1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Registration Open
Take advantage of special pre–conference sessions, tours, our Welcome Reception, and stop by and pick up your registration materials early. Everyone in the conference center and all meeting rooms must be registered and have a name badge to enter and/or attend sessions and events.

Exhibit Hall Open
Don't miss out! Arrive early to connect with our exhibitors who are subject matter experts in municipal projects and services and are ready to share how they can help your community. Be on the lookout for special drawings and giveaways during the Tuesday Exhibit Hall.

Special Volunteer Opportunity at Beaver Run
More details available soon on this special opportunity for you to help a local Breckenridge non-profit.

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pre-Conference Session: Culture Vibes: Building a Vibrant Workplace Together 
A positive workplace culture is essential for boosting morale, increasing productivity, and fostering innovation, ultimately driving long-term success for both individuals and the organization. Together, we’ll uncover the power of belonging and how to shape a workplace where everyone feels valued and thrives.
Speaker: Sylvette Wake, CPS HR Consulting 

Pre-Conference Session: Using Dashboards to Monitor Municipal Processes
More details available soon!

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hit the Ground Running - Annual Conference Overview
This session, while ideal for those new to the conference to get tips on making the most of the experience, will be valuable for all municipal officials who want to kick-off their week by meeting new people and hearing new ideas.

5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Informal Reception
After the short welcome to the conference session, stop by for a drink and make plans with colleagues to enjoy dinner at one of the great restaurants in Breckenridge. Get ready for an early start to the conference on Wednesday. Cash bar.

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Morning Wellness 
All registered conference attendees and registered guests are invited to recharge your mind and body at our morning yoga session - the perfect way to stay focused and balanced during the conference. Thank you to the Town of Breckenridge for hosting this morning wake-up. This is a free event, but you must pre-register.

7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Registration
Everyone in the conference center and all meeting rooms must be registered and have a name badge to enter/attend sessions and events.

7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase
This event is an opportunity for conference attendees and registered guests to start your day visiting with exhibitors while enjoying breakfast. Our exhibitors are subject matter experts in municipal projects and services and would like to share their knowledge and how they can be of service to your municipality.

7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall
Be sure you stop by the Exhibit Hall to talk with sponsors and subject matter experts in municipal products and services.

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Work Zone
Print conference documents/materials. Equipment intended for the exclusive use of CML conference registrants with conference badges.

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Conference Overview
Attend this important pre-opening session to get tips on make the most of the conference, ask questions, download the conference app; and more!

9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Opening Session: The Future is Now
Get inspired for the next three days of transformational sessions, connections and new ideas to bring back to your community. Technology futurist Crystal Washington will show us practical ways technology and AI will rock our world over the next 10 years.
Sponsored by CIRSA

11:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

BREAK

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Leadership Strategies for Maximizing Impact and Engagement
Effective workplace leadership requires the ability to inspire others to voluntarily contribute their best efforts to an organization’s goal. Compared with private sector peers, public sector leaders often lack some resources and flexibility to motivate employees, such as discretionary pay incentives and accelerated career growth opportunities. Despite this difference, public sector leaders can choose to adopt a mindset and practices that employees value and respond to favorably. This session will offer workplace leaders, from aspirational to highly experienced, with practical tips and action steps to improve personal effectiveness that enables them to achieve the organizational objectives demanded by constituents.  
Speaker: Kristen Ellis, HR Consultant, Employers Council

Rural Realities: Successes & Lessons Learned 
Rural & small municipal focus
Explore how small towns are turning obstacles into opportunities! Join our community champions from Akron, Parachute, and Severance, CO, who are overcoming resource limitations and achieving remarkable outcomes. Discover their innovative strategies and lessons learned.
Speaker: TJ Dlubac, Community Planning Strategies; Travis Elliott, Town Manager, Town of Parachute; Gillian Laycock, Town Manager, Town of Akron; Josh Olhava, Ayres Associates and Nicholas Wharton, Town Manager, Town of Severance

Managing Divisions on the Governing Body
Presented by CIRSA
Every governing body has disagreements, and they are to be expected, even welcomed! Healthy discussion, debate, and disagreement are the engine behind the brilliance of group decision-making. But if your governing body isn't able to "agree to disagree" and move on without the residue of misunderstanding, is perennially divided along the same lines, or is infected with hard feelings that calcify into hardline positions, it may be experiencing divisions that need to be confronted and remedied! In this session CIRSA will help you identify the causes and symptoms of divisions within your governing body, and provide suggestions for becoming a stronger, higher-functioning team.
Speakers: Tami Tanoue, Executive Director, CIRSA and Sam Light, Deputy Executive Director/General Counsel, CIRSA

