Navigating Change, Leading with Purpose

The 2026 MMANC Annual Conference is September 27–30 at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite National Park. After years of navigating crisis after crisis, local government professionals deserve more than another conference. This is the reset.

Three days. No downtown distractions. Just you, your peers, and the space to step back, think clearly, and invest in yourself. Every session is built around one test: will the person in the seat walk away with something they can use Monday morning?

The Conference officially kicks off with our main session and keynote speaker on Monday, September 28th at 12:00 pm!

Four Tracks, One Journey

This year we’re organizing sessions into four tracks inspired by the Sierra — each designed to meet you where you are in your career.

🦶 Trailhead — For Emerging Leaders

You’re early in the work and building your foundation. Trailhead sessions focus on the skills, relationships, and confidence you need to grow in local government. Every great journey starts where the path begins.

⛰️ Half Dome — For Mid-Career Professionals

You’ve been in the work long enough to know it’s complicated. Half Dome sessions are for leaders who are deepening their expertise, managing teams, and navigating the messy middle of a career in public service.

🧗 El Capitan — For Executives and Directors

You’re leading organizations through uncertainty. El Capitan sessions tackle the challenges that come with the top — organizational resilience, political dynamics, succession, and the weight of decisions that affect entire communities.

🌲 Sequoia — Equity Across Every Level

Equity isn’t a track you visit — it’s woven throughout the conference. Sequoia sessions center diversity, inclusion, and belonging for professionals at every career stage. Deep-rooted and resilient, like its namesake.

Oakhurst Hotel Shuttle

Staying at one of the Oakhurst hotels? We’ve got you covered.
The conference shuttle is confirmed. Reserve unlimited runs between the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (Oakhurst) and Tenaya Lodge for a $50 flat fee.

• Pickup: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Oakhurst — centrally located between the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, an easy meet-up for guests at the nearby hotels.
• Schedule: Mornings and evenings Monday & Tuesday; morning through early afternoon Wednesday. No Sunday service.

🚐Monday departures from Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst to Tenaya Lodge
7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM | 11:30AM

🚐Monday departures from Tenaya Lodge to Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst
5:45 PM | 6:45 PM | 7:45 PM | 8:45 PM | 10:15 PM

🚐Tuesday departures from Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst to Tenaya Lodge
7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM

🚐Tuesday departures from Tenaya Lodge to Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst
5:10 PM | 6:10 PM | 7:10 PM | 8:10 PM | 9:10 PM

🚐Wednesday departures from Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst to Tenaya Lodge
7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM

🚐Wednesday departures from Tenaya Lodge to Fairfield Inn & Suites in Oakhurst
11:50 AM | 12:50 PM

• Cost: $50 flat — unlimited trips.
• No sign-up deadline and no capacity cap at this time.

Online Registration – Registration Closed

Please note that all meals are included in the conference registration fee.

Early Bird Registration – Trailblazer
(May 21 through June 11)
Member Only		 Regular Registration
(June 12 through August 13)		 Late Registration
(August 14 through September 14)
MMANC Member $695 $775 $890
MMANC Student Member $350 $350 $350
Nonmember $990 $1,195

Single Day Conference Registration – Closed

Single Day rates through September 14
MMANC Member $300
Nonmember $400

Annual Conference – BBQ Bash Guest Tickets

The event is included in the registration price for conference attendees, but if you’d like to bring additional guests, tickets are available for $100.

Guest tickets include food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests must be 21+

Justification Letter

Conference Program

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Conference Hotel Options

Tenaya Lodge sits two miles from Yosemite National Park’s south gate entrance, surrounded by Sierra Nevada forest. It’s not a convention center — and that’s the point.

When you can’t duck out to check email at a downtown restaurant, you’re actually present. The isolation is the strategy. The stars, valley and pine trees are our backdrop.

While the Tenaya Lodge rooms are at capacity, consider the following hotels in Oakhurst, just 13 miles away. Over half of conference attendees will be off property with carpooling options extended.

