2027 CivicWell Policymakers Conference

The Collective Power of Regional Leadership

During a time of new state leadership, shifting federal priorities, and extreme weather threats, local leaders can address challenges by leveraging the collective power of California’s diverse regions. At this year’s CivicWell Policymakers Conference, we’ll examine how California communities can turn regional relationships into real capacity – for funding, for coordination, and for disaster response. As fires, flooding, and other crises threaten lives and strain infrastructure, no single agency or jurisdiction can meet the moment alone. This year’s program will share promising practices from the regional groups and forge new relationships between state and local leaders to coordinate before, during, and after the next crisis.

Registration will be opening soon. We hope to see you there!

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. Join or renew your membership by December 1 to secure the Early Bird Rate. 

If you are a current member, you will receive a discount code via email.

Registration Rates

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Cancellation Policy

Registrations may be canceled up until February 25, 2027. The cancellation fee is $125.

After February 25, 2027 no refunds will be offered. In lieu of cancellation, registration may be transferred to another elected official at any time before March 5, 2027 free of charge by contacting hkillion@civicwell.org. 

The conference will take place from Thursday evening, March 11th to Saturday evening, March 13th. 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 11

6:00 – 7:30 pm  Registration

6:30 – 7:30 pm  Welcome Reception

California has led the effort to counter the politicized assault on longstanding federal commitments to climate adaptation and resilience. This fireside chat with state legislators will explore how state and local leaders can support and advance California’s climate commitments as the antidote to the challenges we face.

Friday, March 12

8:30 – 9:30 am Breakfast (provided)

Stacking the Deck: Creative Capital Stacks for Regional Housing and Transportation

Regional plans only matter if someone can pay to build them. With state funding sources like the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in flux, regions are exploring new ways to layer state, federal, and philanthropic dollars to keep land use, housing, and transportation projects moving. This session starts with a legislative view of the funding horizon, then turns to two regions that are doing it: SACOG’s Green Means Go program and the Pajaro Valley collaborative. Local leaders will leave with a clearer picture of how to braid funding together and use their seats on regional boards to make it happen.

11:00 – 11:15 am  Coffee Break

12:30 – 1:30 pm  Boxed Lunch (provided)/ Networking

1:30 – 7:15 pm  Break/Participants free for dinner on their own

Evening Roundtables: Highlighting regional priorities

Following the morning panels on regional collaborations, this session will provide insights from regional convenings like Catalyst and REACH. Participants will form regional roundtables to review key challenges and discuss solutions.

Saturday, March 13

8:00 – 9:00 am  Breakfast (provided)

Talk Like a Human: Developing Effective Climate Communications

We often talk about extreme weather, climate change, and related challenges in technical, wonky language that doesn’t reach average folks. In this session, communications experts will guide participants through interactive activities and provide them with ideas on how they can tell better stories and engage across their communities beyond the usual participants.

10:15 – 10:30 am Coffee Break

12:15 – 5:30 pm  Conference Break (lunch on own)

5:30 – 7:00 pm  Dinner (provided)

Closing Reception

New state leadership is settling into their roles as newly elected and appointed officials. At the conference’s closing session, newly elected and appointed leaders will share their aspirations for what they hope to achieve during their tenure. This will also provide an opportunity to build new relationships between state and local leaders.

The 2027 CivicWell Policymakers Conference will be held at the Yosemite Valley Lodge in Yosemite National Park.

Registration and lodging information coming soon!

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 questions about registration and logistics, please contact:
Heather Killion
(916) 448-1198  x303
hkillion@civicwell.org