LeadingAge California RISE Policy Summit
February 17–18, 2026
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, 500 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
The LeadingAge California RISE Policy Summit is an annual legislative outreach and communication event that brings together providers of housing, care, and services for older adults to address key policy issues facing our industry. It’s your opportunity to stay informed about changing regulations and advocate directly with California legislators on the issues that impact your organization.
This event provides attendees the ability to engage in discussions, attend educational sessions, and participate in advocacy efforts that focus on the challenges and opportunities for our field. As the landscape continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and ensure your voice is heard.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and help shape the future of aging services in California.
REGISTER NOW
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM |
LeadingAge California Executive Committee Meeting (invitation only) |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
LeadingAge California Board of Directors Meeting (invitation only) |
| 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
EMERGE Leadership Development Program (invitation only) |
| 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
RISE Policy Summit Registration Open |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
LeadingAge California CEMO Meeting (invitation only) |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
Pre-Conference Concurrent Breakout Sessions |
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1A: CCRC Update
This presentation will discuss how CDSS and CDPH envision changes to CCRC emergency preparedness and response, particularly learning from the devasting wildfires in LA County earlier this year. In addition, this session will include an engaging discussion on CCRC innovative models of care, including person-centered care that allows older adults to remain in independent or assisted living settings as long as possible and how the CDSS and CDPH are supporting those efforts.
Presented by:
— Mandi Posner, California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
— Shelly Grace, California Department of Social Services (CDSS) |
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1B: Housing Policy
This presentation will provide an overview of major events in the state and federal housing policy landscape over the last year, as well as a look ahead to what changes may happen in the coming year.
Presented by:
— Meghan Rose, General Counsel & Chief Government Affairs Officer, LeadingAge California
— Harrison Linder, Assistant Director of Housing Policy, LeadingAge California |
|
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM |
Pre-Conference Concurrent Breakout Sessions |
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2A: Supporting Older Adults Through Behavioral Health
This presentation will cover recent behavioral health policy changes, what to expect in 2026, and how funding and policy reforms will impact providers and the older adults they serve.
Presented by:
— Michelle Cabrera, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California
— Christina Mills, California Association of Area Agencies on Aging
— Brenda Grealish, Commission for Behavioral Health
— Justin Garrett, California State Association of Counties |
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2B: HR Panel
It is essential for employers to stay up to date on the latest changes in California employment law. In this session, we explore the most recent legal updates, including Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform. In addition, we’ll discuss best practices from HR experts, including addressing workforce challenges and up to date policies.
Presented by:
— Cory Fish, Vice President of Human Resources, St. Paul’s Senior Services
— Diane O’Malley, Senior Partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP
— Anya Nayda, HumanGood
— Trish Bayless, Eskaton |
|
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Welcome & Policy Update |
| 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Welcome Reception & Tabletop Exhibits |
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
| 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
RISE Policy Summit Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM |
Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
General Session: Legislative Insiders Panel |
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This presentation provides a discussion with key legislative staff on policy topics impacting older adults, legislative priorities in 2026, and strategies for engaging with Legislators. Gain a forward-looking perspective on the legislative agenda for 2026 and discover how these developments will shape the future of aging services.
Presented by:
— Alison Hughes, Senate Housing Committee
— Alex Smith, Assembly Human Services Committee
— Mareva Brown, Office of Senate President pro Tempore
— Liz Fuller, Assembly Aging & Long-Term Care Committee
— Lisa Engel, Assembly Housing Committee |
| 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM |
Concurrent Breakout Sessions |
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3A: LTSS Financing & Affordability Initiative
This presentation provides an overview of the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Financing and Affordability Initiative commissioned by the Department of Aging. This initiative includes California-focused population analytics, policy research, and review of meaningful options to address the care and service needs of those in the overlooked middle. Learn where the Department is ahead of the release of the final report which is due to the Legislature in June 2026.
Presented by:
— Sarah Steenhausen, California Department of Aging |
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3B: Immigration Workforce Policy
The presentation will provide practical guidance on how to navigate and address immigration related questions while protecting your organization and your workforce. In addition, the presentation will discuss current immigration policies and the opportunities for employers to engage in advocacy efforts to shift those policies.
Presented by:
— Debbie Herbert, Monte Vista Grove Homes
— Brenda Quintanilla, Hanson Bridgett LLP
— Jennifer Martinez, Hanson Bridgett LLP
— Trish Bayless, Eskaton |
|
| 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
Resident Action Day Check-In (separate registration required - coming soon!) |
| 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM |
Keynote Luncheon |
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This presentation will cover the high priorities issues facing long-term care providers and the older adult issues they serve and discuss the Governor’s administration priorities and how those will impact older adults in 2026 and beyond, including the workforce crisis ongoing budget challenges, federal uncertainties.
Presented by:
— Meghan Rose, General Counsel & Chief Government Affairs Officer, LeadingAge California
— Joe Stephenshaw, Director, California Department of Finance
— Susan DeMarois, Director, California Department of Aging |
| 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
Legislative Visits |
| 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
LeadingAge California CEMO Meeting (invitation only) |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
LeadingAge California Service Excellence Committee Meeting (invitation only) |
REGISTER NOW
Hotel Information
2026 RISE Policy Summit Location
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
500 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hotel Accommodations
LeadingAge California has reserved a room block at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel for RISE Policy Summit attendees.
Room Rate: $279 + fees/taxes (single/double)
Room Reservation Deadline: January 19, 2026 (or until sold out)
Contact events@leadingageca.org with any questions.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM