“What this sellout means is that EVERY booth at the 2024 MISAC Annual Conference will be occupied by a Strategic Partner,” Walker added. “The number of Partnerships we sold this year is equal to the number of booth spaces we have room for at the conference. One of the benefits of being a Strategic Partner this year is the booth fee is included in the Strategic Partnership fee,” Walker stated.

Walker went on to note that vendors will still be able to participate in the conference by coming in as Sponsors. “Sponsors are still critical to the success of the conference,” Walker noted. “Although being a Sponsor does not give the vendor ‘real estate,’ i.e., a booth space, it does provide them a means by which they can still attend and participate in the event.”

Walker concluded by stating that the Sponsorship Program is still being developed and will be made available in the near future. He also added that vendors interested in being a Strategic Partner can have their name added to the waiting list in the event there are cancellations.

“This year’s conference will definitely have an AI bent,” Skelly noted when announcing the theme. “Our focus will not only be on AI but all of the other issues and technologies we, as municipal and special district IT leaders, face on a daily basis, as well,” Skelly added.

Skelly also noted that this year the number of available breakout sessions during the conference has been increased from 28 to 35. “We will be covering a lot more ground this year than in the past,” Skelly noted when announcing the additional sessions. “In addition, we have rented larger meeting rooms to accommodate the growing conference attendance,” he added.

In announcing the increase in breakout sessions, Skelly noted that the Call for Presentations will be made available in the very near future.

The 2024 MISAC Annual Conference is scheduled for September 22-25 at the Portola Hotel & Spa and the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California.

There is a free event on May 1st in Northern CA (Citrus Heights) that focuses on local government Critical Infrastructure Security.

Anyone (not just IT folks) interested in learning about the issues and solutions around securing government critical infrastructure, is welcome to attend.

Check out the agenda - Critical Infrastructure Security Forum 2024

Conference Committee Chairman Chris Skelly (South Tahoe Public Utility District) recently announced some highlights and changes attendees can expect at this year’s event including:

• Additional breakout sessions. In the past, attendees had to choose which breakout they wanted to attend and had to choose between four options. For 2024, they will have to choose between five options. There will still be seven breakout sessions during the conference meaning there will be total of 35 breakouts versus the 28 that were previously offered.

   

• Larger breakout session rooms. With the growth in attendance, the association found it necessary to find some larger seating capacity meeting rooms to accommodate many of the sessions. For 2024, MISAC has rented additional space upstairs at the Monterey Conference Center for many of this year’s breakouts.

   

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Extravaganza – MISAC will again be holding their Tuesday night offsite event at the beautiful Monterey Bay Aquarium. But, unlike the association’s previous visit to the Aquarium in 2022, the entire Aquarium has been rented for 2024 (versus just one wing) so attendees will be able to tour the entire facility.

   

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Extravaganza (Part 2) – In addition to being able to visit all Aquarium exhibits, this year’s event will include the “MISAC Aquarium Nightclub” event. Following the walk-around dinner in the facility, the entrance area will be given a nightclub atmosphere where attendees will be treated to live music, hosted beverages, and an opportunity to mix and mingle in a very social atmosphere.

“We are looking forward to a fun, memorable evening at the Aquarium this year,” Skelly stated upon announcing the addition of the after-dinner party.

“We are anticipating a larger attendance at this year’s Tuesday night event,” MISAC Executive Director Brad Walker added. “All MISAC members who register for the Full Conference through Wednesday will get a Tuesday night event ticket. In addition, we will be inviting our 2024-25 Platinum Strategic Partners, and only our Platinum Partners, to sponsor and party with us that night. It will give them a fantastic opportunity to spend some quality time with most of the conference attendees,” Walker added.

Skelly and Walker also noted that as plans get closer to being finalized, registration will be opened up for attending MISAC members as well as vendors exhibiting and sponsoring the conference. Stay tuned!

Conference Committee Chairman Chris Skelly (South Tahoe Public Utility District) recently announced some highlights and changes attendees can expect at this year’s event including:

• Additional breakout sessions. In the past, attendees had to choose which breakout they wanted to attend and had to choose between four options. For 2024, they will have to choose between five options. There will still be seven breakout sessions during the conference meaning there will be total of 35 breakouts versus the 28 that were previously offered.

   

• Larger breakout session rooms. With the growth in attendance, the association found it necessary to find some larger seating capacity meeting rooms to accommodate many of the sessions. For 2024, MISAC has rented additional space upstairs at the Monterey Conference Center for many of this year’s breakouts.

   

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Extravaganza – MISAC will again be holding their Tuesday night offsite event at the beautiful Monterey Bay Aquarium. But, unlike the association’s previous visit to the Aquarium in 2022, the entire Aquarium has been rented for 2024 (versus just one wing) so attendees will be able to tour the entire facility.

   

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Extravaganza (Part 2) – In addition to being able to visit all Aquarium exhibits, this year’s event will include the “MISAC Aquarium Nightclub” event. Following the walk-around dinner in the facility, the entrance area will be given a nightclub atmosphere where attendees will be treated to live music, hosted beverages, and an opportunity to mix and mingle in a very social atmosphere.

“We are looking forward to a fun, memorable evening at the Aquarium this year,” Skelly stated upon announcing the addition of the after-dinner party.

“We are anticipating a larger attendance at this year’s Tuesday night event,” MISAC Executive Director Brad Walker added. “All MISAC members who register for the Full Conference through Wednesday will get a Tuesday night event ticket. In addition, we will be inviting our 2024-25 Platinum Strategic Partners, and only our Platinum Partners, to sponsor and party with us that night. It will give them a fantastic opportunity to spend some quality time with most of the conference attendees,” Walker added.

Skelly and Walker also noted that as plans get closer to being finalized, registration will be opened up for attending MISAC members as well as vendors exhibiting and sponsoring the conference. Stay tuned!

MISAC: Tell me about this year’s Lake Tahoe Summit.