Regional Housing Strategies 
Housing availability and affordability are issues that Colorado communities are grappling with daily. Throughout the state, sub-regions are exploring solutions for both cities and counties. In the Denver Metro Region, the DRCOG Board of Directors initiated the development of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment and are now developing strategies that individual communities can explore to work in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions.
Speakers: Sheila Lynch, Director of Regional Planning and Development, DRCOG; Kathleen Osher, Deputy City Manager, City of Littleton, Brian Rossbert, Executive Director, Housing Colorado

The Backbone of Local Justice: Why Municipal Courts Matter, How to Support Them & Ensuring Their Success
Presented by Court Administrators Section
This presentation will explore the critical role municipal courts play in upholding justice at the local level and why they deserve strong support. It will also delve into practical strategies for enhancing their effectiveness and assessing whether they are operating as intended.

12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Welcome Lunch & Mamet Awards
Sponsored by Xcel Energy
Join us for our welcome lunch and help us celebrate our prestigious Sam Mamet Good Governance Award recipients.
Ticketed event - limited seating. $50 per person. No onsite sales.

2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

What's Happening at DOLA 
Look for more information soon!

Funding Water & Wastewater Projects from Beginning to End
Rural & small municipal focus
Funding water and wastewater infrastructure projects can be daunting for a small municipality. This session will go through the process of obtaining grant and loan funding from the applications through construction. It will include discussion on available funding, the process for grants and loans, execution of the grant/loans, implications of TABOR including enterprises, legal and bond counsel consultation usually required, and construction requirements set by funding source.
Speakers: Dannah Koeniger, PE, GMS, Inc., Consulting Engineers and Lisa Mayers, Attorney, Spencer Fane LLP

Demystifying Colorado's Upcoming Wildfire Resiliency Codes 
Presented by the Fire Chiefs Section
Hear perspectives from rural and urban communities on what the forthcoming Wildfire Resiliency Code will mean to them. Join for an interactive demo of the code mapping tool and discussion with Wildfire Resiliency Code Board members on ways to enhance community safety and resiliency from wildfires.

Digital Accessibility & Records Management
Presented by the Clerks Section  
This session will feature a panel discussion with team members from the Town of Windsor in the integration of digital accessibility and records management. It will focus on how the Digital Accessibility Act is being utilized in conjunction with records management to streamline document retention and remediation. By doing so, we aim to reduce the volume of documents stored in our systems making the process more efficient and manageable. 

Panic to Power: Turning Fear into Power. Speak Up & Be Heard 
If stress or nervousness is getting in your way, this workshop will offer useful information and effective coping strategies to turn your unease into motivated, productive energy that will help you approach your goals with increased comfort and confidence. How to take control, adapt yourself, and find solutions during this highly disruptive, panic fueled, changing environment. Let’s explore fear and how we can manage it through simple tools.
Speakers: Talisa (Tee) Gula-Yeast, Regulatory Licensing Specialist, City of Fort Collins and Kristen Teague, Licensing Analyst, City of Boulder

CLE: Immigration Laws for Municipal Attorneys
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied forSpeakers: Pete Schulte, City Attorney, City of Aurora; Jason Bachelor, City Attorney, City of Brighton

3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Showcase
Visit the exhibit area to learn more about our sponsors.

Practice Area Roundtables - Attorneys

3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mingle
Mayors, this is your opportunity to meet and connect with your fellow mayors in an informal setting with a discussion facilitated by CML Executive Director Kevin Bommer. FOR MAYORS ONLY

Mobile Tour
We are finalizing our mobile tours - more information available soon.

4:00 p.m.-5:00p.m.

Ignite Presentations
Join us for Ignite presentations—a high-energy session where speakers share big ideas on a variety of municipal topics through 20 slides that automatically advance every 20 seconds. Experience multiple rapid-fire presentations that will inform, inspire and give you plenty to think about and take back to your community.

Informal Mingles
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss common issues, and build lasting connections with others in your role. 