Fairfield Inn and Suites – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $160

The Inelle – a Marriott Tribute Property – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $158 – $183

Holiday Inn – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $146

Hampton Inn – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $144

Waybound Cabins at Tenaya are still available!

Traveling with colleagues and would like a private room and shared space? Book a 2 bedroom Waybound Cabin at Tenaya Yosemite Cabin Lodging – Waybound Collection use promo code MMANC26 for 15% off

The conference shuttle is happening. You can reserve unlimited runs between the Fairfield by Marriott Inn in Oakhurst and Tenaya Lodge for $50 flat. The shuttle will run mornings and evenings on Monday and Tuesday and morning through early afternoon Wednesday. Sign up today Shuttle Sign up

Stay Connected

Sign up for the MMANC weekly newsletter to get conference updates as they happen. Questions? Reach us at conference@mmanc.org.

“I left the 2023 conference inspired to lead and grateful for all the meaningful relationships I’ve been able to build through MMANC.”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“Very high quality conference – I learned a lot and met a ton of amazing local government professionals!”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“We grew together, learned together and shared. There were technical takeaways and vulnerable moments shared, all ultimately contributing to 3 days of elevating myself and filling my cup.”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“There is something so incredibly special about the community I have found in MMANC. I have made invaluable friendships and connections and I am so thankful for the wonderful people that comprise this organization and the magic that is present when we all gather together.”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“The 2023 conference provided many opportunities to meet new people and to learn both innovative trends to improve cities, but also professional development to bolster resilience.”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“The 2024 sessions were amazing!”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“LOOOOOVEED it as always!”

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“Great execution of the conference and the MMANC team were extremely welcoming to all and did a great job facilitating network opportunities.”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

“I was very impressed as a first-time attendee!”

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

All cancellation requests must be submitted through MMANC Administrator Kevin Kilkenny at info@mmanc.org or (855) 737-2687 x2229 no later than September 11, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Cancellation deadlines and rates are provided below. Please note that 10% of the registration fee will be withheld to offset processing fees.

If you cannot attend the conference, you also have the option of transferring your registration at no additional charge. Notification of substitutions must be received prior to September 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Substitutions will not be accepted at the door (Substitutions may be subject to a difference in fee if substituting a non-member for a member)

Cancellation Deadlines and Rates:

  • Request by July 31 = 90% refund
  • Request August 1 – September 11 = 50% refund
  • After September 11 – No Refund (substitutions only up through September 21)

The 2026 Annual Conference is taking place at Tenaya Lodge, located at 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623 — just two miles from the south gate entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Attendees will be staying at Tenaya and hotels in Oakhurst, CA.

Options abound. Book a convenient hotel located just 20 minutes from Tenaya Lodge, and you could even explore Yosemite over the weekend. Then drive in on Monday morning for your badge and our opening keynote starting at 12:00 noon.

Waybound Cabins at Tenaya are still available

Traveling with colleagues and would like a private room and shared space? Book a 2 bedroom Waybound Cabin at Tenaya Yosemite Cabin Lodging – Waybound Collection  Use promo code MMANC26 for 15% off

Oakhurst: 20 Minutes out from Tenaya Lodge

Fairfield Inn and Suites – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $160

The Inelle – a Marriott Tribute Property – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $158 – $183

Holiday Inn – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $146

Hampton Inn – Oakhurst
Website Rates approx. $144

The conference shuttle is happening. You can reserve unlimited runs between the Fairfield by Marriott Inn in Oakhurst and Tenaya Lodge for $50 flat. The shuttle will run mornings and evenings on Monday and Tuesday and morning through early afternoon Wednesday. Sign up today Shuttle Sign up

By Car

Tenaya Lodge is located on Highway 41, approximately 15 miles south of Yosemite Valley.

