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Classes

6 Credit Hours

State Mandated

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

The Newly Elected Officials Institute provides a general overview of the function of municipal government in Georgia and the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councilmembers. The class includes an introduction to key issues such as ethics, municipal finance, planning and zoning, open meetings, open records and parliamentary procedures. All municipal elected officials taking office since July 1, 1990 are required by state law to complete the Newly Elected Officials Institute.

3 Credit Hours

Funding local transportation projects is a complex process with many federal, state, regional and local stakeholders. Changing project requirements and shifting political priorities can further complicate the process. This class will help participants understand the full array of transportation funding options for road, bridge, transit, sidewalk, trail and bike lane projects that are available in Georgia. Information will be provided on the advantages/disadvantages of each funding option, limitations (if there are any), key partners and time frames for application and/or expenditure. Class discussion will include key components of project management, including public engagement, project design, right-of-way acquisition, public utility relocation, and construction start and conclusion. Additionally, a panel of transportation funding experts will help participants understand the importance of developing a comprehensive transportation funding plan based on sound process and best practices

3 Credit Hours

Decisions made in Washington, D.C. on issues ranging from en¬vironmental regulations to tax reform and the federal budget have a direct impact on municipal operations. Federal policies may create unfunded mandates and result in unintended consequences. Local officials have a key role in influencing federal policy. By sharing information with federal leaders about local challenges and needs, federal leaders can make more informed decisions. This class provides information about Congress, federal agencies, and how municipal officials can engage most effectively with leaders at the federal level to advocate for municipal priorities. Participants obtain tips for communicating with members of Congress and engage in role playing exercises to hone their negotiating skills.

6 Credit Hours

This class provides an overview of the state legislative process and helps city officials understand how they can be effective advocates of issues important to their commu¬nity and cities throughout the state. Participants receive ideas for establishing productive year-round relationships with members of the General Assembly as well as practical lobbying tips they can use during the legislative session. The class also includes a hands-on exercise using real-life legislative scenarios.

3 Credit Hours

This class is designed for municipal officials who serve cities with at least one college/university in its boundary. It will introduce participants to the formal practice of town and gown relations. Participants will learn tactics to help address the challenges colleges/universities present, build mutually beneficial relationships and ease past tensions with college/university stakeholders. Learning Objectives

6 Credit Hours

It is important to learn about tourism’s benefit to our economy in creating jobs, attracting businesses, developing new attractions, bolstering new market segments, enhancing quality of life and inspiring creativity. This course will feature class discussions about what local officials can do to create a cohesive community tourism based economy through working with partners; policies that support tourism; navigating through crises, funding sources available for tourism projects; and best practices from around the state. Presentations of real-life success stories will enhance your learning experience and help you think about ways to build community capacity through tourism!

3 Credit Hours

Available Online

Capital assets are essential for service delivery in local gov¬ernments. All governments should have a comprehensive capital improvement program (CIP) to renew and replace these capital assets. The class provides an overview of a CIP, including how a CIP is included in the annual budget. In addition, creating a CIP, incorporating capital asset requests and the decision-making process are discussed. Finally, discussion includes considerations in funding capital asset improvements.

3 Credit Hours

Georgia’s demographics are constantly shifting, impacting cities. Georgia’s population is getting older and increasingly representing the cultures of many nationalities and many interests. This class examines the cultural and aging trends in Georgia and explores the implications of these changing demographics for cities, both in terms of challenges and opportunities.

3 Credit Hours

This class provides valuable information on the proper protocol in the display of the American flag and other flags in government buildings; appropriate recognition of the American flag when entering a room; and the proper programming of the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem into city-sponsored events and other civic programs. The class also discusses the basic protocol for welcoming foreign visitors and other dignitaries. The class includes activities to make the learning meaningful for participants. Knowing what to do, why and First Amendment implications is important to our cities and our citizens.

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class examines the importance of building effective working relationships with the media and the role the media plays in informing the public and shaping their opinion of municipal governments. Advice for repairing poor relationships is provided, along with insights on when and how to speak with reporters, especially during times of crisis. This class is limited to 40 participants.

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class explores strategies and techniques for successfully resolving conflict through negotiation and mediation. Emphasis is placed on identifying the sources of conflict and the personality styles of the parties involved.

