Local Government Fundamentals

NOTE: Because our February course was moved online, we are excited to offer it in person on October 1, 2025. This course is appropriate for employees with up to five years of experience in local government and/or newly elected public officials.  

Are you new to working in local government? Have you transitioned into a new position? If so, this course may be right for you. Local Government Fundamentals covers the laws and concepts pertinent to county and municipal government. This course aims to help those who work in local government feel more confident in their understanding of how local governments function at a fundamental level.

 The course includes six sessions that cover the following areas:

  • Local Government Authority, Purpose, and Structure
  • Local Government in Action: Ordinances, Resolutions, and Policies
  • Open Meeting and Public Records
  • Introduction to the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act
  • Local Government Contracting
  • Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

No continuing education credits are available for this course. 

 This course is also offered on demand.

Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

  • March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
  • June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
  • September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
  • December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)
There currently are no scheduled offerings of this course.

All course materials and other logistical details will be provided in Canvas, a learning management system. If you have already set up an account for this or another School of Government course, log in to Canvas. If you need to create an account, learn how to setup Canvas here.

October 2025 Agenda is now available!

For all registration questions, resetting passwords, or login issues please contact:

Dale Zuckert

Assistant Registrar
919.966.4414
For questions regarding course details, including location, schedule, materials, and continuing education credits, please contact:

Bryan Matthews

Program Manager, Law and Finance Group
Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government