Program

Wednesday, December 9

3:30 p.m. Registration
4:30 p.m. Getting Acquainted Session and Introduction of New Mayors
One of the most beneficial aspects of attending IACT events, this session will allow mayors to meet their peers and build relationships that will last their entire term and beyond. There will be an introduction of all mayors in attendance and light refreshments will be served.
5:30 p.m. Reception in Networking Suite
7:00 p.m. Evening Open for Sponsor Events


Thursday, December 10

7:30 a.m.
 Registration
8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Guest Lounge Open
Spouses and guests of attendees are welcome to take a break in the guest lounge. Socialize with the guests of other mayors and enjoy a light snack.
9:00 a.m. Opening Session and Welcome
IACT leadership will welcome the audience and provide an introduction to the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns
9:15 a.m. Transitioning from the Campaign to City Hall
This panel will explore expectations of your first days in office and the role of the Mayor, Clerk Treasurer and Council. It will identify resources and regulators and guide you through the appointment process.
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m.
 Municipal Finance
Virtually every decision that a mayor makes has financial consequences. The challenge is daunting to provide services that constituents demand within the resources available. Property tax caps have reduced reliance on property taxes, but there are only limited alternative revenue sources. This panel of experts will describe the city financial structure. 
11:15 a.m. Keeping Out of Trouble with the 1st Amendment Rights of Employees
Under many circumstances, the First Amendment protects public employees from being terminated or having their jobs adversely impacted for political reasons. If a newly elected official dismisses, demotes or reassigns an employee because of their political affiliation, activity, or speech, that public official can be sued and may ultimately be held liable for violating the employee’s rights under the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution. This session will provide information on how to avoid lawsuits from employees alleging adverse employment actions because of their political activities, speech or affiliation which can cripple a new administration, tie up resources and potentially cost huge amounts of money.  
12:00 p.m. Luncheon & Quality of Life Panel Discussion
1:15 p.m. Media Relations and the Mayor
Social media has completely modernized everyone’s approach to media relations – cities are no exception. The speakers will stress the importance of building sound relationships with your traditional media contacts while creating and sustaining a social media presence that informs, educates, and inspires your citizens. Participants will also learn some valuable tips for working with your local reporter, even if you aren’t too excited about the topic at hand!
2:15 p.m. Public Safety Issues
Among the more visible and costly services provided by cities are police and fire protection, and emergency medical services. The panel will discuss some of the more traditional public safety issues mayors will likely face: staffing levels, salaries, benefits, supervision and management. Our experts will also touch on the newer debate surrounding public safety body cameras and the most commonly asked questions and challenges that come with the technology.
3:15 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m.  Peer Networking Session
6:30 p.m. Mayors School Dinner at Benihana


Friday, December 11

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Municipal Growth & Development
While intuitively growth and development of our urban centers should be a common goal for all who are interested in our state’s economic success, it’s not that cut and dry. Growing Indiana’s cities is not an easy endeavor. Panelists will offer an overview of Indiana’s annexation laws, where the potential hazards lie and how to communicate with your citizens about the goals of any planned growth. The extension of utilities to serve new development is another topic for discussion. Participants will learn about the challenges presented when municipal utilities are requested outside the corporate limits
9:45 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Municipal Bond Basics
The moderator and panel will provide their perspectives on the mayor’s role in promoting economic development. A brief overview of economic development tools will be provided including tax increment financing (TIF) and tax abatements. Mayors will share local examples of projects in which they have been involved and will discuss the steps they took to bring new jobs and investment to their communities. 
11:00 a.m. The Role of Mayor Beyond City Limits  
This panel will examine the importance of involvement in the issues at the regional, state and national levels that affect how mayors in Indiana can function. It will also examine how you can effectively be engaged in government affairs through the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and National League of Cities.
11:30 a.m.  Taking It Home
IACT leadership will make closing comments, with emphasis on the value of networking among the mayors as well as IACT. There will also be a preview of the January state-wide IACT Boot Camp for Newly Elected Officials.  
11:45 a.m.  Adjourn 

Key Events

Wednesday
Getting Acquainted Session
Networking Suite Reception

Thursday
Continental Breakfast
Opening Session
Luncheon & Quality of Life Discussion
Peer Networking Session
Dinner at Benihana

Friday
Breakfast
Municipal Growth & Development
Beyond City Limits
Taking It Home

Newly Elected Officials Training

Main Page
Regionals
Mayors School
Clerk-Treasurers Workshop
Boot Camp