6 Credit Hours

Pre-requisite: Downtown Development Authority Basic Training This class builds on the Basic Downtown Development Au¬thority training class with an emphasis on applying down¬town development tools. The importance of developing a downtown vision and a plan are discussed. Attendees also hear the basics of navigating Business Improvement Districts, Community Improvement Districts, Tax Allocation Districts, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, the Redevelopment Powers Act and Urban Redevelopment Law. Best practice examples of utilizing federal, state and local partnerships, programs and incentives are shared. Class participants are given an opportunity to immediately apply the tools and programs highlighted in the classes through a case study exercise.

3 Credit Hours

The purpose of this class is to expand the understanding of the U.S. Census Bureau, the uses of Census data, the importance of Census 2020, and what the state of Georgia and local governments can do to ensure the most accurate count. Georgia has the opportunity to gain one or two congressional districts based on population growth. In this Current Issues Class, the role of local governments in Census 2020 is explored.

3 Credit Hours

Homelessness has a direct impact on local government and communities across Georgia. The face of homelessness is now different than many would perceive, with families, veterans, and the working poor comprising an ever-increas¬ing percentage of those affected. In this class, an introduc¬tion to the real causes of homelessness is presented, with discussion of how homelessness financially impacts local communities. Roles, responsibilities and supportive efforts required of elected officials to face this issue along with strategies for engaging with non-profit/ faith based orga¬nizations, and opportunities for federal funding are exam¬ined. Case studies of municipalities utilizing Department of Community Affairs funding and possible municipal service structures are evaluated.

6 Credit Hours

This class provides participants with information pertain¬ing to workforce trends in local government and Georgia’s workforce, as well as the role of elected officials and key players throughout our state.

6 Credit Hours

New Class

Is that a fact? How do I know? Data are critical to helping local leaders make wise and strategic decisions. Local governments have gigabytes of data but often don’t know how to use their data effectively or how to visualize and interpret the data they do have. This class focuses on the importance of teaching a basic understanding of data literacy geared towards the needs of local government officials. This class will expose officials to data literacy, storytelling and performance management topics. Participants will receive tips, tools and other resources for interacting, interpreting and presenting data.

6 Credit Hours

This class is primarily directed at those who serve on Downtown Development Authorities, but it is open to all city officials. Topics include: management of downtown as a valuable resource; the role of the authority, board mem¬bers and staff; DDA laws; and the day-to-day operations of a Downtown Development Authority. This class is limited to 50 participants.

6 Credit Hours

This class provides a basic overview of the economic devel¬opment process, with a focus on the strategies, resources and programs employed by the state of Georgia to assist communities in achieving success in today’s global econ¬omy. Topics such as community development building blocks, business development strategies, regional coopera¬tion, and the role of local leadership in economic development are covered.

3 Credit Hours

This class provides specific and tangible evidence that education is vitally important to a community’s prosperity. The class reinforces the critical role of businesses and the entire community in building a strong workforce and positive economic climate through improved education. Data will be presented indicating where Georgia stands in its ability to raise the bar on student achievement. Additionally, the class will present the correlation between a quality education and a community’s ability to attract good paying jobs and enhance its quality of life. Participants also learn where to find school performance indicators for their community.

6 Credit Hours

New Class

Branding and marketing are critical components of economic and community development that set healthy, thriving cities apart in the minds of residents and visitors. Discover how to effectively differentiate your community, gain a better understanding of how to build synergy and excitement, and tell your compelling story by applying best practices of branding and marketing. Key components include: marketing your assets, building a distinctive brand message and identity, utilizing strategic marketing approaches, and using effective tools and techniques for impactful results and return on investment (ROI). This class will explore how cities can develop their brand message/identity and develop implementable strategies to effectively market their community and assets.

3 Credit Hours

This class targets municipal elected officials from small communities and newly elected officials and exposes them to various fundamental principles for having a professionally managed city. The class examines basic management strat¬egies and analyzes tools and processes needed to create an organizational climate of excellence for the effective delivery of municipal services. In addition, the class identi¬fies emerging issues and other challenges that can impede effective municipal operations.

6 Credit Hours

This class is aimed at providing municipal officials with a general understanding of the roles of local, state and feder¬al government in responding to and helping communities recover from both natural and man-made disasters. The functions of local emergency management agencies and important legal and financial issues that arise during times of emergency and disaster are also discussed.

