Financial Sustainability Certificate Program - Part 2

Financial Sustainability Certificate Program Part 1

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You've been asking and now it's finally here - the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program Part 2 is coming to California!

September 30 - October 2, 2025 in Napa | Register by September 3

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The WHY

As park and recreation professionals, we are privileged to be the stewards of taxpayer dollars. Each and every day we get to spend their money. What a responsibility!

We hold in our hands the power to impact communities by how we manage these resources. How we spend, how we generate revenues, and how we work to create a financially sustainable future for our organizations and for the field of parks and recreation.

The SCHEDULE

Day 1
8:30am - 4:00pm
Continental breakfast and lunch included

Day 2
8:30am - 4:00pm
Continental breakfast and lunch included

Day 3
8:30am - noon
Continental breakfast included

The INVESTMENT

CPRS Member Registration ... $599
Non-Member Registration ... $749

CPRS Member CEUs ... $20 
Non-Member CEUs ... $40

The LESSONS

This next-level program will build upon what was learned in Part 1 of the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program and take an engaging and practical deep dive into imperative financial topics such as:

• Understanding cost of service
• Investment versus consumption spending
• The tension between stability and growth
• The “oh s*#t moments” of taxes and math
• Productively engaging community and policy makers
• Policy development, design and adoption

 Through applied learning, peer dialogue, and practical methods and tools, participants will emerge better prepared to lead with clarity and advocate for financially sustainable decision making. The journey concludes with actionable takeaways and support for “what’s next” in each learner’s unique path.

Note: Completion of part one of the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program is recommended but not required.

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The HOW

This is an on-site learning experience limited to in-person attendance

Registration covers all learning materials, 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches

Overnight & travel accommodations are on your own

The WHAT

Two and a half days of inspiring, transformative education.  You and your team will walk away with actionable steps to create a financially sustainable future for your department and your entire organization.  
1.5 CEUs (i.e., 15 hours of approved continuing education units) are available for purchase. 

The WHO

This next level program is designed for professionals (and elected/appointed officials) committed to deepening their understanding of financial sustainability within local government, particularly in the realm of quality-of-life services.  Bring ALL your key team players, take full advantage of this curriculum, and build a useable plan together!

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The LEADERS

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Jamie Sabbach has spent her entire adult life serving the local government. Afforded opportunities few will ever have, she has been a practitioner, an educator, and consultant. She speaks from a place of experience, realism, and observation. 

Jamie has taught hundreds of professional development and training programs across North America and Europe and has had the privilege of testifying in front of the United States Congress on the critical importance of public lands and recreation.

She currently works alongside organizations from coast to coast assisting them in creating financially sustainable service models for their communities. She also teaches financial management at Indiana University in the School of Public Health’s masters program.

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Kevin Shepherd began his career as a civil engineer designing infrastructure and development projects before transitioning into community planning where he worked on master plans and sustainability strategies for cities across North America. He realized that very few cities had the money needed to maintain services and infrastructure, and that shifts needed to be made to get back on a fiscally sustainable path.

Kevin founded Verdunity in 2011 to focus on helping communities understand and address these challenges because he believes everyone deserves to live in a prosperous and vibrant neighborhood at a cost they can afford. Verdunity's work has been featured by national organizations including the American Planning Association (APA), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), International City/County Management Association (ICMA), as well as advocacy organizations including Strong Towns and Bloomberg.

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