Programs

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Essential Leadership Skills Certificate

Offers special district employees who are aspiring to be general managers the opportunity to be recognized for learning essential skills needed for success in local government leadership.

Earning this certificate demonstrates training in critical skills to competently lead special districts. The modules are taught by experienced certified special district managers and local government experts.

Do you want to receive reminders for upcoming training requirements, program highlights, and more? Commit to being one of the first to earn the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate today!

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Effective Communication Must Take Both

Grassroots Advocacy and Public Outreach

 OnDemand

Who Does What? Best Practices for Board / Staff Roles and Communications

 OnDemand

Organizational Development Choose One

Organizational Development

Virtual Workshop:
May 7th & 8th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Virtual Workshop:
October 1st & 2nd, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register 

Financial Management 

Financial Management for Special Districts

In-Person Workshop:
May 1st, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CSDA Training Center, 1112 I St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814

 Register

Virtual Workshop:
November 5th & 6th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

Register

Human Resources Management Choose One

Human Resources Boot Camp for Special Districts

In-Person Workshop:
April 9, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CSDA Training Center, 1112 I ST, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814

Register

Virtual Workshop:
October 15th & 16th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Leadership Choose One

Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector  

In-Person Workshop:
April 8, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CSDA Training Center, 1112 I ST, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814

Register

So, You Want to Be a General Manager?  

In-Person Workshop:
June 29, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pre-GM Summit, Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe, 400 Resort Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Register

In-Person Workshop:
August 25, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Pre-Annual Conference, Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940

Register

Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector  

Virtual Workshop:
November 12th & 13th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

Special District LawsChoose One

Overview of Special District Laws

Virtual Workshop:
June 4th & 5th, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day

 Register

In-Person Workshop:
November 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CSDA Training Center, 1112 I ST, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814

Register

Requirements

To earn the Essential Leadership Skills Certificate (ELSC), participants must complete the following six modules:

  1. Effective Communication (5 hours)
  2. Organizational Development (6 hours)
  3. Financial Management (6 hours)
  4. Human Resources Management (6 hours)
  5. Leadership (6 hours)
  6. Special District Laws (6 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should apply?


This is individual recognition. Supervisors, managers, department heads, and/or new general managers are encouraged to apply.

What do you receive?


Upon completion and verification of the application and submission of the one-time fee, you will be recognized by receiving a custom certificate in a beautiful, padded folder, that can be presented at an upcoming event should you be able to attend.

How long is the certificate good for?


This achievement lasts a lifetime. All you need to do is keep SDLF current anytime you change addresses, jobs, etc.

CSDM Hours: Continuing education, application approval, and the paid fee will equal a total of 50 points toward the Certified Special District Manager program (35 hours for education and 15 hours for completing the program.)

Fees: $65, one-time fee

Apply Now