Local Government Fundamentals

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February 17, 2027

Februrary 17, 2027 | Hours: 9a-4p | Chapel Hill | Price: $225

This course is also available for on-demand purchase.

Are you new to working in local government? Have you transitioned into a new position within local government? 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 core, legal topics:

Introduction to Local Government Law
Ordinance Authority & Other Board Actions
Open Meeting & Public Records
Local Government Finance
Local Government Contracting or Land Use (rotating)
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

This course is most appropriate for employees with 0-5 years of experience in local government and/or newly elected public officials.

AGENDA

The Fall 2026 Agenda (online) is available for review.

CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION

No continuing education credits are available for this course.

REQUIREMENTS

Attendance: There are no specific attendance requirements for this program. If you cannot attend, please contact Registration & Client Services to cancel your registration. Our cancellation policy is linked below.

MATERIALS

All course materials and other logistical details are provided in Canvas, a learning management system. Please click the link below for detailed instructions on setting up your Canvas account. If you've already set up an account for this or another School of Government course, log in to Canvas. Click here for Canvas Instructions.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Course participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Otherwise, participants will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. More information can be found in the full cancellation and refund policy.

Scholarship Information

Civic Foundation Scholarship

Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards registration fees for programs offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

March 1: for programs starting between April 1 and June 30
June 1: for programs starting between July 1 and September 30
September 1: for programs starting between October 1 and December 31
December 1: for programs starting between January 1 and March 31

Visit the Civic Foundation for more information and to submit an application

Dates
February 17
View Scholarship Information
Civic Foundation Scholarship

Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards registration fees for programs offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:
March 1: for programs starting between April 1 and June 30
June 1: for programs starting between July 1 and September 30
September 1: for programs starting between October 1 and December 31
December 1: for programs starting between January 1 and March 31
Visit the Civic Foundation for more information and to submit an application