo&Company
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Thursday,January30,20204:00pm–5:15pm
YesterdayIsADream,ButTomorrowIsAVision(FinancialManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)TreasurerFionaMawillpresentherviewsonwhattheStatecandotoaddresssomeofCalifornia’smostchallengingissues:affordablehousing,creationofgoodjobs,andprotectionofourenvironment.Fionasharesthesamepursuitofexcellenceinthestewardshipofthepublic’sresourcesandtrustasdoesCSMFO.TheinfrastructureandservicesthatarethebackboneofCalifornia’seconomyandcommunitiesdependonourcollectivecommitmenttoseekoutandemploythebestpracticesinfinancialmanagement.ShewillsharewhatherofficeisdoingtomeetthosegoalsandbeaneffectivepartnerwithCSMFOanditsconstituents.
Speaker: FionaMa,Treasurer,StateofCalifornia
Friday,January31,20209:15am–10:30am
ReadAllAboutIt:TheBlueBookHasBeenUpdated!(REPEAT)(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)JointheDirectorofGFOA’sTechnicalServicesCenterforaninformativesessionabouttheupdatedversionofGFOA’sGovernmentalAccounting,Auditing,andFinancialReporting(GAAFR),fondlyknownas“TheBlueBook.”ThenewBlueBookisactuallythetentheditioninaseriesofpublicationsthatextendsallthewaybackto1936.Inthissession,youwilllearnaboutthenewcontentfromrecentGASBpronouncements,otherexcitingchanges,suchasthetransitiontocitingtheGovernmentalAccountingStandardsBoard(GASB)CodificationofGovernmentalAccountingandFinancialReportingStandardsratherthanoriginalpronouncements,andtheupcomingsubscriptionmodel.
Speaker: MicheleMarkLevine,DirectorofTechnicalServices,GovernmentFinanceOfficersAssociation
LessonsinCybersecurityfromtheHacker’sPlaybook(Innovation&IT)(F–Fraud)
Asdigitaltechnologiescreatehugeuserbenefits,theirusealsoadvancesthecapabilitiesofcybercriminals.Anyonewhousestheinternet,email,andsocialmediaisexposedtocybersecurityrisks,andnearlyalldatacanpotentiallybeexploited.Forpublicagencies,thiscouldincludedatathatisbynaturepubliclyavailable,suchasinvestmentreportsorofficialstatementsfordebtissuances.Withmoreinformationavailabletodaythaneverbefore,alongwithtoolstoaccessit,hackersareincreasinglymakingsophisticatedattemptsatfraud.Popularcybersecurityattacksamongpublicagenciesarepayrollfraud,businessemailcompromises(akaemail“spoofing”),vendorimpersonationfraud,andransomware,tonameafew.Thissessionwilldiscusswhatyoucandotomitigatetheseattacks,howtorecognizefraudulentattemptswhentheyhappen,andrealworldexamplesamongpublicagencies.
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Learnhowyoucanapplytheselessonsintheformofpracticalchecksandbalancesthatcouldprotectyouragencyfromlosses.
Speakers: CarlSandstrom,BusinessProjectsManager,CaliforniaJointPowersInsuranceAuthority
KerryBenson,ManagingDirector/ChiefInformationOfficer,PFMAssetManagementLLC
OntheHorizon:CalPERS’EffortstoSustainandProtecttheSystem(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Themostexpensivelineitemformostcitiesisemployeecosts:salaries,pensions,andhealthbenefits.ThelasttwoaresquarelyinthepurviewoftheCaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem(CalPERS),whichadministerspensionsandhealthcarebenefitsfor1.9and1.5millionmembers,respectively.Inthissession,youwillhearfromMarcieFrost,theChiefExecutiveOfficerofCalPERS,onthecurrentstateofplayinthosefields.Shewilldiscusskeycostdrivers,projectionsofemployercosts,toolsavailableforfinanceofficialstohelpplantheirbudgets,andwhatthefuturelandscapelookslike.Shewillalsozeroinontherulesforenrollingemployeesasmembers,whatdifferentiatesanindependentcontractorfromanemployee,guidelinesaroundhiringretiredannuitants,andwhyitissoimportanttostayincontactwithCalPERStomakesureinformationisreportedcorrectlythefirsttime.