3 Credit Hours

This class targets municipal elected officials and staff. It pro¬vides a general overview of retirement plans that cities can offer to employees and explains the differences between various plan types, such as defined benefit, defined con¬tribution and deferred compensation plans and how these plans function and are administered.

3 Credit Hours

This class targets municipal elected officials, city management, community development specialists, economic development professionals or planning and zoning staff. The class highlights the critical role economic development plays in our cities’ growth while highlighting the purpose current ordinances and policies play in the contribution of or hindrance towards business development. Pulling from real life examples, a panel of practitioners provides attendees with both statewide and local perspectives, sharing their success stories, challenges and endorsements for how class participants can address the needs of their city’s business community. In addition, the class identifies and addresses emerging impediments and statewide trends that can negatively impact the growth and development of a city.

6 Credit Hours

City officials are faced with myriad environmental challeng¬es that affect quality of life, public health, and economic vitality. This class explores some of the most pressing environmental issues Georgia cities currently face – such as water quality, water quantity, energy conservation, and hazardous waste – and ways municipal officials are finding to solve them. The class will focus on projects such as green infrastructure, energy efficiency measures, and brownfields redevelopment that promote both environmental sustain¬ability as well as community revitalization. Additional topics include principles of “sustainability leadership,” how to get citizens engaged and how to communicate and promote a sustainability message.

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class examines the importance of ethical conduct in the administration of one’s public duties and how ethical lapses can severely damage the reputation of both individual officeholders and the city. An overview of state ethics laws and regulations that apply to municipal officials, including campaign financing and private interest disclosure requirements, is provided. Ethical dilemmas that often confront public officials and the value of strong local ethics ordinances are also discussed.

3 Credit Hours

This class provides valuable information for elected officials and staff relating to the proper role that customer service plays in local government. Participants will explore ways to move from average customer service to excellent customer service. Participants examine internal policies and procedures that hamper and support customer service at its best. The class instructor guides officials in defining and communicating the customer service organizational culture of their respective cities.

6 Credit Hours

This class exposes city officials to some of the basic concepts involved in providing municipal fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical services. In addition to reviewing applicable laws and codes, the class covers emerging issues and new technologies.

12 Credit Hours

This multi-day program is conducted by the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Participants will enhance their collaborative leadership skills while learning what essential elements must be invested in for a community to experience a vibrant economy and manageable growth. Completion of “The Essentials” class and three advanced topic classes are required for graduation from The Academy. For information on this program, please contact Kelly Lane at kelly.lane@dca.ga.gov. This class is a reformatted version of the formerly titled Multi-day Economic Development Class. Graduates of the academy since May 2022 can receive the 12-hour credit, including those who graduated under the old format.

6 Credit Hours

Completion of the Certificate of Achievement is a pre-requisite. Making decisions within a single jurisdiction is complicated enough, but relatively simple compared to the complexity of decisions multiple jurisdictions must often make among themselves. In this class, participants explore first-hand some of the critical leadership challenges involved in collective decision making, such as: How should such decisions be made? What form should they take? How should they be governed, monitored and enforced? How should costs and benefits be allocated? This class is limited to 35 participants.

6 Credit Hours

New Class

Decisions made at the local level can have positive and negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of a community, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this class, participants will learn about how the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-making can be applied in cities of all sizes. HiAP recognizes that many factors beyond access to healthcare impact health and wellbeing. These factors include educational attainment, housing, transportation options, neighborhood safety, food insecurity and scarcity, and access to parks and recreation, among others. Examples of how the HiAP approach has been used in Georgia cities include: 1) addressing pedestrian safety through the Vision Zero program to decrease traffic deaths; 2) improving police/community relations; 3) changing planning and zoning regulations to improve health outcomes and housing stability; and 4) meeting state and federal accreditation requirements for local police departments. During the class, city officials will learn about the Social Determinants of Health and acquire the skills and knowledge to find and utilize appropriate data sources and build partnerships with public health partners and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

6 Credit Hours

This six-hour workshop targets municipal officials that are interested in downtown revitalization. Workshop participants are provided opportunities to view actual plans and projects with officials from the host city discussing their downtown and neighborhood strategies, their success stories, and their lessons learned. The workshop includes formal presentations and tours of downtown areas. The class utilizes city officials and downtown practitioners that have first-hand experience with downtown development. Additionally, information regarding resources that are available to provide technical assistance and downtown incentives are provided.

