Friends of CALBO, 

As the end of 2020 rapidly approaches, although not fast enough for many, I wanted to personally connect with our CALBO community aside from our standard newsletter. Though this year has presented unprecedented challenges for CALBO, there are silver-linings and exciting things to come.  As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the cancellation of our traditional offerings and opportunities well into 2021. However; much like within our jurisdictions, the work has not ceased. I would like to acknowledge and thank the many people that have worked hard to create new and valuable webinar trainings. The course developers, instructors, and CALBO staff that have stepped up to continue to provide us timely and important training are too numerous to mention here, but we know who they are and cannot thank them enough. Many webinars are scheduled for the coming weeks, so please visit www.calbo.org to find out more and register. 

I am also pained to report that CALBO’s 59th Annual Business Meeting, scheduled for March 2021 in Sacramento, has been cancelled at the request of the hotel. In addition to Sacramento being a world-class tourist destination, it is also my hometown and I looked forward to playing host to all of you. Okay, maybe I am a little biased about that first thing. Yet, I am saddened that we will not be able to resume our normal meeting schedule by March as the function space the hotel was not conducive to social distancing. Given that traditional CALBO Board elections will not occur in 2021, there will not be a need for a CALBO business session. However; CALBO does plan to hold an annual conference in May 2021 in the Southern California area. Making use of outdoor space will be a primary component for this conference. A golf tournament and social activities, in addition to a strong formal program are all currently in the planning stages and you can expect to see more from CALBO in the weeks ahead on this event.

With the cancellation of our 2020 conference and the postponement of our 2021 conference, combined with other outreach, training, and advocacy efforts that are now stretching our normal cycle over multiple years, the CALBO Board has looked to our partner associations to see how they too are weathering the pandemic. Given the actions of ICC in addition to many California chapters, and in accordance with CALBO’s bylaws, the CALBO Board has agreed to stay in place until the next annual business meeting in 2022. After time and deliberation, we strongly believe that to hold virtual elections and shuffle the organization’s leadership a second time during the pandemic would be too disruptive to current efforts under way. We thank the membership for bringing this course of action to our attention and understanding the need for the continuity of leadership.  

In closing, I wanted to encourage everyone to take a look at the classes we have planned for our 2020 Education Week, December 14-17, live from Newport Beach. All offerings are available virtually, or you may choose to join us in Newport Beach as there are still socially-distanced seats available. We have some great offerings planned and I hope to personally see you there – in person, or on screen. Registration details can be found at the CALBO Education Week Registration page. 

I wish all of you continued health and I thank you for your continued strength and support as we weather this pandemic together as a profession.  

Best Regards, 

Shane Diller, M.P.A.
Assistant Development Services Director
City of Elk Grove