Director Alexis Gillam is headed to the state capital to join California’s municipal leadership for the 2026 League of California Cities (Cal Cities) City Leaders Summit, from April 22–24. The City Leader Summit serves as a premier gathering for elected officials and city staff to discuss the most pressing policy and leadership challenges facing the Golden State.
Among the featured programming is a session titled “Rumor Has It: Tackling Misinformation in an Ever-Evolving Information Climate” on Thursday, April 23. The panel, moderated by Alexis, features City of Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez and City of American Canyon Councilmember David Oro. Drawing on real-world case studies from agencies that have navigated recent information crises, the discussion will provide a roadmap for leaders to communicate with transparency and empathy during emergencies. The session will explore proactive tactics for monitoring social media buzz, building strong relationships with trusted community voices and influencers, and using cross-platform data to stay ahead of the narrative.
“Misinformation can erode years of built-up community trust in a matter of hours, particularly during a crisis,” said Alexis. “I am looking forward to joining Mayor Hernandez and Councilmember Oro to discuss how city leaders can use proactive storytelling and transparent data to reinforce public confidence and protect their City’s reputation.”
By participating and supporting professional associations like Cal Cities, the firm remains at the forefront of the challenges facing city managers and elected officials.
About Cal Cities
The League of California Cities has been shaping the Golden State’s political landscape since the association was founded in 1898. They defend and expand local control through advocacy efforts in the Legislature, at the ballot box, in the courts, and through strategic outreach that informs and educates the public, policymakers, and opinion leaders. Cal Cities also offers education and training programs designed to teach city officials about new developments in their field and exchange solutions to common challenges facing their cities.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