6 Credit Hours

This class provides officials with information about housing needs and issues, as well as programs and resources available to assist communities in the area of housing. The class format is a combination of classroom and mobile workshop. The mobile workshop highlights one or more successful local housing development(s) and provides participants the opportunity to see first-hand how some of the resources and programs described during the classroom session have been utilized.

6 Credit Hours

Completion of the Certificate of Achievement is a pre-requisite. Ethics is often seen as something that is lacking in public officials, and therefore must be imposed on them through laws and training. Ethics training may promote awareness and compliance, but it does not promote ethical excellence. In this class, participants explore the advantages and limitations of codified ethics; how values, morality, virtue, character and obligations play out in everyday decision making; why ethical dilemmas arise and how we resolve them; virtues and temptations of leadership; and how public service constitutes a moral and ethical enterprise for public leaders. This class is limited to 35 participants.

3 Credit Hours

There are approximately 79 million millennials in the U.S. today, according to Pew Research, and they are currently transforming American life, including the workforce, schools, housing, transportation and technology. This class is designed to help participants understand the economic, cultural and civic benefits and challenges to a city that is attractive to young professionals. The class includes discussion on the different generations who are currently in the workforce and what sets them apart. In small group sessions, participants will be asked to: express various traits they believe each generation possesses and identify their community’s existing assets that could attract young professionals. A panel discussion will provide participants with successful examples of public policy, engagement, promotion, lifestyle enhancement, and community design cities have used to attract and retain young professionals.

6 Credit Hours

Available Online

This class provides an overview of state and federal personnel law that apply to municipal governments and the basics of human resource management. Key topics include day-to-day issues facing human resource staff, the role of the personnel manager, establishing and adhering to sound personnel policies and procedures, and dealing with the media.

3 Credit Hours

Human Trafficking is a crime that can affect anyone. As a result, the role of local governments is crucial in providing an appropriate response to this multifaceted issue and protecting local communities. This course will introduce participants to the concept of human trafficking, Georgia’s response, and what role local governments play in this fight.

3 Credit Hours

Elected officials are the “face” of a city’s commitment to information privacy and security. This class covers what municipal officials “need to know” about information pri¬vacy and security policies including: risk assessment, access controls, security provisions in contracts, disaster recovery / business continuity, workforce training and incident / breach readiness. Class attendees review actual municipal and county information privacy and security breaches. They also learn how to champion for the resources to secure city information and how to designate the city as a HIPAA “hybrid entity.”

6 Credit Hours

This class familiarizes municipal officials with the basic concepts of law enforcement. In addition to reviewing applicable laws, funding mechanisms and staffing models, the class addresses emerging public safety issues, trends and innovations.

3 Credit Hours

Technology impacts personal lives, work and local govern¬ment. This class examines and defines what social media means and how social media can be used by local govern¬ment, including the risks and benefits of such usage. The le¬gal basis for governmental use of social media is reviewed. Demonstrations on making social media user-friendly for both large and small governments are provided. Finally, the class helps participants determine the social media appli¬cations that matter most to their organization, navigate the set-up process for key applications, create meaningful content and engage their audience across different sites.

3 Credit Hours

Never in the history of humankind have we experienced a more radical population shift. Advances in technology and health care are increasing longevity for many Americans. Increased numbers of older residents is not a temporary situation that will end with any generation but rather a permanent state for communities throughout the nation. By 2029, it is estimated that persons over 65 years of age will make up 20 percent of the U.S. population. This class examines the implications of an aging population on cities and how municipal leaders can maintain and attract the older residents, a vital plank of economic vitality and development. Public administrators can play a unique role in preparing communities for residents of all ages and abilities to live healthy and independent lives. Critical components are the adoption of age-friendly practices that address fundamental aspects of housing, transportation and services through decisions about land use, zoning and investments. This session discusses ways for communities to enact change through integrated public policy, community design and engagement.

3 Credit Hours

Available Online

This class targets municipal elected officials and staff and exposes them to various fundamental methods of issuing debt in Georgia. The class examines the history of public debt in Georgia, basic public finance principles, legal requirements and prohibitions, and various financing methods needed to effectively budget for capital improvement projects

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class explores the importance of getting citizens engaged in the process of governance. The class exposes officials to the concept of deliberative forums, a method of citizen engagement that brings diverse community interests together to explore policy options and share insights, ideas and suggestions in a structured setting. Participants will receive tips, tools and other resources for recruiting citizens, creating productive conversations, and encouraging citizens to be involved in local problem solving.