SC: This is the fourth year of a revived tradition that started with the Northern and Central chapters. Originally, both chapters planned Lake Tahoe mid-year meetings to compare notes and share things that have worked in our various agencies. This year, we are making a more concerted effort to get the Southern Chapter involved as well.

The Lake Tahoe Summit is intended for all MISAC members to experience a very focused set of sessions where we have a tremendous keynote speaker and four vendors that are hand-selected to present to attendees.

We usually have about sixty guests and so everybody attends the same events. It makes it great for the keynote speaker, vendor presenters and attendees because they can interact with one another during the succeeding Q&A segment.

On Thursday evening, we have a spectacular venue for dinner and this year it will be at the Riva Grill on South Shore Lake Tahoe which sits right on the lake.  We have booked the entire second floor and have a balcony to ourselves to enjoy all the beauty that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

MISAC: What distinguishes this year’s summit from years past?

SC: Our hotel, Margaritaville (formerly Lake Tahoe Resort), has finished their renovations throughout the hotel including the swimming pools, jacuzzies, meeting rooms, and other wonderful spaces for a welcoming reception. We won’t be meeting in a property under construction.

In the past, we chose vendors based upon a topic suggestion we would request.  This year, however, we are asking our Platinum Strategic Partners to submit a presentation proposal on the topic of their choosing.  We will sit down with our MISAC chapter presidents, evaluate those topics together, and decide which four topics will hold the most interest with our attendees. If recent trends stay the same, we expect those topics to include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and soft skills.

MISAC: Please give our readers the lowdown on this year’s keynote speaker.

SC: Our keynote speaker is Dr. Brian Gardner, the Chief Technology & Information Security Officer for the City of Dallas, TX.  Gardner is a first-hand participant in a recent cyberattack and was one of the primary reasons they were able to put up a very fast recovery for an extensive, widespread attack across virtually all departments of the City of Dallas. He is expected to share with us a roadmap for creating your cybersecurity strategy so that you won’t get attacked the way they did.

He has private industry experience in both the healthcare and accounting worlds before joining as a public servant in the public side of our business. He’s just a fascinating individual and I’m certain he will be an excellent keynote. Fortunately, he’ll be staying throughout the entire event, so we’ll have time to talk with him throughout various lunches and dinners.

MISAC: You recently accepted the position as CIO for the City of Mesa in Arizona. Do you plan to continue hosting the annual summit in the future?

SC: That’s an excellent question.  If MISAC would like me to do so, I would be happy to serve. Nevertheless, after hosting for four years in a row, perhaps it’s time for new blood to run the event. But just because I moved to Arizona, my participation with MISAC will continue.

MISAC: How can members stay attuned to the latest Summit updates? How can members register for the event?

SC: I’d urge everyone to visit the MISAC website for the latest updates; there you can register and see who else is attending. As of this interview, the roster is extensive, including all three chapter presidents and multiple MISAC state board members.

You need to understand that we have a limited number of discounted rooms with the hotel and the last three years sold out completely so it would be wise to jump in as soon as you can. 

We will keep the website updated with the latest news on our agenda and selected vendor presenters.

MISAC: Any further comments?

SC: If you’ve never attended our Lake Tahoe Summit, you are really missing something.  This is not just an excuse to go to Lake Tahoe and goof off. Ask other folks who have attended the past three Summits, they will be the first to claim it was worthwhile and they did get something special out of it. That’s why the Summit continues to grow and why we’ve decided to expand this event to all MISAC members. Don’t hesitate, throw your hat in, we’d love to see you there!

Students will learn how to implement Azure compute solutions, create Azure Functions, implement and manage web apps, develop solutions utilizing Azure storage, implement authentication and authorization, and secure their solutions by using KeyVault and Managed Identities. Students will also learn how to connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services, and include event- and message-based models in their solutions. For more information, click here.

Fees for MISAC and CCISDA Members are $950. Non-member fees are $1,050.

The course provides cybersecurity team members with a proactive approach based on agile methodology. Course participants will learn how to enhance your agency’s resilience, deliver stakeholder value, and optimize risk management across the enterprise.

Topics to be covered include organizational governance, risk governance, IT risk identification, IT risk analysis and evaluation, risk response, control design and implementation, risk monitoring and reporting, information technology principles, and information security principles.

Derrick Coston, a widely recognized cybersecurity expert and instructor will lead the course. Coston has experience as a cybersecurity auditor for numerous organizations and Fortune 500 clients.

Registration fees for MISAC and CCISDA members are $1,750. Members are reminded to log onto your online account in order to receive the member rate. Non-members can also participate at the $1,850 non-member rate.

To register and/or learn more about the CRISC Course, CLICK HERE.

“One of the benefits this year of being a Strategic Partner is your booth fee for the 2024 MISAC Annual Conference is included in the Strategic Partnership fee,” Walker added. “As such, we are only making the number of Strategic Partnerships available equal to the number of booth spaces available at the annual conference. I would venture to guess that in order to get real estate, i.e., a booth space, at this year’s conference, vendors will need to be a Strategic Partner,” Walker concluded.

Walker also stated that 2024-25 Strategic Partnerships will be available until June 1^st or until the eighteen remaining are sold. He noted that booth spaces not taken by Strategic Partners, if any, will be made available via a lottery.

Vendors interested in learning more about, or registering for, the 2024-25 MISAC Strategic Partnership program benefits can do so by clicking HERE.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is an extraordinary figure who has shattered barriers, excelled in her field, and blazed a trail for future generations of African American scientists and technologists. As a physicist and trailblazer, she has made groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications research and has emerged as a prominent leader in academia.

Dr. Jackson's journey began with her passion for science and a determination to break down racial and gender barriers. In 1973, she became the first Black woman to earn a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her doctoral research focused on theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, setting the stage for her remarkable career.

