Description

City council meetings are where public passion, leadership responsibility, and legal process intersect—and sometimes collide. In small and rural communities, emotionally charged issues, strong personalities, and close relationships can quickly escalate conflict, derail meetings, and erode public trust.

This interactive workshop provides elected officials, clerks, and administrators with practical tools to manage conflict in the council chamber while maintaining productivity, transparency, and legal compliance. Participants will learn real-time de-escalation techniques, strategies for navigating strong personalities, and facilitation tools that keep meetings focused without silencing community voices. Using real-world examples, the session emphasizes clear communication, meeting structure, and leadership presence. Attendees will leave with language tools and actionable strategies they can apply immediately to improve meeting outcomes—even in high-conflict situations.

Speakers

Becca Bixler

Title: Mayor
Company: Inwood
Email: becca.bixler@gmail.com
Bio: Becca Bixler is a healthcare social worker with 17 years of experience and is currently serving as mayor of Inwood, Iowa, after 8 years on the city council. With a Masters in Social Work and a background in subacute rehabilitation and the VA healthcare system, she brings a strong commitment to advocacy, connection, and patient-centered care. As mayor, she focuses on transparent leadership and strengthening civic engagement to better serve her community.

Location

Salon C

Date

09-24-26

Start time

2:00 PM

End time

3:00 PM