6 Credit Hours

Cultural diversity training is essential because our country, states, cities, and organizations are comprised of individuals from various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. As we work to improve relationships within our organizations and communities, we must leverage the strength of diversity, become inclusive leaders and facilitate essential conversations within our various groups. These skills will lead to collaborative efforts that ensure efficient and effective government.

6 Credit Hours

This class shows city leaders how they can exert meaningful control over how their community grows. Topics include economic and ecological considerations, protecting water quality, regulatory initiatives and regionalization. Promoting infill development and redevelopment, preserving land and capturing private investment are also covered.

3 or 6 Credit Hours

Mobile workshops give participants an opportunity to see first-hand how a community has addressed an issue, concern or opportunity.

6 Credit Hours

With limited ability to generate increased revenues from taxes and user fees, city officials often seek grant and low-interest loan opportunities to help address a range of capital improvement and operational needs. This class details some of the state, federal and foundation funding sources available to municipalities in Georgia and offers advice on how to write strong grant applications. Additionally, the class introduces some reporting and administrative responsibilities the city may have once funding has been awarded.

12 Credit Hours

This class is conducted by the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Participants must be nominated and attend four days of training over a four-month period. Team projects are required. For information on this class, please contact the Department of Community Affairs. Participants receive 12 hours of credit through the Municipal Training Institute for successfully completing this class.

3 Credit Hours

Annexation is an important and unique power of city governments. It often can be a difficult and complex undertaking. This class will describe the different methods of annexation permitted by Georgia law, the steps for zoning annexed territory, and handling county objections to annexation. Participants will discuss why cities annex property and the potential impacts of annexation to the cities, newly-annexed stakeholders, and the county government.

3 Credit Hours

This class reviews how municipal courts are required by law to handle common offenses, such as traffic offenses, certain misdemeanors and municipal ordinance violations. Designed for municipal elected officials and city/assistant city managers, it addresses court practices that have led to class actions and investigations across the country. In addition to a basic knowledge of the role of the judge, court clerk, prosecutor, probation service provider and city leadership, attendees leave class with a self-assessment and set of model documents. These tools help officials ensure that the courts are promoting justice and supporting public safety, and are not jeopardizing the city’s “brand” and exposing the city to financial harm.

3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Municipal Courts Post-Ferguson I This class provides a deeper dive and interactive experience into the actual operations of municipal courts in Georgia. Through a combination of classroom instruction and interactive mock court exercises, classroom participants take a deep dive into the constitutional protections afforded to defendants and the operations of municipal courts. Specifically, this class looks at how contracts with probation service providers and judges as well as specific state and federal laws governing municipal courts work in the real world. Additionally, this class analyzes the responsibilities of the court, contracted parties, and elected officials under Georgia law, with a focus on criminal ustice reform changes enacted by the Georgia legislature.

3 Credit Hours

This class is open only to officials from the 52 Georgia cities that own and operate public power systems. Electric utilities are multi-million dollar enterprises and it is essential that policymakers and key staff have a strong understanding of all aspects of the service—including generation, transmission and distribution—as well as sound financial and management practices. In addition to providing a basic overview of municipal electric system operations, the class is designed to help attendees understand the role of the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Electric Cities of Georgia and the services and resources each organization provides to participating systems.

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class is intended to serve as a basic primer on municipal finance issues that all mayors, councilmembers and managers should understand. A discussion of the budget process, the revenue sources available to cities, purchasing policies and financing capital improvements is included in this general overview.

6 Credit Hours

This class emphasizes the importance of establishing sound financial policies and provides participants with a better understanding of how to read and understand audited city financial statements, assess the effectiveness of internal accounting controls and manage a city’s cash and investments. This class may be taken before or after Municipal Finance I.

3 Credit Hours

This class is open only to officials from the 84 Georgia cities that own and operate a municipal gas system. In addition to providing a basic overview of municipal gas system operations, the class is designed to help attendees understand the role of the GMA Gas Section and Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia and the services and resources provided to participating systems. The class also informs and educates municipal officials on the continued safe and efficient operation of the natural gas system. It is important that key officials become aware of state and federal regulations and the issues of an aging infrastructure.