CLE: Telecom Update
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
Between 2016-2020 municipalities were forced to continually modify codes and regulatory practices to respond to changes in both federal and state law that preempted a wide range of local authority related to broadband, fiber network installations and cable television. History may be repeating itself. This session will address threats to local authority over broadband and cable systems, the emergence of AI and its potential regulation, and how municipalities can be best prepared to address the coming changes. There may be more of a focus on wireless facilities siting depending upon the outcome of preemptive legislation pending this session in the General Assembly.
Speaker: Ken Fellman, Wilson Williams Fellman & Dittman

5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
All registered attendees, including registered guests and sponsors, are invited to meet and exchange ideas, discuss common issues, and build lasting connections.

7 a.m.- 8 a.m.

5K fun run/walk
Arranged by the Town of Breckenridge
Run (or walk) for local government! Wake up early, stretch and join in on the 21st Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk. Download race route from conference app. Meet outside the Beaver Run lobby.

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Work Zone
Print conference documents/materials. Equipment intended for the exclusive use of CML conference registrants with conference badges.

Registration
Everyone in the conference center and all meeting rooms must be registered and have a name badge to enter/attend sessions and events.

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast
Registered attendees can enjoy breakfast and coffee with colleagues in the Exhibit Hall before the keynote speaker kicks off at 9 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Legislative Update
CLE credits have been applied forThe CML advocacy and legal teams will offer highlights from the 2024 session of the Colorado General Assembly, with a special focus on new legislation that may require immediate action by municipalities. 

Energy Utilities Section Session
Check back for more information soon.

How You Can Grow Participation in the Arts in Your Community
In our presentation we will share case studies of inventive programs, support and funding opportunities of which you may not be aware, and other helpful information to help attendees understand how they can establish, grow, or enhance their community’s goals using the arts as a strategy. Our presenters will facilitate a discussion regarding successes, challenges, and other learning regarding to arts districts, placemaking, and other aspects of a creative local arts scene for any community, regardless of size.
Speakers: Josh Blanchard, Director - Colorado Creative Industries, Natalie Johnson - Executive Director - Manitou Art Center, City Council - Manitou Springs, School Board, Manitou Springs, Storm Gloor, Associate Professor - University of CO Denver, Mayor Pro Tem - Glendale, Tamara Nuzzaci Park, President/CEO - Breck Create, Breckenridge

Tax Increment Finance (TIF) & Tolls for Revitalizing the Core Downtown Colorado, Inc. SessionJoin Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) for an engaging session where we dive into the world of tax increment finance (TIF) and the powerful tools that fuel downtown revitalization. Learn how downtown efforts are effectively using Development Authorities (DDAs), to navigate complex funding landscapes using TIF, combined with Metro Districts, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and General Improvement Districts (GIDs). This session will provide valuable insights into combining these diverse funding sources to drive successful redevelopment projects and keep your downtown vibrant and thriving. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, you'll leave with actionable strategies to elevate your community's growth and development.
Speakers: Angela Hygh, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schrek P.C.; Kimberlee McKee, Longmont Downtown Development Authority; Hilarie Portell, Portell Works and Kat Correll, Downtown Colorado, Inc.

Accessibility Essentials: Quick Wins for Municipal LeadersThis session will equip municipal leaders with the tools and insights to implement accessibility standards effectively in their cities. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to navigate ADA requirements, WCAG guidelines, and other accessibility mandates, ensuring that public spaces, digital content, and municipal services are inclusive for all residents.
Speaker: Jeff Fryer, Senior Web & ADA Coordinator, City of Manitou Springs

Town of Breckenridge Session
More information coming soon!

10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

BREAK

10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

General Session: "The Bucket List Life"
Kenyon Salo, known as the "James Bond of Speaking", will show you how his three simple concepts of living "The Bucket List Life" will guide you to fulfillment on your life-long journey. During this highly energetic and engaging presentation, you will learn how to create phenomenal experiences, share powerful stories, and help others along the way.
 

CLE: 2025 Municipal Courts: Legislation & Cases
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
Municipal courts have faced increasing scrutiny and pressure over the past several years. 2025 has been no exception, with the General Assembly considering several bills addressing municipal court mandates, restrictions, and authority. Additionally, there are three cases pending before the Colorado Supreme Court that may have a significant impact on municipal sentencing authority across the state. This session will delve into these recent developments and their impacts on municipal courts.
Speaker: Rachel Bender, Senior Associate Counsel, CML

11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

BREAK

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Meeting of the Minds Luncheon Sponsored by Swire Coca-Cola
CML Executive Director, Kevin Bommer welcomes Kyle Clark, Anchor, 9NEWS Team and Next with Kyle Clark for an engaging discussion.
Ticketed event - limited seating. $50 per person. No onsite sales.

