Effective Governance Workshops
Unlock the Keys to Responsible Municipal Leadership
Join us October 22 - 23, 2025
LOCATION: CML League Building, 1144 Sherman St.
PARKING: Park in the CML lot (based on available space).
CML is hosting an interactive, in-person training in Denver on October 22 & 23 focused on providing personal development training and leadership growth as well as conflict resolution and media training. We will delve into a wide range of municipal topics, including open meetings, public official ethics and liability, public engagement, advocacy and more. This workshop provides the opportunity to network and share experiences with fellow officials from across the state.
CML has negotiated special rates at local hotels if you are coming from outside the metro area.
Booking Link for ART Hotel
Warwick Hotel: Go to Warwick Hotel, select the dates and under "code type", select corporate code and enter: COML.
Registration closed Friday, October 17.
Sponsored by
Program Agenda
| Wednesday, Oct 22 | ACTIVITY/SESSION |
|---|---|
| 2 – 2:30 p.m. | Registration/Check-in Colorado Municipal League, 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Foundations of Leading & Managing People Christy Clay, Trainer, CSP HR Consulting Leading is about vision and direction; managing is about productivity or getting things done through the efforts of others. Christy will speak to what is essential and foundational in leading and managing people and how to direct your energy and efforts towards what is most productive, what fosters true accountability. While your organizations are complex, keep your leadership and management simple and focused - and do not measure your effectiveness by how "happy" people are. With these insights, you will leave this session feeling better and lifted. Presentation Slides |
| 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Mastering Media Interviews – Essential Training for Municipal Leaders |
| 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Informal off-site happy hour |
| Thursday, Oct 23 | |
| 8:30 - 9 a.m. | Registration & Continental Breakfast. Enjoy breakfast and connecting with colleagues before today's workshop |
| 9-9:05 a.m. | Kick-off & Introductions |
| 9:05 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome & Your Role as Municipal Leader Kevin Bommer, CML Executive Director |
| 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Open Meetings Robert Sheesley, CML General Counsel Learn about recent developments that impact Open Meetings and how you can ensure you are complying with state laws. Presentation Slides |
| 10:15 – 10:25 a.m. | Break |
| 10:25 – 11:15 a.m. | Build Your Advocacy Toolbox & Meet the CML Advocacy Team Bev Stables Interim Advocacy Manager The 2026 legislative session is right around the corner. Meet the new members of the CML Advocacy Team and build your advocacy toolbox with practical strategies, tools and insights to help municipal leaders effectively champion their municipalities priorities. Presentation Slides |
| 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Networking Activity In this interactive session, you’ll work with peers to tackle a realistic governance dilemma—where leadership, ethics, and communication all come into play. |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 12:30 – 1:30 pm | Ethics, Liability & Conflicts of Interest - Robert Sheesley, CML General Counsel. This session offers practical guidance on managing risks related to the role of elected officials, open meetings, executive sessions, ethics, and governing body conduct. Presentation Slides |
| 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Public Engagement: Understanding the levels of Community Voice Rodney Milton, Executive Director Urban Land Institute Presentation Slides |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | CML Is Here for You Resources, Takeaways, Next Steps |
| 3:00 p.m. | Wrap-up/Your Action Plan |
Effective Governance on the Road
We are taking CML's popular Effective Governance workshop on the road! Don't miss this opportunity to engage with local experts, exchange ideas, and empower your community.
November 19 Meeker: Town Hall, 345 Market St., Meeker.
November 20 Ridgway: Decker Community Room, 675 Clinton St., Ridgway
AGENDA
9:45 am Doors Open
10 am Kick-off & Introductions
10:10 am Welcome & Your Role as a Municipal Leader
10:20 am Ethics, Liability, Conflicts of Interest, Nick Cotton-Baez, Associate General Counsel, CIRSA
11:05 am Open Meetings Law, Robert Sheesley, General Counsel, CML
12 pm Staff/Council Relationships Lunch Discussion
12:45 Budget 101, Mia Gonzales, DOLA
1:30 pm Public Engagement, Denise White, Communications & Engagement Manager
2 pm Workshop ends