Spring 2026 Workshop

Academy for Local Elected Officials (ALEO)

ALEO Workshop: Navigating Budgets and Local Government Finance

Our first ALEO Budget Workshop was held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This workshop program was designed to meet all the mandatory training requirements of Senate Bill 827. SB 827 is the new State law requiring all local elected officials to complete at least two hours of training on public finance topics beginning in 2026.

The workshop featured insights from elected officials, city managers, municipal finance experts, and faculty from the School of Public Affairs at SDSU.

The program was organized and presented by the Academy for Local Elected Officials (ALEO), an initiative of the Institute for Innovative Governance, part of the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University.

Program

Welcome and Introduction

9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

Welcome Remarks from Vice Provost Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord and Dr. Roddrick Colvin
Introduction to the Workshop from Tina Friend, City Manager, City of Coronado

Session One

9:20 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.

Budgeting and Financial Management Fundamentals: Local Government Budgets Within Our Region
- Presenters:
  - Michael Coleman, Principal Fiscal Policy Advisor, League of California Cities
  - Dr. Justina Jose, Assistant Professor, San Diego State University
Panel & Discussion: Navigating Revenue Management During State and Federal Volatility
- Moderator: Zach Friend, Former County Supervisor, County of Santa Cruz
- Panelists:
  - Graham Mitchell, City Manager, City of El Cajon
  - Matthew Parr, Director, San Diego County Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs
  - Mike Sylvia, Director of Finance and City Treasurer, City of Vista

Session Two

11:25 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Financial Commitments Beyond the Fiscal Year
- Presenter:
  - Michael Coleman, Principal Fiscal Policy Advisor, League of California Cities
Lunch Panel & Discussion: Balancing Long-Term Financial Stability and Expenditure Obligations
- Moderator: Dr. Justina Jose, Assistant Professor, San Diego State University
- Panelists:
  - Amy Thompson, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, County of San Diego
  - Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Mid-City CAN Strategic Engagement Director, CEO & President La Pluma Strategies, Former National City Mayor, & NALEO Educational Fund Chairwoman