1:45 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

CML Annual Business Meeting
If you are the voting delegate for your municipality, you must check in and pick-up your ballot between 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. Each municipality's voting delegate will elect CML Executive Board members, adopt the Leagues 2025/2026 Policy Statement, and consider other League Business. Delegates must be present to vote. Per the voting rules, late voting and proxy voting are not permitted.

1:45 p.m.- 2:45 p.m.

CLE: Middle Housing
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied forSpeakers: Nina Williams, Wilson, Williams, Fellman & Dittman; Laurel Witt, Assistant City Attorney, City of Boulder; Lena McClelland, Senior Assistant City Attorney, City of Aurora

Enhancing Government Efficiency in Recruiting & Retention
Presented by the HR Director's Section
Join us and discover bold, unconventional strategies for recruiting in local government, inspired by the successful tactics used by the City of Fountain and cities and counties across the United States. Learn how "out of the box" approaches can help attract and retain talent in today's competitive public sector landscape.
Speakers: Melissa Barker, VP, Practice Development, Duffy Group and John Garrett, Human Resources Manager, City of Fountain

The Benefits of Engaging Immigrants in Your Small CommunityRural & small municipal focusImmigrants, refugees and their children (or New Americans), are Coloradans and part of our communities. They work hard, pay taxes and make our economies stronger, but fully leveraging their contributions can be challenging. How can a small and rural municipality best integrate immigrant residents into its civic, economic and social life? Local government and community leaders from Gunnison, Montrose, Frisco and Breckenridge will discuss how public-nonprofit partnerships to integrate New Americans can advance local priorities and extend the reach and impact of government. They will also discuss best practices for engaging immigrant residents and building immigrant integration plans.
Speakers:  Amanda Wilson, City Manager, Gunnison; Ricardo Perez, Executive Director, Hispanic Affairs Project; Peter Bakken, Executive Director, Mountain Dreamers; Shannon Haynes, Town Manager, Breckenridge. Moderator: Dee Daniels Scriven, Director of the Colorado Office of New Americans

Innovation Through Challenge-Based Procurement
Presented by the Purchasing Section 
Procurement is often a barrier to innovation in local government, especially when it comes to the evolving world of technology. Challenge-based procurement allows municipalities to seek innovative ideas for solving problems big and small, and when it’s done in partnership with more than one community at a time, it can attract a bigger and more diverse group of applicants. Learn from communities using challenge-based procurement to understand how it works and whether your community can use it to improve problems important to you. 
Speakers: Tyler Svitak, Executive Director, Colorado Smart Cities Alliance; Kim George, Enterprise Architect, City of Colorado Springs; Anthony White, Director of Innovation and Technology, Arapahoe Libraries and Katie Gathright, Innovation Program Manager, Jefferson County

Communication Policy Section Session
More information coming soon!

2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

BREAK

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Introduction to Municipal Engineering Resource Guide
Presented by Public Works SectionAre you a new or seasoned elected official in a rural or urban setting who wants to know more about municipal engineering? Do you get frustrated with all the acronyms used in the engineering profession? Are you looking for additional knowledge to better explain engineering topics to your constituents? Well then, this session is for you! The engineering industry frequently changes with new regulations and environmental concerns (and is full of acronyms). During this session, public works officials will introduce a Municipal Engineering Resource Guide to be used to explain some of the issues that are most commonly addressed at the City Council and Town Council level. This session will be interactive and engaging but most importantly, FUN!! (whoever said Engineering couldn’t be fun?)
Speakers:  John Burke, P.E., City Engineer, City of Westminster; Jay Goldie, APWA Past Chair and Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director, Cherry Hills Village and Shawn Poe, Director of Municipal Services, WSB

Optimizing Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program 
A panel of waste reduction experts will begin by introducing the program and its key elements. We will also explain how the program could double Colorado’s recycling rate by 2035. This will include the alignment between municipal efforts and the upcoming statewide program plan launch. We will discuss successful strategies for public outreach and citizen engagement in recycling with replicable examples. We will then utilize the program plan to outline how municipalities can benefit from statewide infrastructure and education funding. There will be time for the participants and panelists to discuss their key barriers and explore solutions within the context of the EPR program. Finally, we will explore Policy Tools, Partnerships, and Financial Models.
Speakers: Liz Chapman - Recycle Colorado, Alicia Archibald - City of Steamboat Springs, Jenifer Freeman - Circular Action Alliance

