Agenda Item Wording:
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Designate voting delegate and alternates for Annual Cal Cities conference and provide direction on resolution - Authorize and designate Vice Mayor Liz Wynn as the voting delegate, Assistant City Manager John Lollis as the first alternate voting delegate, and City Manager Leslie Caviglia as the second alternate voting delegate for the League of California Cities 2026 Annual Conference scheduled for September 25, 2026, in Anaheim, California, and provide direction regarding the City’s position in support of the resolution to be considered at the General Assembly.
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Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by: Pamela Davila Lopez, Administrative Assistant 559-713-4355 pamela.davilalopez@visalia.gov; Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk 559-713-4512 reyna.rivera@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council designate Vice Mayor Liz Wynn as the voting delegate, Assistant City Manager John Lollis as the first alternate voting delegate, and City Manager Leslie Caviglia as the second alternate voting delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference and provide direction to the voting delegate to support the policy resolution to be considered at the General Assembly.
Summary:
The League of California Cities Annual Conference is scheduled for September 23-25, 2026, in Anaheim. In order to vote during the General Assembly portion of the conference, scheduled for Friday, September 25 at 8:30 a.m., the City Council must formally designate a voting delegate and may appoint up to two alternate voting delegates. Vice Mayor Liz Wynn is the only Council Member registered to attend, along with Assistant City Manager John Lollis and City Manager Leslie Caviglia. The City Council is also being asked to provide direction to the voting delegate regarding the City’s position on the policy resolution to be considered at the General Assembly. Staff recommends that the City Council direct the voting delegate to support the resolution.
Background Discussion:
The League of California Cities ("CalCities") holds an Annual Business Meeting during its statewide conference to consider policy resolutions and bylaw amendments that guide the League's legislative priorities. In accordance with CalCities' bylaws, each member city must formally designate a voting delegate and may designate up to two alternate voting delegates by City Council action.
To ensure Visalia's participation in the voting process, Vice Mayor Liz Wynn is recommended to serve as the voting delegate, with Assistant City Manager John Lollis as the first alternate voting delegate and City Manager Leslie Caviglia as the second alternate voting delegate. All three are registered to attend the full conference and will be present at the General Assembly meeting on September 25, 2026.
The 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolution Packet includes a resolution submitted by the City of Murrieta concerning local authority over housing and land use decisions. The resolution proposes that the League establish a statewide working group to evaluate potential constitutional, legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to strengthen local authority while continuing to support responsible housing production and statewide housing goals. The resolution identifies concerns regarding the increasing number of state housing and land use requirements and their impact on local infrastructure, public services, fiscal sustainability, and community needs.
The City Council is being asked to provide direction to the voting delegate to support the resolution at the General Assembly.
Fiscal Impact: There is no additional fiscal impact associated with this action. Conference attendance costs for all designated delegates have been budgeted in the fiscal year 2026/27 budget.
Prior Council Action: The City Council annually designates a voting delegate and alternate(s) for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
Other: None
Alternatives:
1. Designate a different voting delegate and/or alternate voting delegate;
2. Designate the recommended voting delegate and alternate voting delegates without providing direction regarding the City’s position on resolutions; or
3. Decline to designate a voting delegate, which would forfeit the City’s ability to vote on the resolution and policy matters at the 2026 Annual Conference.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
1. I move to designate Vice Mayor Liz Wynn as the voting delegate, Assistant City Manager John Lollis as the first alternate voting delegate, and City Manager Leslie Caviglia as the second alternate voting delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference; and
2. Direct the voting delegate to vote in support of the resolution to be considered at the General Assembly.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 9/8/2026
Attachments: 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference Voting Delegate Information Packet
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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☐ Economic Vitality |
☒  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☐  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |