Cal-ICMA Congratulates 2026 “A Day with ICMA” Scholarship Recipients

Cal-ICMA proudly congratulates the recipients of the 2026 “A Day with ICMA” Scholarship. Each year, the Cal-ICMA Scholarships and Events Committee recognizes emerging leaders and dedicated professionals in local government who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and the continued advancement of the local government management profession.

This year’s scholarship recipients will attend “A Day with ICMA,” held June 17 in Issaquah, Washington, where they will join local government professionals for a day of leadership development, networking, and dialogue with experienced city and county managers. The event is part of ICMA’s national series designed to connect members with ICMA leadership while exploring emerging trends and challenges facing local government..

Following a competitive selection process, the Cal-ICMA Scholarships and Events Committee awarded scholarships to the following individuals:

• Full Regular Scholarship: John Peraza – Assistant to the City Manager, City of Moreno Valley

• Full Veteran Scholarship: Bailey Cullen – Student, Pepperdine University

• Partial Regular Scholarship: Eric Mora – Community Engagement Manager, City of Soledad

• Partial Regular Scholarship: Mohideen Buharie – Transportation Engineer, Caltrans

Through participation in the program, recipients will gain valuable insight into the practice of professional local government management while engaging directly with ICMA leadership and peers from across the country.

Cal-ICMA congratulates this year’s scholarship recipients and looks forward to their continued leadership and contributions to the local government management profession.