One of Dr. Jackson's most notable contributions lies in the field of telecommunications research. Her pioneering work in the 1970s played a crucial role in the development of technologies that underpin modern telecommunications systems. Her investigations into the properties of electrons, atoms, and molecules led to advancements in the areas of telecommunications, including the invention of devices like the portable fax, touch-tone telephones, and caller ID.

Beyond her groundbreaking scientific contributions, Dr. Jackson has also demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities. In 1999, she became the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university when she was appointed as the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. During her tenure, she focused on transforming RPI into a leading technological research institution, fostering collaborations across disciplines, and enhancing diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields.

Under Dr. Jackson's leadership, RPI experienced significant growth and garnered recognition as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. She spearheaded initiatives to bridge academia and industry, enabling the translation of research findings into practical applications. Dr. Jackson's visionary approach and commitment to excellence have positioned RPI as a prominent institution in the technological landscape.

Throughout her career, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has broken barriers, achieved remarkable scientific advancements, and served as a role model for aspiring scientists, particularly women and people of color. Her contributions to telecommunications research and her inspirational leadership as the president of RPI have left an indelible impact on both the scientific community and society as a whole. Dr. Jackson's trailblazing achievements continue to inspire generations to pursue careers in STEM and challenge the boundaries of what is possible.

Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist and one of the most influential figures in the development of computer programming languages. Her notable accomplishments include:

Co-Creation of the COBOL Language: In the late 1950s, Grace Hopper led a team that developed COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), one of the first high-level programming languages. COBOL made it easier for programmers to write and understand computer code, revolutionizing the field of software development. COBOL is still used today in many critical business applications.

Introduction of the Compiler: Hopper is also credited with developing the first compiler, known as the A- 0 System. The compiler translates human-readable programming languages into machine code that computers can understand. This innovation greatly simplified the programming process and enabled software development on a broader scale.

Popularization of the Term "Bug": Hopper is famously associated with the story of the "first computer bug." While working on the Harvard Mark II computer in 1947, she discovered a moth trapped between the relays, causing a malfunction. She removed the insect and taped it to her logbook, coining the term "bug" to describe a computer glitch. This incident led to the use of the term "debugging" for fixing software issues.

Advancement of Standardization: Hopper played a significant role in establishing standards for computer systems and programming languages. She advocated for the development of common programming languages and worked on the committee that created COBOL-68, an updated version of the language.

Grace Hopper's contributions to computer science and her relentless pursuit of innovation have had a lasting impact on the field of technology. She has become an icon in the industry, inspiring countless women and men to pursue careers in computing and software development.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li

One example of a famous technologist in recent history and her accomplishments is Dr. Fei-Fei Li. Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a renowned computer scientist and AI expert who has made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and computer vision. Some of her notable accomplishments include:

• Co-Creation of ImageNet: Dr. Li played a pivotal role in co-creating ImageNet, a large-scale visual database used for training and testing image recognition algorithms. ImageNet contains millions of labeled images and has been instrumental in advancing the development of deep learning and computer vision algorithms.

   

• Advancement of Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Dr. Li's research has focused on developing and improving deep learning techniques, specifically in the area of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Her work has contributed to the breakthroughs in image recognition and object detection, pushing the boundaries of computer vision and AI applications.

   

• Leadership in AI Research: As the director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab and the Stanford Vision Lab, Dr. Li has led numerous research projects in the field of AI. Her research has encompassed areas such as visual reasoning, multimodal learning, and the intersection of language and vision. She has published extensively in top-tier conferences and journals, contributing to the academic knowledge and understanding of AI.

   

• Co-Founder of AI4ALL: Dr. Li is a co-founder of AI4ALL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of AI. The organization aims to provide underrepresented groups, particularly women and people of color, with educational opportunities and mentorship to pursue careers in AI and contribute to the future development of the field.

   

• Promoting Ethical and Responsible AI: Dr. Li has been a vocal advocate for ethical AI and the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. She has emphasized the importance of addressing bias, fairness, and transparency in AI systems and ensuring that AI is used for the benefit of humanity.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li's groundbreaking research and advocacy efforts have significantly influenced the field of AI and computer vision. Her contributions to advancing the capabilities of AI algorithms and her commitment to promoting diversity and ethical practices in AI have made her a respected figure in the technology community.

The three-day Summit will begin on Wednesday, June 12^th with a “Leadership Event” at a local 18-hole “Leadership Event” venue for those who enjoy chasing little white (sometimes other colors!) balls around a field. The evening will conclude with an extravagant Welcoming Reception.

Thursday morning (June 13^th) starts with the keynote address which will be delivered by Dallas, Texas CIO Dr. Brian Gardner. More on Gardner’s topic to follow in upcoming issues of MISAC Matters. The remainder of Thursday afternoon will be dedicated to vendor presentations by Summit sponsors. That evening, an elegant dinner party is being planned.

The Summit wraps up Friday morning (June 14^th) with the final vendor presentation and a joint meeting of the three MISAC chapters (Central, Northern, and Southern).

Attendance at the Summit is limited to registered MISAC members, and those vendors selected to sponsor and make presentations.

In announcing the Summit dates, MISAC Executive Director Brad Walker also announced the process for selecting the vendors who will be invited to present. “One of the benefits of being a Platinum Strategic Partner for the 2024-25 Strategic Partnership year is all of the Platinum Partners will be invited to submit a presentation proposal for consideration by the Summit Committee. The Committee will select four of the proposals for presentation with the understanding that those selected will also be asked to sponsor the Summit,” Walker stated.

“Right now, we are in the process of recruiting our 2024-25 Strategic Partners and I anticipate those being sold out in the next few days,” Walker added. “As soon as we do sell out, we will send out a Call for Presentations to the paid Platinum Partners,” Walker noted.

For MISAC members, please be on the lookout for registration information coming soon!

Course Overview

Welcome to the exciting world of Generative AI - we'll help you navigate it! The AI landscape is truly changing daily, with a whirlwind of new tools, terms and technologies entering the market every day. Sorting through the technologies when tasked with making decisions about business value, strategy and implementation can be more than challenging.

