Each year, state legislators from the western region are selected to participate in the Western Legislative Academy (WLA), a multi-day training experience focused on sharpening leadership skills in communications, consensus building, focus management, ethics and more. Sessions are interactive and hosted by national leaders and academic authorities. Additionally, class members learn from each other and develop lasting relationships with legislative peers.



The application period is now open for the 2024 WLA, which will take place December 10-13 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The deadline for completed applications is May 1^st.

The Toll Fellowship, named for CSG founder Henry Wolcott Toll, is one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for state government officials. Each year, the Toll Fellowship convenes 48 of the nation’s top officials from all three branches of state government to Lexington, Kentucky, for an intensive, five-day “leadership boot camp.” The program’s sessions are designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities.

The 2024 Toll Fellows Program will take place September 6-10. Elected, appointed and merit officials may all apply. Applications are due May 1^st. See below to learn more about the Toll Fellowship, program alumni, and how to apply.

Questions? Please contact leadershipdevelopment@csg.org.

CSG West proudly introduces Oregon Senator David Brock Smith as the new co-chair of the CSG West Public Safety Committee, joining forces with Alaska Senator Matt Claman. A third-generation resident of Oregon’s South Coast, Senator Smith brings a wealth of public service experience. He served the citizens of Port Orford, Oregon, as their City Council President and Chamber of Commerce President/Director, and as the former Chair and Vice Chair of the Curry County Board of Commissioners. Additionally, Senator Smith served various roles with the Association of Oregon Counties, including as their board of directors and legislative committee, and as the District 4 Chair. He currently serves on the Port Orford-Langlois School Board and has for many years. 

Senator Smith served in the Oregon House of Representative for six years before his appointment to the Senate in January 2023. He is honored to represent the constituents of Oregon Senate District 1, which encompasses all of Curry, and parts of Coos and Douglas counties. 

In collaboration with Senator Claman, Senator Smith will play an integral role in leading the CSG West Public Safety Committee programming, including at this year’s CSG West Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. CSG West thanks former Representative Lily Morgan for her service as previous co-chair of the CSG West Public Safety Committee. Morgan recently stepped down from the Oregon State Legislature to begin her new role as city manager of Gold Hill, Oregon.

CSG West kicked off this year’s state visits by attending opening day ceremonies at the Hawaii state capitol. Staff members Edgar Ruiz and Will Keyse enjoyed hearing the addresses from Senate President Ronald Kouchi and Speaker Scott Saiki as they commenced the 2024 legislative session, which will include a focus on the recovery from the Lahaina wildfire, future wildfire prevention, and continued efforts to address affordable housing. Joining the opening day ceremonies were many community leaders from across the islands and other elected officials, including Governor Josh Green and Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke.

During the visit, we were grateful to be hosted by our three legislative liaisons: House Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan, House Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto, and Senate Assistant Majority Whip Chris Lee. With Aloha spirit on full display, members opened their doors to the public and we were grateful to be able to visit with many legislators and legislative staff. 

A highlight of the visit included a breakfast gathering for alumni of the Western Legislative Academy, as well as engaging newer members eligible for this year’s program.