Event Date
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Standing Stronger Together: Public Assistance in a New Era
Public assistance county staff and leaders across California—join us virtually Oct. 28–29 for a reimagined, essential professional learning experience designed to help you meet the challenges counties are navigating right now. As regulatory changes reshape the landscape, this timely two-day summit brings professionals together to share strategies, address emerging issues and move forward with clarity and confidence to better serve children, families and communities across the state.
Preparing for the Evolving Landscape of Public Assistance
Counties are navigating rapid and complex change. This summit is designed to meet the moment. Building on the strong foundation of the traditional three-day Autumn Institute for Public Assistance Professionals, this two-day (mornings only) virtual summit offers a focused, timely opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and gain the insight needed to lead through change.
Format
This interactive virtual summit takes place over two consecutive mornings on Zoom and is designed to keep everyone engaged and connected.
Each day includes:
- Keynote presentations addressing today’s most pressing challenges in public assistance and service delivery
- Interactive networking opportunities with peers across California
- Breakout workshops tailored to your role, priority areas and the populations you serve
Program
Access Our Full Program Agenda
Keynote Speakers
Meet opening keynote speaker Dan Witherell!
Additional speakers and keynote details still to come.
Workshops
The Statewide Summit workshops are organized into three unique tracks. Click on each track to learn more about the workshops offered.
- Advancing Innovation in a New Era
AI and Case Documentation: Project Management Considerations and Lessons Learned
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how agencies determine eligibility, communicate with clients, detect fraud and manage caseloads at scale. This 90-minute executive workshop equips public assistance leaders with practical frameworks and tools to lead AI-enabled transformation with confidence, equity and purpose. Drawing on research from McKinsey, Deloitte and the Government Accountability Office, participants will explore human services case studies, examine five leadership competencies for digital transformation and develop a 30-Day Action Plan tailored to their agency. Whether exploring AI or piloting new tools, attendees will gain strategies to lead change effectively.
Instructor: Laurie Cozart, MBA, MCC, MCNLP
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Leveraging AI and Training Design
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations develop training, communicate information and support workforce learning. This interactive workshop explores practical ways Human Services professionals can use AI tools to streamline instructional design, create training materials, improve communication and reduce repetitive administrative tasks. Participants will review real-world examples of AI-assisted training development, including presentations, eLearning content, video scripting, knowledge checks and workplace communications. The session also addresses ethical considerations, confidentiality and responsible AI use in public sector environments. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can immediately apply to work smarter and enhance training effectiveness.
Instructor: Jay David
- Building Stronger Public Assistance Systems
CalFresh: Common Errors and Best Practices
Additional details coming soon!
Instructor: Kelly West-Binning
Medi-Cal: Preparing for Upcoming Changes
As California continues to refine Medi-Cal policy to improve access, accountability and program sustainability, organizations must stay informed and agile. This workshop provides an overview of recent and upcoming legislative changes affecting Medi-Cal eligibility and enrollment, including proposed work requirements, six-month renewal cycles and premium adjustments. Through practical explanations and real-world scenarios, participants will examine impacts on beneficiaries, frontline staff and organizational workflows. The session will also explore strategies for proactive communication, case management adjustments and operational planning to minimize disruptions and support continuity of care.
Instructor: Alicia Finley
- Partnering for Shared Success
Teamwork in Action: Stronger Together
Strong teams are not defined by the absence of conflict; they are defined by how they navigate it. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, participants will explore how to turn everyday tension into opportunities for clearer communication, stronger collaboration and better outcomes. Using a practical six-step framework, attendees will learn how to approach difficult conversations with confidence and purpose. Through real-world scenarios and guided practice, participants will gain tools they can immediately apply to support their team, their clients and themselves.
Instructor: Catherine Payne
Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors: Front Office and Public Assistance in Union
This workshop emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration across teams when supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Participants will gain awareness of the signs of domestic abuse within families and learn how to work together in support of survivors. The session explores practical strategies for addressing the complexities of domestic abuse while promoting empathy and strengthening support for those served.
Instructor: Mandi Brum
Workshop sessions are led by county professionals bringing real-world experience and practical insight to strengthening services and outcomes.
Registration
Registration opens soon. Join our email list to be notified when enrollment opens and to receive the latest updates.
For More Information
Please contact us at (530) 757-8538 or [email protected].