6 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class provides an overview of the major sources of municipal authority and the limitations on that authority, including constitutional and statutory law. Municipal charters and ordinances are discussed and participants are encouraged to read their city’s charter before attending this class. How to enter into legal contracts is reviewed. This class also provides a basic foundation for understanding the liability and immunity of cities, elected officials and municipal employees. If time permits, this course may also address working with the city attorney.

6 Credit Hours

This class is intended to serve as a follow-up to Municipal Finance I. Topics will address long-term budget requirements for capital asset renewal and replacement, capital improvements, pension and other employment benefit costs and compensated absences.

3 Credit Hours

The class gives municipal officials an overview of the fundamentals of local government taxation with an in-depth look at the two primary funding sources for local government in Georgia: property tax and sales tax. This class is designed to give participants an understanding of tax language and appropriate usage of revenues, preparing them to communicate tax issues to constituents and make prudent decisions related to expenditures.

3 Credit Hours

The class gives municipal officials a broad understanding of local government taxation with an in-depth look at excise taxes related to alcohol, lodging, rental vehicles and energy used in manufacturing, as well as business occupation tax (formerly known as business licenses). Participants gain an understanding of tax language and appropriate use of revenues, preparing them to communicate tax issues to constituents and make prudent decisions related to expenditures. This class includes information from the old 6 hour Taxation 101-The Basics class.

3 Credit Hours

Water and wastewater services are fundamental to the oper¬ation of a city. This class provides an overview of the man¬agement of these services and introduces participants to the significant role of water in community health, quality of life and economic development. This class also describes various service delivery methods and discusses the challenges and opportunities that municipal officials face in providing water and wastewater services to their customers.

6 Credit Hours

All organizations, institutions, associations, and jurisdictions must respond to change, either because they happen to change or change happens to them. This is why virtually every city and town engages in some form of what is commonly referred to as strategic planning. But having a strategic plan and thinking strategically are not the same. If they were, so many so-called strategic plans wouldn’t sit on the shelf. Municipal leaders must be able to engage colleagues, constituents, citizens, and their community in strategic thinking if they are to address not only the challenges facing them today, but also those of tomorrow. This class uses a strategic simulation that incorporates strategic thinking, visioning, and navigating to address the what, why, and how of strategic planning. Class participants work together in small groups to simulate a strategic process that includes an environmental scan, building scenarios of most likely and most preferred futures, identifying driving and restraining forces, conducting a gap analysis, identifying key themes, framing goals and strategies, and developing an action plan to guide how to navigate from today to tomorrow. This class is limited to 35 participants.

3 Credit Hours

Today, technology is essential to most aspects of our public and private lives. For mayors, councilmembers and other community leaders, technology has become a critical factor in governance, communication and citizen engagement. In this advanced class, your role regarding local government technology is outlined and you are made aware of the ways your city might better utilize available technology or digital solutions. These solutions include applications and services that enhance opportunities for increased operational effectiveness and productivity such as engaging citizens on a more consistent basis, increasing quality services, facilitating transparency, and enhancing efficient operational procedures. Participants hear from those with technology expertise who have had success with digital solutions in their communities.

3 Credit Hours

Available Online

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

Open, accessible meetings are a hallmark of local govern¬ment and are important for communicating with residents and businesses. This class examines the requirements of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, what constitutes a “meeting,” and the limited circumstances authorizing executive ses¬sions. The importance of proper notice as well as meeting agendas, summaries and minutes are discussed. Class par¬ticipants are apprised of potential consequences for failing to follow the law.

3 Credit Hours

Available Online

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

This class familiarizes municipal officials with Georgia’s open records law and the potential consequences for failing to adhere to it. Hypothetical scenarios are used to give participants a better understanding of their responsibilities and obligations for complying with these statutes. Records management and the requirements of the Georgia Records Act are reviewed as well as legal obligations for preserving records for litigation.

6 Credit Hours

This class examines the difficult choices municipal officials encounter in stimulating economic well-being, protecting public infrastructure investment and maintaining environmental integrity. It examines legal considerations for planning and zoning, the role of the mayor and council and practical steps for maintaining a comprehensive plan and effective zoning procedures. In addition, the class highlights issues, barriers and policy solutions associated with efforts to achieve desirable patterns of development.