Budget Season: Finding Consensus & Building Trust
Presented by the Finance Section
Most organizations have to make cuts, squeeze resources, and set aside wish lists to stay within a balanced budget. As the Town of Erie was creating the 2025 Budget Requests, the Leadership team had to reduce personnel requests from 23 down to just 8. The team spent one afternoon together and left with a democratically chosen selection of positions and more trust with one another. This session with outline the tools used and process taken to reach this outcome.
Speakers: Sara Hancock, Finance Director, Town of Erie and Gabi Rae, Director of Communications, Town of Erie

AI for All 2.0: The Next Level Join Nichole Sterling, Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, CO and a Tech CEO focused on practical solutions for the public sector, as we cut through the hype and explore how AI can truly transform municipal operations and decision-making. While recent years have showcased many applications of GenAI, not all solutions live up to their promise. This session will focus on AI implementations that address the routine, time-consuming tasks so municipal staff can focus on what really matters. Come experience an insightful and interactive session as we explore the "next level" use cases for both small and large communities.
Speakers: Nichole Sterling, Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, CO, Co-Founder of Women Defining AI, and CEO of My Town AI

CLE: STR Regulatory Update
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
Attendees will get an update on new developments in the STR regulatory landscape in Colorado, including a review of recent cases, an overview of regulatory approaches taken by different jurisdictions, and a discussion around continuing challenges and pitfalls in regulating STRs.
Speaker: Keely Ambrose, town attorney, Town of Breckenridge.

3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Small Town Connect Join fellow rural and small-town municipal leaders for an engaging session where we'll share experiences, build connections, and discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of working in smaller communities. 

4:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

BREAK

4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

EDCC Session
More information coming soon.

Empowered Voices in Civic Service
This diverse panel will discuss efforts, ideas, and strategies to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, encouraging their active involvement in civic activities such as appointments to boards and commissions, and candidacy for elected office.
Moderator: Tamara Dixon, Director of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer, Northglenn Panelists: Steve Douglas (Mayor, Commerce City), Brian Wong (MPT, Lafayette), & Shannon Lukeman-Hiromasa (Mayor Pro Tem, Northglenn)

Criminalists - Adding Civilian Detectives to the Team
Presented by Police Chief's Section Criminalists - adding civilian detectives to the investigative team is a new, innovative way of changing how police investigations are done and by whom. The addition of civilian detectives has many benefits including cost, the addition of different perspectives, the reduction in time spent hiring and training and an increased field of candidates to fill positions. This session discusses setting up a criminalist program, including a job description and includes information related to criminalist implementation onto a variety of detective teams. The session is taught by the assistant chief of the investigations division and a criminalist from the crimes against persons team.
Speakers: Kristy Volesky, Assistant Chief FCPS, David Blake, Criminalist FCPS

Parking Policy: A Better Way 
Parking policies are context sensitive and should be based on planning priorities, not how many people you think will drive to a site. To establish appropriate parking policies, decide what you want to achieve and then look inward at your own community's historic parking generation rates as opposed to outward to communities that have almost certainly gotten their parking policies wrong.
Speakers: Phil Greenwald, City of Longmont; Ben Ortiz, City of Longmont, Geoffrey Weathers, Town of Superior

CLE Session: Community Courts as a Tool for Addressing Homelessness 
Presented by Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
The presentation is jointly presented by the City Attorney and Court Administrator of the City of Boulder. The presentation focuses on how collaboration between the courts and prosecution can successfully address community issues in a compassionate way while holding community members accountable for their behavior. Specifically, we will address how to reduce Failure to Appears by incorporating innovative approaches including a texting program, and Community Court. With respect to Community Court, the topics will include launching a program, organization, eligible offenses, potential remedies, data collection, and the relative roles of the Prosecution and the Court.
Speakers: DeVon Kissick Kelly, City of Boulder Court Administrator; Teresa Taylor Tate, City of Boulder City Attorney

8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Elected Officials Breakfast, Don't Reply All: Bridging Generational Gaps in Municipal Leadership & Presentation of the CML Muniversity Awards
How millennial and Gen Z officials can effectively collaborate with Gen X, Boomer, and Silent Generation colleagues, particularly in navigating differences in technology use and generational perspectives.
Ticketed event - limited seating. $40 per person. No onsite sales.

Managers Breakfast
Presented by the Managers Section
Ticketed event - limited seating. $40 per person. No onsite sales.

