January 2026 Presidential Message

A Closing Chapter and an Open Road Ahead

As we turn the calendar to a new year, I find myself smiling at the thought that this is my final newsletter to you as Cal-ICMA President. It is both a milestone and a moment of deep gratitude. Leadership roles are temporary by design, but the relationships, trust, and shared sense of purpose that come with them endure well beyond any single term.

This January also marks a personal transition for me, as I move from full-time public administration into academia. While the setting may change, the mission does not. My commitment to local government, civic leadership, and the professionals who serve our communities remains unwavering.

As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial, I have found myself returning to a familiar and powerful idea: democracy as an experiment. It is an experiment not rooted in nostalgia or alarm, but in responsibility, civic stewardship, and continuous learning. In many ways, this framing mirrors my own transition into academia as I step into a role that allows space for reflection, teaching, research, and the preparation of the next generation of public leaders. Experiments require care, honest assessment, and adjustment over time. They also require people willing to stay engaged, especially when the work is complex or difficult. That constructive, civic-minded, and forward-looking spirit is one I see embodied across Cal-ICMA and throughout our profession.

A Year of Collective Accomplishment

This past year has been one of momentum, collaboration, and tangible progress, driven by the dedication of our Board, committees, affiliates, partners, and members across the state. Together, we have:

• Increased participation from new members statewide, strengthening the depth and diversity of our professional community

• Developed a successful volunteer recruitment campaign, expanding opportunities for members to engage and lead

• Doubled corporate partner participation and sponsorship contributions, deepening values-aligned partnerships

• Expanded scholarship offerings for both new and existing members, reinforcing our commitment to access and professional growth

• Repeatedly broken attendance records at Cal-ICMA-sponsored networking events

• Launched our inaugural Demo Day, bringing timely innovation from our valued partners to members in a concise, practical, and digestible format

• Scheduled our first annual Board team-building event at CIA at COPIA after our Board Retreat to launch the 2026 Cal-ICMA year

• Made significant progress toward forming Cal-ICMA as a standalone 501(c)(6) organization

• Most importantly, supported, engaged, and invested in the full spectrum of local government professionals, across cities, counties, and districts, from intern to executive

None of this progress happens in isolation. It reflects a shared belief that strong local government depends on strong professional communities.

Leadership Transitions and Continuity

As we look ahead, I would like to share a few important reminders:

• February 10: Our Board Retreat will take place, followed by our Board Team-Building Event

• February 11: We will hold our first Board Meeting of 2026, marking a smooth and thoughtful transition of leadership. Kevin Woodhouse will step into the role of Board President, Brett Channing will serve as President-Elect, and I will transition to Immediate Past President

I warmly welcome our newest Board members and extend sincere thanks to those continuing their service. I am equally grateful to our affiliate organizations, whose sustained engagement has long been the backbone of Cal-ICMA’s collective strength, reach, and impact. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Hazel Weatherford, our Immediate Past President, for her continued leadership and service on the Nominations, Governance, and Membership Committee. Her steady guidance and commitment to the organization have been invaluable.

Entering 2026 With Purpose

As many of you know, 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a time associated with forward motion, conviction, and intention. It feels like an apt metaphor for where we stand today.

As we look ahead, I invite us to recommit to a few guiding principles: remain curious to understand others, seek opportunities to find common ground, lead with professionalism and empathy, and share hope in a future that is inclusive for our world, our country, and our communities.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. It has been an honor I will always carry with me.

With appreciation and optimism,

Dr. Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM

President, Cal-ICMA (2025–2026)

Incoming Executive Director, Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership

School of Public Policy, Pepperdine University