3 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

The success of a city is often gauged by how its residents perceive city council meetings. This class is designed to give elected officials and others a practical understanding of the most commonly-used procedures available to govern meetings. The basic tenants of Robert’s Rules of Order, as well as alternatives to Robert’s, are taught in a manner that seeks to arm presiding officials with the tools necessary to run successful and productive gatherings of their elected officials and other meetings necessary to operate their cities.

3 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

Developing policy to advance the vision of the city is one of the most important duties that a mayor and council perform. This class is designed to give municipal officials an understanding of the importance of that function and the role of the elected officials and professional staff in developing, implementing and evaluating those policies. Participants learn how to effectively use policy-making models in the development of practical public policy that will benefit their communities and constituents.

6 Credit Hours

This class teaches municipal officials how to be more effective when speaking to groups or addressing the media. Techniques for developing presentation content and delivery, as well as tips for more effectively dealing with the media, are shared. As part of the class, participants make a brief presentation to their fellow classmates.

6 Credit Hours

Public officials will explore the democratic context of leading and governing. It addresses the role of elected officials in a democratic society, the relationship between elected and appointed officials, the core values underlying public problems and choices, and the reasons why councils can make better choices than individuals. The goals of this class are to help public officials better understand their roles in leading and governing their communities, to develop a better understanding of what councils do and why, and to develop practical skills in public problem solving and decision making. Participants learn how to use public problems to discuss the kind of community they want to build and how to ensure that their choices and decisions preserve the fundamental goals of our democratic society.

3 Credit Hours

Public works services are fundamental to the operation of a city. This session introduces participants to the types of services provided through public works departments and the important role those services play in community health, quality of life and economic development.

3 Credit Hours

Recreation and park programs and facilities play an important role in creating a high quality of life for communities. They create public value by offering recreational activities, green-space for relaxation and opportunities for improving the health of residents. However, recreation and park programs are sometimes seen as amenities that cities cannot afford. This session explores the role of recreation and parks in building community and economic development, and options for funding.

6 Credit Hours

Municipal governments face many challenges today in delivering services to their citizens with resources that continue to diminish. These challenges have provided new opportunities for cities to work across jurisdictional boundaries to effectively support community and economic development efforts, as well as many other local projects and programs. This cooperation can be accomplished through informal and formal agreements, and partnerships may extend to public, non-profit and private sector entities. This class examines the concept of regional cooperation, tools for implementation, opportunities to explore best practices around the state and strategies for establishing successful regional partnerships.

Up to 12 Credit Hours

Retreats provide an opportunity for city councils to come together, apart from the regular meetings, to prepare for the future. The focus may be on teamwork, goal setting, or other city concerns. Each retreat is tailored to meet the individual city’s needs. Credit is given for city council retreats facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Some cities have an annual retreat, but credit toward the Municipal Training Institute certificate program is given for a maximum of 12 credit hours.

6 Credit Hours

This class provides an overview of the tools and resources available to cities interested in effectively responding to neighborhood problems such as dilapidated and unsafe structures, unsightly property, junk automobiles, weeds, trash and other nuisances. Topics include Georgia’s Urban Redevelopment law, code enforcement and land bank authorities.

3 Credit Hours

This interactive class provides an introduction to the concepts of risk management and insurance as they relate to municipalities. The class focuses on real world best practices involving risk avoidance, reduction and transfer through purchasing insurance, safety training, claims mitigation and implementation of proper policies and procedures. The participant will leave with a better understanding of ways to save money, provide for a safer environment and techniques to avoid many of the pitfalls that put your city and staff at risk. Subject matter experts will present this information through interactive classroom instruction and group problem solving sessions.

6 Credit Hours

Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute (multi-day class – 6-hour credit) Named in honor of former Georgia Municipal Association President and Mayor of the City of Thomson from 1979-2007, the Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute is an intensive multi-day course that focuses on helping city officials understand their communities better and enhance and sharpen their leadership skills. The Leadership Institute includes an interactive simulation exercise that confronts participants with the daily challenges of governing and ultimately demonstrates the necessity of communication and collaboration in achieving good governance. Participants will also be exposed to the value of understanding communication styles, collaboration and developing relationships. Completion of the Municipal Leadership Institute is required for municipal elected officials to receive a Certificate of Excellence, Certificate of Distinction and Certificate of Dedication. This class is limited to 40 participants.