8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Registration

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Consequences of Organized Retail Crime in Your Municipality 
Law enforcement experts estimate that Organized Retail Crime losses in retail stores total $75 billion annually in the USA, and unfortunately it shows no signs of slowing down here in Colorado. The loss of local sales taxes, closing of stores in struggling neighborhoods, and loss of jobs continue to have a detrimental effect on cities and towns. Join us for an update on what is happening in your neighborhood and add your voice to the conversation with retailers and law enforcement to make meaningful, positive changes in the Centennial State.

Emerging Issues
This session is reserved for current issues effecting your municipality.

Broadband & Business: Driving Local Business Success in the Digital Era Rural & small municipal focus
In today’s world, access to broadband is a vital tool in our economic development toolbox. From listing local events on social media to attracting new residents who work remotely, the internet touches every part of our communities. In this interactive presentation, we’ll talk you through building out infrastructure, planning out implementation, and how to use broadband for business and economic growth. Whether you’re from a rural community or an urban metro, this session will help you create a timeline and action plan for supporting your constituents through technological change.
Speakers: Jessi Bert, founder, Outgrow Your Garage; Ed Barrett, HR Green, Ken Demlow, HR Green and Kara Riddle, City of Delta.

Organizational Value Setting from the Bottom Building and maintaining an organizational culture that acts as guideposts, a retention tool, recruitment collateral, employee evaluation standards, and more is a big ask. But can be done! The key for Erie was including each and every member of the staff in the process and inviting them to tell their own personal stories. Ultimately, those stories shared all we needed to know about the things that matter most to our most valuable asset. Join this session to hear about a year-long process to update the Town of Erie Mission, Vision, and Values and inject more joy and optimism in the staff who facilitated the process.
Speakers: Gabi Rae, Director of Communications, Town of Erie and Melissa Wiley, Director of Human Resources, Town of Erie

CLE: Mastering State & Federal Funding: From Application to Execution
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
Navigating the complexities of state and federal funding can be daunting. This session aims to demystify the process and the complex federal funding requirements for procurement and project management. We will guide you through every step, from identifying the right funding opportunities to crafting a competitive application and executing the project successfully through design and construction. Learn about the essential resources needed to find, apply for, and manage state/federally funded projects including adherence to specific procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost principles, and Audit Requirement for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). We'll analyze the risks involved and explore the best strategies and proactive approaches to ensure compliance with project requirements.
Speakers: Molly Thiebaut, PE, Utleig; Jamey Smith, PE, Utleig and Sandy Zimmer, Utleig

10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

BREAK

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

Civic Assembly Case Study: Community-Led Problem Solving Amid the growing crisis of trust and questions of legitimacy in US democracy, civic assemblies could be the model for community-led problem solving that bridges divides. This unique public engagement model was recently used in the City of Fort Collins to provide City Council with recommendations on a highly controversial and long-standing local land use issue, the future use of a former CSU football stadium. (Note: the assembly will conclude its work in June 2025)
Speakers: Linn Davis, Healthy Democracy; Rahmin Sarabi, American Public Trust, Ginny Sawyer, Senior Policy Manager, City of Fort Collins and Rupa Venkatesh, Assistant City Manager, City of Fort Collins

PIO Section Session
More information coming soon.

Maximizing Local Government Capacity for Federal Funding 
This session will highlight innovative programs at the State of Colorado designed to build local government capacity, ensuring communities have the resources and knowledge needed to successfully draw down federal funds. With a landscape of funding opportunities available to support municipal infrastructure, economic development, and community resilience, it’s vital that local governments have robust systems in place to navigate, apply for, and manage these resources effectively.

Pathways to Net Zero: Developing Sustainable Civic Spaces  Join the city of Northglenn and the town of Eagle as they share their journeys toward net zero. The city of Northglenn’s NetZero City Hall is the first of its kind in Colorado, setting a new standard for sustainable civic spaces. And since 2022, the town of Eagle has worked with Yearout Energy on an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) and Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) to reach its net zero goals. This session will walk through how municipalities, both large and small, can set goals, put them into action, and see results. 
Speakers: Meredity Leighty, Mayor, City of Thornton; Kira Koppel Sustainability Specialist II, Town of Eagle, Mara Owen, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Northglenn, Hillary Hanson, Energy Systems Group, Anthony LaMorte, Energy Systems Group

CLE: Ethics Session
Presented by the Attorney Section
CLE credits have been applied for
Speaker: Jessica Yates, Colorado Attorney Regulation Counsel for the Colorado Supreme Court

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Attorney Luncheon
Presented by the Attorney Section
Speaker: Denver District Attorney, John Walsh 
Ticketed event - limited seating. $50 per person. No onsite sales.