Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo Scholarship Program

MMASC is pleased to offer scholarships for first-time attendees to participate in the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo (September 23-25, 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA). This is a valuable opportunity for emerging local government professionals who are looking to grow in their careers, expand their professional network, and take the next step toward leadership roles in the municipal management profession. Whether you aspire to become a manager, director, or executive in the next five years, this conference provides exposure to industry leaders, innovative practices, and meaningful connections that can help shape your path forward.

Scholarship Awards

MMASC will offer the following:

Two (2) Full Conference Scholarships – $1,600 each ($3,200 total)
- Includes full three-day conference registration ($725 member-city registration fee)
- Remaining amount (approximately $825) may be applied toward eligible lodging and travel expenses

All stipends are reimbursable and require submission of receipts for eligible conference-related expenses incurred during the conference dates. This includes conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals. Alcoholic beverages are not eligible for reimbursement under any circumstances.

Eligibility Confirmation

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must confirm all of the following:

I am an active MMASC member.
I am available to attend the conference dates September 23-25, 2026.

Guidelines & Expectations

Applicants must have supervisor/management approval to attend the conference if selected.
Applicants must confirm their availability for conference dates prior to applying.
Scholarship funds may only be used for eligible conference-related expenses, as outlined above.
Selected recipients will be required to provide a short bio and headshot.

Recipient Commitments

In exchange for the scholarship, recipients agree to complete the following within one month after the conference:

Share their experience on LinkedIn during or after the conference and tag MMASC.
Participate in a post-conference meeting with the Scholarship Committee to share feedback and key takeaways.

Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo Scholarship Program

Name(Required)

First Last

Title

Agency/Organization(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone

Email(Required)

Application Questions

Please respond to the following questions. Applicants are encouraged to provide specific examples where possible.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in local government, and how has your current role shaped your professional goals?(Required)

2. The Cal Cities Annual Conference covers a wide range of topics across all areas of city government. What specific sessions, tracks, or areas of focus are you most interested in, and why?(Required)

3. What specific knowledge, skills, or connections do you hope to gain from the Cal Cities Annual Conference, and how will you apply them in your current or future role?(Required)

4. Describe your involvement with MMASC and/or other professional organizations in the past year. How have you contributed, and what did you gain from these experiences?(Required)

5. How will you share what you learn at the conference with your agency, colleagues, or the broader MMASC network? Recipient Commitments(Required)

The application deadline is June 25 at 12:00 p.m. PT.

For questions, please contact the Scholarship Committee:

Judy Witrago jwitrago@montereypark.ca.gov

Leslie Nacionales-Tafoya lnacionales-tafoya@cityofartesia.us

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