  • From the San Francisco Bay Area: approximately 3.5–4 hours via I-580 East to Highway 99 South to Highway 41 North
  • From Sacramento: approximately 3–3.5 hours via Highway 99 South to Highway 41 North
  • From Bakersfield: approximately 3 hours via I-5 North to Highway 99 North to Highway 41 North
  • From Fresno: approximately 1 hour via Highway 41 North

By Air

The closest airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), approximately 1 hour south, and Merced Regional Airport (MCE), approximately 2 hours west via Highway 140. Rental cars are available at both airports. There is no shuttle service from the airports to Tenaya Lodge.

Parking

Complimentary self-parking is available at Tenaya Lodge. Valet parking is also available for a daily fee. Electric vehicle chargers (Tesla) are available on site.

Good to Know

Cell service is limited in the Fish Camp and Yosemite area. Wi-Fi is available throughout Tenaya Lodge. Gas stations are located in Oakhurst (approximately 15 minutes south). We recommend filling up before arriving.

The MMANC Annual Conference includes the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding contributions to local government in Northern California. Awards are presented during the conference’s closing session.

Award categories and nomination details for 2026 will be announced later this year. Information will be posted here and shared through the MMANC newsletter.

Questions about the awards program can be directed to conference@mmanc.org.

When will conference registration open?

Registration is open now. Regular registration runs June 12 through August 13, and late registration runs August 14 through September 14. Use the Online Registration button above.

How much is registration and what is included?

Current rates are posted in the registration table above. Registration includes access to all keynote and breakout sessions (including CGL-eligible options), networking events, and all meals from Monday breakfast through Wednesday brunch.

I need my supervisor’s approval to attend. Is there anything to help?

Yes. See the “Need Approval First? Justify Your Trip” section above for a one-page letter from the conference co-chairs that you can share directly with your approver.

How do I submit a proposal to speak or present?

The Call for Proposals is open March 26 through April 26, 2026. Visit our CFP page for details on session formats, tracks, and evaluation criteria. All submitters will be notified of their proposal status by the end of May.

How do I sponsor or exhibit at the conference?

Ready to put your brand in front of Northern California’s local government leaders? We’d love to talk about which opportunities align with your goals. Visit for Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities.

Is there free parking at Tenaya Lodge if I am staying at one of the off-site hotels?|

Yes, parking is free to hotel guests and visitors at Tenaya Lodge. The Conference committee is also developing communication channels for Conference attendees staying off-site to build carpool options from Oakhurst.

The conference shuttle is happening. You can reserve unlimited runs between the Fairfield by Marriott Inn in Oakhurst and Tenaya Lodge for $50 flat. The shuttle will run mornings and evenings on Monday and Tuesday and morning through early afternoon Wednesday. Sign up today Shuttle Sign up

Really? All meals are included?

Yes! All meals are included in the registration price. Come ready to relax and enjoy.

Will there be a conference app?

Yes. Shortly before the conference, you’ll receive information on the conference app, including a way to build your own schedule and connect with other attendees.

How do I sign up for special activities?

Select activities will require separate registration. Links will be emailed to registrants and posted on this page prior to the conference.

How do I communicate accessibility needs or dietary requirements?

The registration form includes a section for accommodations. We’ll do our best to meet your needs, though some limitations may apply depending on venue constraints. Questions can be sent to conference@mmanc.org.

What is the dress code?

Business casual for sessions. Dress in layers — conference rooms can get chilly, and Tenaya Lodge sits at 5,300 feet elevation, so evenings cool down. Bring athletic or casual wear for outdoor activities and networking events. A detailed activity schedule will be released in the third quarter of 2026.

What about cell service and Wi-Fi?

Cell service is limited in the Fish Camp and Yosemite area. Wi-Fi is available throughout Tenaya Lodge. We consider this a feature, not a bug — it’s one of the reasons the setting works so well for this conference.

MMANC maintains a Code of Conduct that applies to all conference participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, and guests. Everyone is expected to contribute to a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment.

The full policy is available at mmanc.org/events/code-of-conduct/.

Questions about the policy can be directed to MMANC President Stacie Marchetti at president@mmanc.org.

