Monthly Meeting: Partners in Progress: Public Works and Tribal Collaboration

Please join us for the APWA Sac Chapter Monthly Meeting on Friday, September 5, 2025 for a presentation on

Partners in Progress: Public Works and Tribal Collaboration

An Update from Wilton Rancheria

Hear firsthand from Chris Franklin, Chief Operating Officer of the Wilton Rancheria Miwok Tribe, as he discusses the Tribe’s evolving role in the region. This program will explore opportunities for collaboration, economic development, and community partnerships through the lens of a growing tribal presence.

About the Speaker:

Chris Franklin, Chief Operating Officer

Wilton Rancheria

Chris Franklin serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, headquartered in Elk Grove, California. He oversees the tribe’s day‑to‑day operations, strategic planning, and economic development efforts, guiding initiatives that strengthen cultural heritage and economic resilience. Chris played a pivotal role in the tribe’s groundbreaking move to become the majority owner of Sacramento Republic FC in November 2024, the first Native American nation to hold majority ownership of a professional men’s soccer team in the United States. Under his leadership, the tribe is advancing plans for a new stadium in Sacramento’s Railyards district, building out a bold vision to integrate tribal investment into the region’s long-term urban and cultural development. In recognition of his leadership and impact, Chris was recently honored at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) as one of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s standout leaders from Northern California, a testament to his commitment to economic advancement for Native communities. Chris holds a degree from Seattle University and has cultivated a robust professional network in the Sacramento region. With deep roots in local advocacy and tribal governance, he brings a strategic perspective that bridges public agency priorities, economic development goals, and tribal interests.

Where:

Dante Event Center 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825

When:

Friday, September 5, 2025 Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at Noon.

Cost:

• Early Registration: $35 for APWA members and $45 for non-members. | Early registration closes on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
• Regular Registration: $45 for APWA members and $55 for non-members
• Lunch Card: NEW! Use your Pre-Paid Punch Card at checkout!

REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

Please email any meal restrictions to Sacramento@apwa.org or Claudia Wade, President, at wadec@saccounty.gov

Thank you to our sponsor KMP Strategies!