Chapter Roundup - East Bay Chapter: Building Relationships & Revenue Insight

Chapter Roundup 
East Bay Chapter: Building Relationships & Revenue Insight

By: Chu Thai, Accounting Manager, City of Union City 

On July 24, 2025, the East Bay Chapter reunited after a three-year pause, and it was more than just a gathering – it was a celebration of connection, collaboration, and curiosity. With nearly 50 attendees from agencies across the region, the energy in the room was electric and reflective of the growing momentum behind these bi-monthly meetups.

We kicked things off with an engaging icebreaker led by Krysten Lee from the City of Newark. Her fun approach helped set the tone for the afternoon, reminding us that meaningful networking starts with a simple hello and a shared laugh. From there, the afternoon built toward a deeply informative presentation from Connor Duckworth of HdL, who unpacked trends in taxes and revenue options for local governments. His insights offered both clarity and strategic foresight—exactly the kind of content our community craves as we navigate evolving fiscal challenges. Connor’s presentation not only educated but sparked valuable conversations around the room, with agency representatives sharing their experiences, concerns, and ideas. It served as a reminder that our greatest resource often lies within our shared experience and our willingness to explore solutions together.

Looking ahead, the East Bay Chapter plans to meet every two months on the second Thursday of each scheduled month, and the next meeting scheduled for September 11 will be something for all to remember. We’re also excited about the joint meeting with the Peninsula Chapter on Thursday, October 9. Twice the collaboration, twice the fun! These meetings are more than just agenda items and PowerPoints—they are unique opportunities to foster relationships across agencies, strengthen professional networks, and hear directly from practitioners tackling real-world challenges. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a sounding board, or simply hoping to put faces to the names you often see in emails, these gatherings deliver.

And let’s not forget one of the unsung perks of our gatherings: the chance to sample some of the East Bay’s best local restaurants. Each meeting rotates through a new venue, giving us a taste—quite literally—of the diverse culinary landscape our region has to offer. Hazy BBQ from Danville was a hit among the attendees, setting the backdrop for conversation, connection, and discovering a shared appreciation for good food and good company.

Are you a chapter member interested in hosting a future session, or have a hot topic you'd love to see covered? We welcome your ideas and your leadership. Your voice can shape the agenda, the location, and the experience—we're building this together. We look forward to seeing you soon and continuing the great momentum we’ve created together. Because in the end, it's not just about meetings—it's about meaningful moments and the community we’re cultivating, one handshake at a time.

Chu Thai has been in the municipal game for over 30 years – and he’s still going strong as the Accounting Manager for the City of Union City. If you’ve crossed paths with CSMFO, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Chu. He’s served on more committees and positions than he can count and used to be the unofficial conference photographer, roaming the halls with his trusty camera and a knack for capturing candid moments.

These days, Chu’s swapped the lens for a mental Rolodex, trying to connect every face he meets through the magic of six degrees of CSMFO separation. His career tour has taken him through a dozen California cities – La Mirada, Claremont, Tustin, Morgan Hill, Beverly Hills, South Pasadena, Stanton, Monterey Park, and Union City – plus a consulting stint with Revenue & Cost Specialists, just to keep things spicy.

Whether he’s crunching numbers or connecting dots, Chu brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of municipal wisdom to the table.