Essentials of Municipal Government

Two educational programs will be offered in five locations across the state to help newly elected and veteran officials lead in this time of change, respond innovatively to economic challenges, and work together effectively to make decisions that will shape North Carolina's future. Both programs offer participants points toward recognition in the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA).

Ethics Training:
For Ethics questions not answered below-Click here to be directed to the ethics page. 

Each course below-Essentials of Municipal Government as well as Community Planning and Zoning: Making Better Decisions offer the state mandated ethics training as part of the course curriculum. Registration is required. This updated training fulfills the ethics education requirement for local elected officials that is state mandated  each time an official is elected or re-elected. If an official is on the November 2011 ballot and wins the initial election or re-election, two hours of ethics training is required prior to November 2012. Attorneys can claim two hours of general CLE credit.

To attend ethics during this program, you must register for one of the below courses.  Please visit the (click on the link) ethics website for additional information on ethics legislation and future ethics training.

Course Descriptions and Locations:

Essentials of Municipal Government $350 
For newly-elected officials
This two day course is for newly elected municipal officials. It is also recommended for veteran municipal officials who have never attended Essentials. The course is intended for new mayors and council members. The program covers the basics of municipal government, making the transition from campaigning to governing, understanding  roles, responsibilities and key elements of municipal law, working effectively as a board and with the city manager, meeting financial requirements, understanding environmental regulation, and planning for zoning and land use. This course satisfies the ethics requirement

Community Planning and Zoning: Making Better Decisions -$175 
For veteran elected officials
This is a one day workshop held on the first day of Essentials and is for veteran municipal and county officials. Today's elected officials are confronted with controversial and complicated decisions about land use and development. Learn more about your role in planning and zoning, navigating the zoning process, and working effectively with others to make better decisions. Today’s decisions will affect North Carolina's future.
Elected officials are encouraged to invite their municipal and county managers to join them. This workshop is held in the same location and on the first day of Essentials of Municipal Government.This course satisfies the ethics requirement.

Combination of both courses—Essentials of Municipal Government and Community Planning and Zoning: Making Better Decisions -$350
For municipal veteran elected officials
This two day combined course is open to veteran municipal elected officials. The first day, attend the workshop on community and planning. Then on day two, join newly elected municipal officials in sessions discussing working together in council-mayor/council-manager municipalities, personnel and operations, infrastructure and environment, and financial management. This option is also recommended for entire boards. It provides opportunities for team building and networking. If you are interested in more information on bringing your entire board, please contact Susan Hutchinson 919-966-4171 or smhutch@sog.unc.edu.

Helpful Links: 

Registration Instructions

Agendas
Essentials of Municipal Government-Two Day Agenda

Community Planning Workshop One Day Agenda Link 

Hotel and Meeting Location 
Hotel and Meeting Location Information Link

Click on a location below to proceed to the registration page.