Generative AI for Decision Makers and Architects is a one day, expert-led course that will guide you through this bustling scene, where you’ll learn about the core of Generative AI with a focus on practical, real-world business skills, use cases, and applications. Our aim is to lay a solid foundation for you in Generative AI, bringing its power into your organization's problem-solving and decision-making strategies. You’ll explore which solutions can best serve your organization and how you can navigate potential benefits and challenges effectively.

This course is led by engaging industry experts currently working in the field, who bring cutting edge experience into the classroom, activities and valuable group discussions. Throughout the event you’ll explore a variety of hot topics such as Generative AI's evolution, identifying compelling Generative AI use cases, key implementation considerations, building a great AI team, steering AI projects effectively, and safeguarding your AI systems robustly. You’ll delve into real-world examples, understand key performance indicators for AI projects, and use innovative tools for measuring project success. The course also covers the (latest) technology stack behind Generative AI and the important role of data in AI, skills critical to leading in today's data-driven business environment. It also covers upcoming trends, preparing you to keep your organization competitive in this rapidly evolving field. You’ll exit this course conversant in Generative AI business essentials, ready to apply this knowledge on the job. You’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about Generative AI projects, drive the adoption of AI in your organization, and manage the process from inception to successful deployment and beyond. You'll also understand the crucial role of data, how to secure your AI systems, and the importance of building a capable AI team.

Who Should Attend

This introductory-level course is ideally suited for business professionals, decision makers, and architects who are eager to harness the power of Generative AI within their organization.

Attendees roles would include Executives, Project Managers, Business Analysts, IT Leaders, Architects or anyone involved in strategic decision making or team building for AI projects.

Prerequisites

To ensure a smooth learning experience and maximize the benefits of attending this course, you should have the following prerequisite skills:

• A basic understanding of business operations and decision-making processes: This will aid in understanding the potential applications of Generative AI in solving business problems and improving efficiency.

   

• Familiarity with the principles of project management: As the course includes a component on managing the lifecycle of an AI project, having foundational knowledge in project management will be beneficial.

   

• Basic knowledge of data management: This can help in grasping the role of data in Generative AI, and the best practices for data security.

Course Objectives

Working in an interactive learning environment, led by our engaging AI expert, you will:

• Gain a solid understanding of Generative AI, its evolution, and its role in shaping innovative business solutions, positioning you to effectively drive AI initiatives in your organization.

   

• Acquire the ability to identify potential Generative AI use cases in your industry and evaluate their feasibility and value, empowering you to make informed decisions that can enhance business operations.

   

• Learn how to manage the lifecycle of an AI project efficiently, equipping you with the knowledge to guide projects from inception to successful deployment, with continuous monitoring and improvement.

   

• Develop an understanding of AI and data security best practices, along with the crucial role of data in Generative AI, fostering your ability to safeguard your AI systems effectively.

   

• Stay ahead of the curve by gaining insights into the upcoming trends and technologies in Generative AI, enabling you to maintain a competitive edge in your organization in this rapidly evolving field.

Detailed Course Outline

1. Understanding Generative AI: Its Evolution and Impacts
   • Overview of Generative AI and its evolution
   • Impacts and opportunities of Generative AI in business
   • Real-world examples of successful Generative AI applications

    

2. Unpacking Use Cases: Where and How Can You Apply Generative AI
   • Identifying potential use cases in your industry
   • Practical examples of how Generative AI can solve business problems
   • Frameworks for evaluating the feasibility and value of Generative AI projects

    

3. Key Considerations in Implementing Generative AI
   • Understanding the technology stack behind Generative AI
   • The role of data in Generative AI: requirements, preparation, and management
   • How to choose the right AI model for your needs

    

4. Securing Your Generative AI
   • Understanding AI and data security
   • Best practices for securing Generative AI systems
   • Responsible decision making: Role of privacy and ethics in Generative AI

    

5. Building Your AI Team: Who You Need
   • Roles and skills required in a Generative AI project
   • Considerations when hiring or upskilling your team
   • Managing an AI project: Best practices and common pitfalls

    

6. Managing the Lifecycle of a Generative AI Project
   • Planning and managing an AI project
   • Testing and validating your AI system
   • Deploying, monitoring, and maintaining your Generative AI solution
   • Problem Solving Strategies for Pitfalls and Challenges in AI Implementation

    

7. Evaluating the Success of Your Generative AI Projects
   • Key performance indicators (KPIs) for Generative AI projects
   • Tools and techniques for measuring the effectiveness and ROI of AI
   • Lessons learned and continuous improvement in AI

    

8. Future Trends in Generative AI
   • What's next for Generative AI: upcoming trends and technologies
   • Staying ahead: How to keep your organization competitive in the AI field
   • Q&A and course wrap-up

Professor Profile

Dr. Ernesto Lee, PhD., is the Chief Data Officer at Trivera Technologies, and a current faculty member in the Data Analytics Department at Miami Dade University. As an impassioned data scientist, futurist and technologist, Ernesto’s twenty-plus year career in IT illustrates a lifelong commitment to pushing the envelope on innovation and growing opportunities for all those around him.

As a Data Chief, Instructor, Coach and Consultant, Ernesto bring extensive hands-on experience in computer programming, analysis, development, implementation, testing, maintenance and support into every classroom and project. He works hard to maintain an extensive suite of hands-on technical skills and capabilities, driven by a genuine passion for mastering cutting edge technologies as they move the industry forward. His core expertise lies in all things data, supported by a long successful history of working with Oracle databases, tooling and implementation strategies.

In more recent years Ernesto applied this deep technical understanding into AI, Machine Learning, modern Data Science, DevOps and Blockchain. Ernesto has also authored several best-selling technical books on related topics, and is published in IEEE, a leading academic scientific journal.

MISAC and CCISDA member registration fees are $1,040. Non-member registration fees are $1,140.

