De-Escalation Strategies for Public Employees: Supporting Residents During Conflict, Stress, and Cri

When:  May 20, 2026 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (CT)
Join Michael David, director of ICMA's new Civic Learning Lab, in this workshop designed to help Minnesota local government staff support residents during high-stress situations.

Local government employees are frequently the first point of contact for residents experiencing frustration, confusion, financial hardship, or personal crisis. Whether working at a front desk, conducting outreach in the field, or responding to complaints by phone, staff members without formal training in conflict resolution can find these interactions stressful, unproductive, and sometimes unsafe.

This engaging workshop provides practical, immediately applicable techniques for recognizing behavioral cues of emotional escalation and responding with verbal and non-verbal communication techniques designed to de-escalate. Participants will also learn how to establish critical boundaries when encounters escalate and recognize when it is time to disengage.

This program is being conducted in coordination with the League of Minnesota Cities for Minnesota municipal employees. LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE; ICMA Members Only (ICMA members may register their staff).

Location: League of Minnesota Cities

145 University Ave. W

St. Paul, MN 55103-2044

Location

League of Minnesota Cities
145 University Ave. W
St. Paul, MN 55103