2026 MMANC Board of Directors

  • President: Stacie Marchetti, City of Roseville
  • Vice President: Aarón Zavala, City of Pleasanton
  • Conference Director: Olympia Williams, City of San Jose
  • Program Director: Ernest Azevedo, City of Milpitas
  • Finance Director/Treasurer: Claire Coleman, City of El Cerrito
  • Membership Director: Daniel Leonardich, City of Roseville
  • Communications Director/Secretary: Liz Lange, City of Redwood City
  • Immediate Past President: Candice Rankin Mumby, City of Walnut Creek

Conference Co-Chairs

Aarón Zavala, City of Pleasanton & Olympia Williams, City of San Jose

Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee

Co-Leads: Jo Nguyen, City of Cupertino & Dago Fierros, Region 3 Co-Chair, City of West Sacramento

  • Kayla Brown, UMASS
  • Joana De Sousa, Region 2 Co-Chair, City of Napa
  • Jamie Achterberg, Region 5 Co-Chair, City of Bakersfield
  • Liz Tapia, City of Menlo Park
  • Justin Redman, Progress Public Affairs

Programming & Logistics Subcommittee

Co-Leads: Cynthia Chong, City of Novato & Femi Omotesho, Region 3 Co-Chair, City of Elk Grove

  • Marissa Sanchez, City of San Rafael
  • Hilda Morales, City of San Jose
  • Jenny Tran, City of Lincoln
  • Karen Clark, Region 5 Co-Chair, City of Belmont
  • Andres Murillo, City of Saratoga
  • Heather Maloney, City of Napa
  • Estefania Vargas, Region 1 Co-Chair, City of Salinas Fire Department
  • Christina Leard, Region 4 Co-Chair, City of El Cerrito
  • Tiarra Warner, City of Redwood City
  • Jenna De Long, Town of Los Gatos
  • Sharon Petrehn, City of Pleasanton

Special Events Subcommittee

Co-Leads: Toni Oasay-Anderson, Region 1 Co-Chair, City of Cupertino & Varsha Srinivasan, City of Los Altos Hills

  • Mahealani Ah Yun, City of Palo Alto
  • Erin Berndsen, City of Vacaville
  • Barbara Bruxvoort, City of Palo Alto
  • Lauren Dodge, Partners In Public Innovation
  • Jennifer Gates, City of Sonoma
  • Pamela Brown, City of Gilroy – Public Works
  • Ali Iqbal, City of Novato
  • Monica Gallardo-Melkesian, City of Los Altos
  • Sarah La Torra, City of Redwood City
  • Drew Golbin, Cosumnes CSD
  • Ernest Azevedo, City of Milpitas

Conference Logistics

Amy Orr & Ryann Cox, Orrganized Events

  • 2025 Annual Conference: Illuminate (Celebrating 75 Years of MMANC), Portola Hotel & Space, Monterey, CA
  • 2024 Annual Conference: Harvest Your Potential, Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (Santa Rosa, CA)
  • 2023 Annual Conference: Bolder Leadership, Everline Resort & Spa (Olympic Valley)
  • 2022 Annual Conference: Rooted in Resilience, Hyatt Regency Monterey
  • 2021 Annual Conference: Bridging the Divide (Virtual)
  • 2020 Annual Conference: Shifting the Lens (Virtual)
  • 2019 Annual Conference: Interconnected Excellence, Hyatt Regency Sacramento
  • 2018 Annual Conference: Trailblazing Change, Tenaya at Yosemite
  • 2017 Annual Conference: The Power of We, Silverado Resort & Spa (Napa)
  • 2016 Annual Conference: Leading With Intention, Monterey Marriott
  • 2015 Annual Conference: Embassy Suites Sacramento
  • 2014 Annual Conference: Embassy Suites Sacramento
  • 2013 Annual Conference: Building a Bridge to the Future, Hilton Sonoma Wine Country (Santa Rosa)
  • 2012 Annual Conference: Meeting the Challenge, Napa