CLICK HERE to register for the course. If you are a MISAC or CCISDA member, be sure to be logged into your online account to receive member pricing.

About this Course:  The CISSP Certification is one of the most worthwhile certifications in the niche of information security. The certification serves as a testimony of the professional's managerial and technical knowledge and capabilities and validates his extensive working experience relating to managing, designing, and engineering the organization's security infrastructure.

On average, a CISSP Certified Security Specialist earns $126,770 annually. This course provides professionals with the fundamental knowledge of the CISSP exam and helps develop a better understanding of the 8 domains of CISSP.

Course Objectives:  The CISSP Exam is based on the 8 information security domains that play a substantial role in augmenting the standards of security in national infrastructure, corporations, and information systems. The primary objective of these distinguished domains is to help professionals develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the information security needs of a business enterprise. With the integration of human, managerial, and technical aspects, the CISSP exam strives to build better collaboration between system and information security.

The eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) include Security and Risk Management, Security Engineering, Asset Security, Identity and Access Management, Communication and Network Security, Security Assessment and Testing, Software Development Security, and Security Operations.

If you are a MISAC or CCISDA member and would like to register, be sure to log into your online MISAC or CCISDA account and then CLICK HERE.

If you are a non-member, just CLICK HERE.

Students will learn how to implement Azure compute solutions, create Azure Functions, implement and manage web apps, develop solutions utilizing Azure storage, implement authentication and authorization, and secure their solutions by using KeyVault and Managed Identities. Students will also learn how to connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services, and include event- and message-based models in their solutions. For more information, click here.

Fees for MISAC and CCISDA Members are $950. Non-member fees are $1,050.

The MISAC Strategic Partnership Program is a year-long opportunity for vendors to participate with the association. Many of the benefits that come with being a Strategic Partner take place at the MISAC Annual Conference but there are others that Partners can take advantage of throughout the year.

“As in the past, we have given our existing Partners a month to renew their Partnerships for the upcoming year,” Walker stated upon announcing the Partnership availability. “I am extremely pleased with the percentage of our 2023-24 Partners that renewed for 2024-25.”

Walker also noted that there were some changes in the program for the 2024-25 year including:

1. Booth Fees – In the past, Strategic Partners were guaranteed the opportunity to purchase a conference booth space at the MISAC Annual Conference. For 2024-2025, the booth fee is included in the Partnership fee. “We very seldom had Partners not take advantage of the guaranteed opportunity benefit,” Walker stated. “So this year we just included the booth in the Partnership fee.”
2. Conference Registrations – For the 2024 MISAC Annual Conference, Platinum Strategic Partners are allowed to register (and pay for) up to four people to represent them at the conference while Gold Strategic Partners will be permitted to register (and pay for) up to three people. In the past, all exhibitors were allowed to register up to four.

Walker also added that a couple more opportunities were added to the Platinum Partner benefits list including the opportunity to attend and participate in the Tuesday night offsite event during the conference. “Previously, only registered members were allowed to attend the Tuesday night events held in conjunction with the annual conference,” Walker stated. “In the past, this has included Lobsterfests, planetarium visits, special dinners, etc. For the 2024 MISAC Annual Conference, we are planning a very special evening at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We will be giving representatives of 2024-25 Platinum Strategic Partners the opportunity to sponsor and attend that event,” Walker added.

In addition, 2024-25 Platinum Strategic Partners will be given the opportunity to submit a presentation proposal to participate and sponsor the 2024 Tahoe Summit. “The plan is to do a Call for Presentations that will ONLY be offered to our Platinum Partners,” Walker noted. “The Tahoe Summit Committee will then review the proposals submitted by interested Platinum Partners and then select four to be invited to make an hour-long presentation at the Summit,” Walker added. “Only representatives of those four presenting companies will be permitted to participate in the Summit. Being selected to present is a great honor and fantastic opportunity to tell your story and spend a couple of days with MISAC’s leadership and participating members.”

Vendors and suppliers interested in learning more about, and/or registering for, the 2024-25 MISAC Strategic Partnership program can do so by CLICKING HERE.

Current registered 2024-25 MISAC Strategic Partners (as of 3/6/2024):

MISAC: What are the ADA compliant requirements for government websites? (And is there a deadline?)

HS: In August of 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice aka DOJ, issued a notice of proposed rulemaking.  The proposal would enforce WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as the standard for clients in state or local government covered by Title II in the American Disability Act (ADA). Title II of the ADA was started sometime in 1990. State and local governments have always been exempt from making their websites ADA compliant. Currently, there isn’t a deadline, and part of the DOJ’s proposal is to ask the public to provide feedback.

MISAC: How can organizations ensure their websites are ADA compliant?

HS: All state and local government websites and mobile apps (approximately 109,000) will be impacted if the rulemaking were to be approved. Public entities will be required to comply with standards to ensure their content and mobile apps demonstrate ADA compliant programs, services, and activities. Public entities would be required to comply with accessibility standards for their web content and mobile apps unless the public entity (government agencies) could demonstrate that compliance would result in a fundamental alteration of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens (i.e. unfunded mandates – additional work or services that have to be performed without new resources, or loss of state or federal funding.)

If the final rule were to be issued, agencies with smaller populations (less than 50,000) would have three years from the publication date to make sure their website and mobile apps are compliant. And if an agency has 50,000 +, they will have two years after the final rule to make sure their website and mobile apps becomes ADA compliant.

MISAC: What are some examples of ADA compliant software?

HS: A lot of local government agencies today utilize off-the-shelf vendor-supported cloud CMS systems like Granicus, Civic +, Civic Life, Civic Engage. Those organizations are leaders today in website design and development. More importantly, they are making sure their software at the back end is staying up to date with WCAG standards. For instance, they will update setting default standards when an editor or contributor uploads pictures, so PDFs, fonts and colors are ADA-tacked.

MISAC: Where can members receive further information?