Speaker: MarcieFrost,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,CaliforniaPublicEmployees’RetirementSystem
LeaseAccountingofTomorrow(AccountingandFinancialReporting)(A–AccountingandAuditing,G–Government)
Saygoodbyetotheleaseaccountingofyesterday,andhellotoGASBStatementNo.87,Leases:theleaseaccountingoftomorrow.Erasetheterms“capitallease”and“operatinglease”fromyourmemoryandlearnthenewwaytoaccountforyourleases.Thissessionwillwalkyouthroughtheimplementationprocessofthenewaccountingstandard,includingidentifyingtheleasesthatwillbesubjecttothestandard,understandingthenewaccountingterminology,andcommunicatingtheupcomingchangestothoseingovernance.UsingrealleaseexamplesfromaCaliforniacityandawaterdistrict,learnhowtocalculatetheleaseasset,leaseliability,leasereceivable,anddeferredinflowofresources.Thissessionwillalsogothroughthejournalentriesandnewfootnotedisclosurestoprepareyouforimplementingthestandard.
Speakers: AaronBeanan,DirectorofFinance,CityofPoway KathleenNaylor,AccountingManager,RanchoCaliforniaWaterDistrict JenniferFarr,Partner,DavisFarr
AvoidBeingthe“Un-happiest”PlaceinCalifornia(BudgetandFinancialPlanning)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)
Someeconomistsareworriedthatweareheadedforarecession.Beingunpreparedforarecessioncouldmakeyourmunicipalitytheun-happiestplaceonearth.Learnandexchangeideaswithothermunicipalitiesabouthowtoapproachthenextrecessionthroughcohesivemanagementplanning,includinglong-termbudgeting,growingandutilizingfundbalances,
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andcommunitystakeholdersupport.Panelistswillpresenttheiruniqueeconomicoutlooksfromvariousperspectives.
Speakers: TinaOlson,DirectorofFinance,CityofPleasanton AnnaVanDegna,Director,Controller’sOfficeofPublicFinance,CityandCounty
ofSanFrancisco KarenRibble,SeniorDirector,FitchRatings
FinancialLeadership(InDifficultSituations)(LeadershipandManagement)(N–Non-technicalsubjectareas)
Bydesign,governmentmakestoughdecisionseveryday.Evenwellseasonedbudgeteerscanrecallwhentheyfirstlearnedtosay“no.”Thissessionwillproviderecommendationsfromexperiencedfinanceprofessionalsonhowtohavedifficultconversations;coordinateaneffectiveprocessthatfacilitatesdiscussionandcollaboration;andinvolveelectedofficialsinthedecision-makingprocessearlyenoughtobetterbalancecompetingdemandsinthefaceofvaryingpressures.
Speakers: BrigitteElke,FinanceDirector,CityofSanLuisObispo JohnGross,FinanceDirector/ChiefFinancialOfficer,CityofLongBeach CarolMolina,ActingAssistantCityFinancialOfficer,CityofHuntingtonBeach
HowMuchisTooMuch:Understanding“DebtAffordability”(TreasuryandDebtManagement)(T–Technicalsubjectareas)Statelawnowrequirespublicagenciestoadoptanofficialdebtpolicypriortoabondissue,butmostpoliciesavoidthemostimportantpolicyquestion:howmuchdebtistoomuch?MostCaliforniadebtisissuedoutsidethe“limits”ofindebtednessimposedbylaw–asGeneralFundleaserevenuebonds,certificatesofparticipationorenterpriserevenuebonds.Thus,issuersmustlookbeyondthelawtoothermeasuresandothervoicesastowhatisareasonableamountofleverage.Capitalmarketsparticipants,suchasmunicipaladvisors,ratingagencies,andinvestors,haveaperspectiveonaffordabilityfromthatofwhatthemarketwillbear,whilefinanceofficerstendtograpplewithwhatisaffordablefromabudgetaryperspective.
Thispaneliscomprisedofamunicipaladvisorwithaspecialtypracticeindebtaffordabilitymodeling,anissuerexperiencedwithdebtfromaGeneralFundperspective,andanissuerexperiencedwithdebtsecuredbyarevenueenterprise.Thepanelistswillprovidesomeconcreteanalyticapproachestounderstandingandestablishingprudentlimits,exploretheimportofdebtanddebtlevelsonratings,andexaminehowallthisinformationcanbeusedbyissuersinevaluatingcapacityfromabudgetaryperspective,dialoguingwiththeirgoverningcouncilsandboards,andcraftingapolicytoguideyouragencythroughdifficultdecisionmaking.
Speakers: JimHamilton,Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-TaxCollector,CountyofSanLuisObispo
JeffTucker,DirectorofAdministrativeServices/ChiefFinancialOfficer,NapaSanitationDistrict
DavidLeifer,SeniorManagingDirector,KNNPublicFinance