3 Credit Hours

Recommended for Newly Elected and First-Term Officials

While municipal elected officials have the responsibility to develop policies to effectively address complex issues and problems that are often unique to cities, they typically must rely on public sector employees to implement them. In this class, the different perspectives of council and staff are explored in order to identify ways for them to collaborate in addressing public problems.

6 Credit Hours

The Georgia Service Delivery Act requires each county and its municipalities to develop and periodically update a service delivery strategy (SDS) that describes how services are provided and funded. SDS agreements must outline how local governments will minimize duplication of services and ensure tax equity in the provision and funding of services. Failure to maintain an updated SDS agreement results in sanctions including the loss of state grants, loans, and permits. This class reviews the components of an SDS agreement, examines tools for negotiation, provides opportunities to explore examples of existing SDS agreements, and provides strategies for establishing successful city/county partnerships. Participants work on a case study identifying services and calculating the fina

6 Credit Hours

New Class

During times of natural or human-made disasters and pandemics, cities are often faced with the challenge of steering through the “storm,” continuing city business operations, and communicating effectively, to meet the basic needs of their community as well as managing the needs and demands of the on-going recovery operation. While the initial focus following a major disaster is to respond to the life safety aspects of the emergency, multiple tasks will quickly emerge to face the local leadership team. Is your city prepared for the organizational resiliency necessary to sustain regular services as well as emergency operations during the four distinct phases of a disaster? What is the role of elected leaders in these scenarios? This class will define the various types of disasters, review the four phases of a disaster, and the planning and preparedness required for community resilience in responding to disasters, exploring methods for prioritizing crucial essential services, and recognizing the multiple impacts on the local economy, city services and city staff. This class includes some content from the previous class “Emergency Management.” Those who previously took Emergency Management can take this class and receive credit towards a training certificate.

3 Credit Hours

New Class

The challenges facing Georgia’s youngest residents are vast and complex and many city leaders struggle with how or where to begin to address them. Georgia is taking a comprehensive, systematic, and whole-family approach to well-being to ensure that young people are safe and feel safe, healthy in all developmental domains, and ready to learn and prepared for life. This class provides a roadmap for city leaders on how to begin engaging in these issues in their community. By bridging the gaps and connecting the dots to resources, cities can help children and youth reach their full potential and become responsible and productive members of our communities.

3 Credit Hours

Currently, a quarter of the local government workforce is age 55 or older and more than half is age 45 or older. The inevitable exodus of long-serving and knowledgeable city employees could pose significant consequences to city operational efficiency and effectiveness. This class represents a beginning step for city officials to understand the value in developing a succession plan for their city to ensure it has qualified employees in place to provide high quality services to city residents and businesses.

3 Credit Hours

Using the urban fabric of streets, parks, squares, sidewalks, urban design shapes the towns and cities we call home. As a multidisciplinary field, successful urban design borrows from the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, an understanding of sociology, and more to form the spaces that create community, entice visitors, and invite investment. Designed to give municipal leaders an understanding of the practice, history, and relevance of good urban design, this class informs leaders of emerging design trends applicable in cities big and small. In fun and creative hands-on activities, the basic principles of successful urban design are taught in a manner that seeks to arm local officials with the tools necessary to advance the principles of effective urban design in their home communities.

6 Credit Hours

Water quality and water quantity are of vital importance and can provide some of the most challenging issues facing all levels of government in Georgia. Planning to meet water needs on the local level while also considering the needs of those who share the resource can be difficult. In 2011, in response to the Georgia State-wide Water Management Plan, Regional Water Plans were adopted throughout the State that provided recommendations to help address water quality and quantity issues at myriad levels, across myriad sectors. This class provides background on that process, presents issues highlighted in the plans and discusses ways in which local governments can secure their water future. It also includes an overview of the regulatory processes related to water management and water planning.

6 Credit Hours

Water quality and water quantity are of vital importance and can provide some of the most challenging issues facing all levels of government in Georgia. Planning to meet water needs on the local level while also considering the needs of those who share the resource can be difficult. In 2011, in response to the Georgia Statewide Water Management Plan, Regional Water Plans were adopted throughout the state that provided recommendations to help address water quality and quantity issues at myriad levels and across myriad sectors. This class provides background on that process, presents issues highlighted in the plans and discusses ways in which local governments can secure their water future. It also includes an overview of the regulatory processes related to water management and water planning.