HS: Before our members receive further information, they should review the WCAG guidelines because they define how web content should be more accessible (i.e. visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, neurological, etc.). If they subscribe to MISAConnect, or DOJ updates, they will know immediately when the ruling is finalized.

MISAC: Which vendors are currently being used by the City of Roseville?

HS: We are using Civic Life today which is part of Granicus, but it doesn’t matter which vendor we are using. I would recommend that an agency perform regular inspections on their mobile applications and websites to make sure the pages and attachments are meeting WCAG standards and guidelines. And if you don’t have those ADA compliant checklists, agencies should have at least some sort of regulatory guidelines to allow pictures with text. Editors can contribute and comply not just with communication standards but also with the latest accessibility guidelines.

MISAC: Any additional comments?

HS: No, I am confident MISAC will continue to help our members make sure we are keeping up to date with the latest rules and guidelines that are meeting the needs of California residents and our communities as well.

The first California Broadband Council meeting of 2024 took place on Wednesday, January 24.

The California Department of Technology, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) provided updates on the Broadband for All Action Plan Annual Review and Revision Process, the Middle and Last Mile programs, the Statewide Affordable Connectivity program mobilization effort, and the State Digital Equity and BEAD planning processes.

The council voted unanimously to change the meeting schedule to April 23, July 23, and October 22, 2024 to accommodate a location downtown.

The meeting recording, presentation, and minutes can be found here. 

Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update

The quarterly MMAC meeting on January 19, 2024, featured several announcements as the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) progresses into the new year and construction projects get underway. To enhance transparency for the public, partners, and stakeholders, we launched a Map Update Log on January 29, 2024 to summarize route and map updates on the interactive MMBI map and will publish these updates on the last Monday of each month. This webpage will detail changes to the virtual map, highlighting any adjustments of one-half mile or more to the network and providing location updates by county.

During the meeting, three new government-to-government joint-build partnerships were announced. The partnerships are with LA City Bureau of Lighting, City of Vacaville, and City of Fort Bragg. Additionally, ongoing efforts include forging partnerships with Native American tribes to bring reliable, high-speed broadband service to tribal lands that have historically had limited or no service.

Submissions for the second Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI²) solicitation concluded on January 26, 2024, with over 50 proposals received. These submissions showcase industry ideas aimed at aiding in the successful completion of the historic MMBI project by December 2026.

For the latest updates to the program, we encourage everyone to check the “What’s New” section of the website found here.

CDT launches market sounding to evaluate future of MMBI operations and maintenance

In February, the California Department of Technology (CDT) will launch a market sounding to inform its approach to long-term operations and maintenance of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN). The market sounding will include interviews with existing public middle-mile network administrators, private entities with experience operating large networks, and potential MMBN customers.

Through the market sounding, CDT will identify best practices for operating and maintaining the network in a sustainable way that minimizes the future fiscal burden on the state. CDT will meet with experienced network operators and public broadband officials to see how their experience can be applied to MMBN. CDT seeks strategies to maximize the utilization of the network, minimize lifecycle costs, and maintain robust protections for the public interest on key issues such as open access, affordability, sustainability, and network performance.

CDT welcomes all interested parties to reach out to mmbi.pmo@state.ca.gov to learn more.

Last Mile Program Update

Broadband Caseworkers

The CPUC’s Broadband Caseworkers help communities navigate funding resources and technical questions, with the mission of ubiquitous high-speed internet in California. The caseworkers are available for thirty-minute meetings with local governments, tribal entities, and other stakeholders. To learn more, please visit the Broadband Caseworkers website. Consultations may be requested by email to Broadband.Caseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov

Federal Funding Account Updates

With funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the Last-Mile Federal Funding Account provides approximately $2 billion in grants for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians with high-speed broadband services. The CPUC will continue to review and evaluate applications, objections, and responses to objections, and make recommendations to the Commission to award grants in the coming months.

The CPUC received 484 grant applications with requests to fund last-mile infrastructure projects from every county in California. A list of projects, applicants, requested amounts, and objections can be found in the program grant management portal here. Learn more about the Federal Funding Account on their website. For news and updates, you may subscribe to program updates.

California Advanced Services Fund Updates

On January 12, 2024, two Draft Resolutions for California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account projects were issued for public comments. Draft Resolution T-17808 proposes to approve funding up to $889,083 for the grant application of Kwikbit Internet, Inc. for the Mobile Home Park 1 Project for unserved areas in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties. Draft Resolution T-17810 proposes to approve funding up to $5,650,000 for Cruzio Media, Inc. for its Equal Access Summits to the Sea Project.

For the January 1, 2024 grant application cycle, the CASF Broadband Adoption Account received applications for 61 projects for a total request of $7,428,523.96, while the CASF Broadband Public Housing Account received grant applications for 21 projects for a total request of $1,332,001.60.

Local Agency Technical Assistance & Tribal Technical Assistance

On January 25, 2024, the Commission adopted Resolution T-17813 approving funding of $1 million for Round Valley Indian Tribes in Mendocino County. Funding is approved from the Local Agency Technical Assistance program ($723,000) in conjunction with a grant from the Tribal Technical Assistance program ($277,000). This is the final Local Agency Technical Assistance grant awarding all $50 million allocated to the program, including the $5 million allocated for California Tribes.

For the January 1, 2024 grant application cycle, the Tribal Technical Assistance program received two Tribal Technical Assistance applications for a total grant request of $300,000.

Loan Loss Reserve Program

The CPUC is planning to begin accepting applications to the Loan Loss Reserve Fund in March 2024. Rules and guidelines for this broadband financing program were adopted by the Commission on November 2, 2023 (Decision D.23-11-045). The innovative program provides funding in the form of a credit enhancement to assist recipients in obtaining more favorable borrowing rates and terms for infrastructure owned by a public agency, Tribal, or non-profit organization. In addition to financing in unserved areas, the Loan Loss Reserve Fund allows for financing in underserved and served communities while giving extra points to projects that benefit unserved areas. Learn more and subscribe to program updates in advance of the launch by visiting the Loan Loss Reserve Fund webpage.

