Leadership Council SMC connects, inspires, and educates leaders to find solutions to the biggest issues facing our County. On February 27 and 28, 2025, elected leaders from San Mateo County convened at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Community Space for a two-day training designed to enhance their skills and foster collaborative relationships. The training featured engaging and inspiring sessions aimed at equipping our local elected officials with the tools necessary for effective public service.

San Mateo County has a well-earned reputation for being a collaborative county and this training further strengthened working relationships within and across cities and the County.

Thursday’s Newly Elected Leaders Training kicked off with motivational remarks from San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa and SMC County Executive Mike Callagy, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and open lines of communication among leaders. Leadership coaches fostered a workshop atmosphere that enabled participants to get to know their newly elected colleagues as the day began. The agenda included presentations on economic development, demographic shifts in San Mateo County, and an equity-focused presentation led by Shireen Malekafzali, Chief Equity Officer, and Kalimah Salahuddin, Former Trustee, Jefferson Union High School District. Participants also appreciated the segment on local business insights presented by Rosanne Foust, CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA). 

One of the highlights of the day was a panel moderated by Michael Brownrigg, Vice Mayor of Burlingame, featuring seasoned elected leaders who shared personal anecdotes and practical insights into effective governance… what works, and what doesn’t.

“Most inspiring panel! We received truly the best insights and suggestions from each and every one of them,” said one participant.

“Very informative. Wish it had been longer,” said another.

Participants included newly elected members of city councils, special districts, and County leadership, all eager to learn best practices in governance and connect with one another.

Day Two featured a half-day Futures Workshop titled “Shaping Tomorrow in Uncertain Times.” Led by Ilana Lipsett of the Civic Foresight Project, the workshop encouraged leaders to envision the future of San Mateo County collectively. By engaging in future-thinking exercises, participants strengthened skills that will enrich their leadership practices. Graphic Artist Nevada Lane captured the leaders' ideas (see image below).

Feedback on the workshop included:

“Hard to think too far in the future given the raw realities of the current political and physical climate, but the exercises brought some new thinking and planning skills and helped us get closer to one another.” 

“Very well presented, with a perfect combination of activities and learning. All real-world relevant, even when discussing potentially outlandish future scenarios.”​

Special thanks to our Event Sponsors and Partners:

• Stanford University
• SAMCEDA
• Thrive Alliance
• REACH Coalition
• Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce
• San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce
• Chamber of Commerce San Mateo County
• South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
• Foster City Chamber of Commerce
• Daly City Colma Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for the use of the beautiful CZI Community Space.

For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit Leadership Council SMC's website.