The 34th annual CivicWell Policymakers Conference will be held March 12-15, 2026 in Yosemite National Park.
Since 1991, the CivicWell Policymakers Conference has gathered local elected officials from across California in an inspiring and collaborative environment.
This intimate gathering brings together over 100 mayors, city council members, and county supervisors in the majestic setting of Yosemite National Park. The event is designed to support local elected officials with tools and partnership opportunities to implement innovative solutions locally.
From climate resilience and sustainable water management to clean energy and social equity, the conference explores sustainable and practical tools to address the complex issues we face.
Meet the Speakers
Sherri Reusche
Director
Rural Business Center
Kendra Ramsey
Executive Director
California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike)
Steve Frisch
President
Sierra Business Council
Rich Brown
Academic Researcher
California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE), UC Berkeley
Carl Guardino
Global Government Affairs & Policy Executive
Tarana Wireless
Dawn Weisz
CEO
Marin Clean Energy
About
From Recovery to Resilience
At the 34th Annual CivicWell Policymakers Conference, we’ll explore innovative solutions in communities emerging from converging challenges—wildfire recovery, housing crises, energy affordability, economic uncertainty, and more. This year’s program will highlight equitable climate investments, neighborhood-scale transformations, and the economic strategies to build climate resilience, social cohesion, and economic prosperity in California communities.
Registration
Registration is Now Open!
This conference is for elected officials only. If you are not an elected official but would like to attend, we invite you to explore our sponsorship opportunities below.
Become a CivicWell Member
CivicWell members receive $100 off the conference registration rate — consider joining our membership network today! CivicWell members receive event discounts, webinars with case studies on climate resilience and capacity-building projects, resources, legislative updates, and more.
If you are a current member, you will receive a discount code via email.
Registration Rates
| Level | Early Bird Rate – Until Dec 11 | Regular Rate | Late Reg |
| Members | $700 | $800 | $900 |
| Non-Members | $800 | $900 | $1,000 |
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Cancellation Policy
Registrations may be canceled up until February 24, 2026. The cancellation fee is $125.
After February 24, 2026 no refunds will be offered. In lieu of cancellation, registration may be transferred to another elected official at any time before March 4, 2026 free of charge by contacting hkillion@civicwell.org.
Agenda
The conference will take place from Thursday evening, March 12th to Saturday evening, March 14th. All conference sessions will be held in the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The below agenda is tentative and subject to change at any time. Speakers will be added as they are confirmed.
Thursday, March 12
6:00 – 7:30 pm Registration
6:30 – 7:30 pm Welcome Reception
7:30 – 9:00 pm Creative Funding Solutions
- Angie Hacker – CEO and Principal Consultant, Prosper Sustainably
- Kirin Kumar – Director for Climate and Disaster Resilience, Northern California Grantmakers
Friday, March 13
8:30 – 9:30 am Breakfast
9:30 – 11:00 am Transportation Equity at a Crossroads: Statewide Leadership in a Changing Landscape
- Tanisha Taylor, Executive Director, California Transportation Commission
- Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director, Cal Bike
11:00 – 11:15 am Coffee Break
11:15 am – 12:30 pm Wildfire Resilience and Rebuilding Strategies for California
- Steve Frisch, Executive Director, Sierra Business Council
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch / Networking
1:30 – 7:00 pm Break
Participants free for dinner on their own
Saturday, March 14
8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:30 – 10:15 am Workforce and Economic Development
- Jaron Brandon, Supervisor, Tuolumne County
- Sherri Reusche, Director, Rural Small Business Development Center
- Shanette Anderson, Deputy Director of Contractor Development, Emerald Cities Collaborative
10:15 – 11:15 am Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:30 pm Transformative Neighborhood-scale Energy Solutions
- Dawn Weisz, CEO, Marin Clean Energy
- Christy Zamani, Executive Director, Day One
- Rich Brown, Academic Researcher, California Institute for Energy and Environment
12:30 – 5:30 pm Break
Participants free for lunch on their own
5:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner / Networking
7:00 – 9:00 pm Building the Bond Between Housing and Climate Resilience
Lodging
The 2026 CivicWell Policymakers Conference will be held at the Yosemite Valley Lodge in Yosemite National Park. A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate using our group code 1647OD at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Our group rate for the Yosemite Valley Lodge is $313/night. Book soon, as these will sell out!
If you would like to reserve a room, visit travelyosemite.com or contact the hotel’s reservations office at 888-413-8869 option 1. You can find detailed instructions here.
Sponsorship
The CivicWell Policymakers Conference is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to build meaningful relationships with local policymakers, highlight and deepen your commitment to sustainable communities, and raise your profile with community resilience leaders.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, view the Sponsorship Brochure and contact info@civicwell.org for information.
Download the Sponsorship Brochure
For More Information
For questions about registration and logistics, please contact:
Heather Killion
(916) 448-1198 x303
hkillion@civicwell.org
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank You to Our Strategic Partners