New Build.ca.gov Website Showcases Historic Investments in California Infrastructure

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration launched Build.ca.gov to highlight once-in-a-generation investments in California infrastructure that will benefit communities around the state. With $41 billion already at work thanks to historic state funding and unprecedented help from the Biden-Harris Administration, the website illustrates how transformative these investments are for California.

Specifically, the new website outlines how state and federal infrastructure investments – $180 billion expected over the next ten years – are tackling some of California’s toughest challenges, including climate change, equity, and jobs.

The website also showcases several spotlight stories that demonstrate a sample of dollars at work in every corner of the state. One story highlighted focuses on the Middle-Mile Broadband Network partnership with the Arcadian Company, the state began a 306-mile segment from Los Angeles to Needles.

Read more here.

Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Update

ACP Household Enrollments Reach Over 2.9 Million, 50% Eligible households

Thanks to the persistent collaboration and hard work of CBC members and others as part of the Get Connected! California mobilization, 2,925,882 California households, or 50% of all ACP-Eligible Households have enrolled in the ACP as of February 6, 2024.

ACP Program Freeze Key Dates

January 11, 2024 -The FCC issued an Order laying out the wind-down process and important dates, including an enrollment freeze and the impacts on consumers, internet companies, and ACP Outreach Grant recipients if Congress does not reallocate additional funding to the program.

Late January- Households that are currently receiving a monthly ACP benefit received notices from their internet companies with information about the end of the ACP benefit. This information included the timing of the end of the program and the impact of the loss of the benefit on the household’s bill and service.

February 7- The last day the ACP accepted new applications and enrollments. Eligible households must have been approved and enrolled with an Internet Service Provider by 11:59pm ET on February 7th. Starting February 8, 2024, there are no more enrollments into the ACP.

April 2024 - The FCC anticipates existing ACP funding to run out at the end of April 2024, with only a partial benefit available in May, if Congress does not provide additional funding. Households that are enrolled in ACP will continue to receive their benefit on internet service through April 2024. This date may change.

For more information, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

CDT and CPUC Urge Congress to Support Additional Funding for ACP

On January 23, 2024 CDT Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins and CPUC President Alice Reynolds sent a letter to the California Congressional Delegation urging Congress to approve additional funding for the program, citing its impact to Congress' investment in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program.

You may view the full letter here: CDT CPUC ACP Letter to Congress

Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Planning Update

Over 400 residents and organizations provide public comment on DRAFT State Digital Equity Plan

The DRAFT State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) public comment process is now closed. Thank you to all of the California residents and digital equity partners who provided their valuable insights on the draft State Digital Equity Plan by submitting public comments during the 45-day public comment period which ran from December 12, 2023, to January 25, 2024.

We extend a special thanks to those individuals and organizations that promoted the digital equity plan within their communities. The California Department of Technology is grateful to have received 440 comments on various aspects of the draft plan, with the vast majority coming from California residents.

The California Department of Technology is reviewing public comments and will further revise the final plan based on public feedback where applicable and appropriate. We encourage everyone to review the public comments that showcase the diverse voices and perspectives vital to our commitment to digital equity.

As we move forward, we invite you to stay tuned for the official release of the Digital Equity Plan in Spring 2024. This plan will reflect our collective vision for an equitable digital future.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Update

The CPUC submitted the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in late December. The Initial Proposal outlines California’s proposed rules and guidelines for implementing the BEAD program.

The CPUC is preparing additional outreach with stakeholders about the upcoming BEAD Challenge Process. During the Challenge Process, entities may submit data indicating that a broadband serviceable location should or should not be designated as served, unserved, or underserved for the purpose of BEAD funding eligibility.

To learn more, please see the CPUC’s BEAD website including the Initial Proposal Volume I and Volume II. You may also subscribe for BEAD updates, here, to stay updated as the CPUC continues to share opportunities for participation in the BEAD program.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 19, 2024 – 10:00-11:30 a.m. – Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting (Hybrid) – California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), Rosenfeld Hearing Room – 450 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 - Zoom Link

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – 9:30-11:30 a.m. – California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid) – California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), Byron Sher Auditorium – 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 - Zoom Link

NTIA Program Update

Round Two of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program NOFO has been extended to March 22, 2024

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Round Two NOFO Extension: The deadline for applications for the second round of funding from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program has been extended to March 22, 2024. The extensions are intended to provide potential applicants with more time to develop competitive project proposals and project consortia. Eligible Entities that previously submitted applications may submit revised applications (entire application must be resubmitted) on or before the new submission deadline.

Panelists for the webinar include Douglas Holland, Senior Solutions Engineer for Akamai Technologies and Phil Calbreath, IT Security Officer for the City of Modesto. MISAC Past President and Lifetime Member Tim Williamsen will moderate the session.

Douglas Holland is a professional communicator of technical ideas. As a Senior Solutions Engineer at Akamai Technologies, he is passionate about helping customers solve business challenges, enhancing digital experiences, and improving their security posture. He currently works with State, Local, and Education organizations across United States to improve the performance and security of their online digital properties.

Phil Calbreath is the IT Security Officer for the City of Modesto. Phil has worked as an IT professional for over 35 years. During his 25-year career with the City of Modesto IT Department, Phil has established an excellent leadership and service record within the public sector. Reflecting on those years, Phil notes, "I can't imagine a more fulfilling career than providing service to the community I live in. I've been very fortunate."

Phil has managed the City of Modesto's web-based services for over 15 years, consistently improving the City's public websites and related services through numerous highly visible migration and modernization projects. With IT Security identified as a top priority for Modesto, Phil became the City's first IT Security Officer. Phil formalized the IT Security Division as a distinct organizational unit and budget within the IT Department. Under Phil's leadership, this organizational change is being used to revitalize and reinvigorate the City's cybersecurity program. Staff awareness and training protocols have been updated and an increased emphasis has been placed on review and modernization of the many processes and systems used to provide secure, effective, and reliable services to the citizens of Modesto.

To register for this webinar, CLICK HERE.

Joining Castillon as panelists will be Scott Con, Chief Information Officer for the City of Mesa, Arizona, Tom Pelster, Chief Information Officer for PRISM, and attorney Marcus McCutcheon with BakerHostetler.

In describing the session, the panelists noted:  In today's digital age, partnering effectively with your cybersecurity insurance vendor and their designated cyber-attack response teams is crucial for a swift and efficient resolution in the event of a cyber incident. This 60-minute webinar will guide you through the essentials of working seamlessly with your cybersecurity insurance provider and the response vendors assigned to you.

Discover best practices for communication, incident management, and leveraging these partnerships to enhance your organization's cyber resilience. Whether you're a business leader, an IT professional, or a risk management officer, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity insurance and incident response successfully.

Click HERE to register and learn more about this webinar and the presenters.

MISAC’s Board of Directors is proud to announce the release of both its 2023 Annual Report and its forward-looking 2024 Strategic Plan! The Annual Report showcases the incredible achievements of our members, committees, executive staff & chapters/state board; and the pivotal role MISAC plays in propelling California's local governments into the technological future.

But we're not stopping there! Our 2024 Strategic Plan outlines an ambitious vision built on four key pillars:

• Building Stronger Relationships: Fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge sharing among local government IT professionals.

   

• Empowering Members: Providing exceptional resources, education, and advocacy to fuel their success (in leadership & strategy).

   

• Leading Innovation: Championing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies (such as AI: Artificial Intelligence) that transform service delivery.

   

• Promoting Security: Safeguarding critical infrastructure and data in an ever-evolving digital landscape.️

This plan positions MISAC as a leading force in shaping the future of local government IT. Want to be a part of the journey? Join us, DOWNLOAD the report and explore the plan!

MISAC: How did you get into the IT industry?

MG:  I originally started out in electronic engineering thinking I was going to be repairing circuit boards.  But, at that time, the microchip came out and so I transitioned to a traditional computer network support role while working as a contractor at HP in San Diego. I started getting opportunities within the computing and networking side instead of electronics.

From there, I began my local government career at the City of San Luis Obispo in the late 90’s where I held multiple positions including technician, senior network administrator, supervisor and eventually manager.  All those roles helped me as I made the transition to IT Director for the City of Manhattan Beach.

MISAC: What encouraged you to serve on the MISAC State Board?

MG:  I received State Board encouragement from MISAC members Bryon Horn, Brian Lewton, and Tim Williamsen. They all provided guidance and encouraged me to get involved. As a result, I served on the Central Chapter where I held secretary, vice president and president roles.

Through their encouragement, I realized I could get even more involved and decided to join the State Board. Since becoming president, I’ve learned it’s something you can only do when you have the backing of the rest of your State Board members.

MISAC: What MISAC committees do you currently serve?

MG:  I’ve had the privilege to serve on both the Awards and IDEA committees. I also serve on the CGCIO program, which is considered a task force.

MISAC: What advice would you give MISAC members thinking about joining a committee?

MG:  It’s been a rewarding experience because it’s offered me multiple professional development and networking opportunities. We’re all in local government positions because we want to give back, so it feels essential to give back to MISAC too. I would start off by exploring the committee options that are out there and understand each committee’s mission and how they match up with your goals as well.

MISAC: What do you see as the future of MISAC?

MG:  I think continued growth in both numbers and influence. I believe we will continue to influence our industry and policies as we welcome growing participation from our members. I think there are countless opportunities for people to step up. Because of the upsurge in membership, our conferences are now huge. I’m thrilled we can encourage new members to share new ideas. How can we harness that and put that all in our continued growth as an organization?

MISAC:  Any additional comments?

MG:  It’s an honor and a privilege to step into this role. These are big shoes to fill because Past President Ed Miranda did a phenomenal job. I just want to keep that momentum going and become a good representative for our collective membership.

In partnership with the CA Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), we’re excited to announce our final GenAI Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI²).

A summary of the opportunities:

• Language Access. Ensure that Californians with limited English proficiency have timely access to information about public benefits and can navigate public programs with ease and without confusion.

  HERE: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/77601/0000029672

   

• Health Care Facility Inspections. Leverage tools to expeditiously document the facts or findings seen by a surveyor during health care facility inspections to develop a concrete set of outcomes or citations that match state and federal requirements.

HERE: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/77601/0000029673

Interested a different GenAI RFI²? A summary of the past releases can be found here: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/77601/0000029671.

GenAI offers exciting possibilities for creative exploration and unconventional thinking. I'm eager to see the innovative ideas from Californians, for Californians.

About this Course:  The CISSP Certification is one of the most worthwhile certifications in the niche of information security. The certification serves as a testimony of the professional's managerial and technical knowledge and capabilities and validates his extensive working experience relating to managing, designing, and engineering the organization's security infrastructure.

On average, a CISSP Certified Security Specialist earns $126,770 annually. This course provides professionals with the fundamental knowledge of the CISSP exam and helps develop a better understanding of the 8 domains of CISSP.

Course Objectives:  The CISSP Exam is based on the 8 information security domains that play a substantial role in augmenting the standards of security in national infrastructure, corporations, and information systems. The primary objective of these distinguished domains is to help professionals develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the information security needs of a business enterprise. With the integration of human, managerial, and technical aspects, the CISSP exam strives to build better collaboration between system and information security.

The eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) include Security and Risk Management, Security Engineering, Asset Security, Identity and Access Management, Communication and Network Security, Security Assessment and Testing, Software Development Security, and Security Operations.

If you are a MISAC or CCISDA member and would like to register, be sure to log into your online MISAC or CCISDA account and then CLICK HERE.

If you are a non-member, just CLICK HERE.