Academy for Excellence in Local Governance
The
Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a voluntary program
open to all local officials in Maryland. It provides educational
opportunities designed to increase understanding of local government
and how it functions. The Academy is a collaborative effort involving
the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), the Maryland Municipal
League (MML), the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and
the University of Maryland Institute for Governmental Service
(IGS). IGS serves as the program manager for the Academy. An advisory
committee with representatives from each of the partner organizations
and local officials provides oversight for the Academy.
Why the Academy?
The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is an educational
response to the professional needs of local officials in Maryland.
Local governments are increasingly asked to do more, often with
fewer resources. The downsizing of the federal and state government
has placed more decision making at the local level and, at the
same time, reduced the training and technical support available
to local officials. Often officials are called on to understand
and make decisions on highly complex issues with grave implications
to their jurisdictions. Citizen distrust, accountability mandates,
and public apathy complicate an already difficult situation. The
Academy’s curriculum is designed to help local officials,
especially newly elected officials, meet the challenges of their
role.
Purpose and Objectives
By providing enhanced educational opportunities, the Academy
will train informed and responsible local officials to give Maryland
jurisdictions the leadership needed to meet the challenges of
the twenty-first century. Specific objectives are (1) to increase
understanding of local government and how it functions; (2) to
promote high ethical standards in public service; (3) to provide
an informational base for more informed policy making; (4) to
develop capacity of local officials to govern effectively; and
(5) to recognize local officials for their educational efforts.
Who Can Attend?
The Academy is a voluntary program open to all local officials
in Maryland. Newly elected local officials are especially encouraged
to participate. Individuals may take selective courses of their
choosing or enroll in the certificate program. Participants who
are enrolled in the certificate program will be called "Fellows."
What Is Required?
To receive the Academy Certificate, local officials must complete
specified core and elective units in either the municipal or county
track. These classes will often coincide with other conferences
and meetings to make them easy to fit into the busy schedule of
local officials. All certified Academy courses are designated
by the Academy logo.
What Is the Cost?
Participants in the certificate program will be charged a $250
registration fee to cover the cost of transcripts, program brochures,
certificates, and lapel pins. There will be no additional fees
for Academy courses offered by MML, MACo, LGIT, or IGS other than
the customary registration fees for these events.
Requirements-Municipal Track
To receive the Academy Certificate, local officials must complete
six core units plus six elective units. Classes will be of varying
lengths. On average, it is expected each Fellow will have completed
between 25 and 40 hours of training. Upcoming classes will be
published in newsletters and web sites. Core units will be offered
annually. Participants are encouraged to complete requirements
within two years but will be given up to three years to accommodate
personal situations and fall elections.
Core Requirements: Every participant in the municipal track must
complete the following core units: Structure of Government; Ethics;
Open Meetings/ Public Right to Know; Effective Meetings/Parliamentary
Procedures; Budgeting; and Employment Issues for Elected Officials.
Elective Requirements: Participants will be required to take six
electives. Only Academy-approved units will be accepted toward
the requirement. Electives will be offered under the following
five broad categories: General Local Governance; Planning and
Economic Development; Service Delivery/Personnel/Administration;
Finance; and Legal and Risk Management. Newly elected officials
will be required to participate in a Newly Elected Orientation
within the first twelve months of their certificate program.
Requirements-County Track
To receive the Academy Certificate, local officials must complete
six core units plus six elective units. Classes will be of varying
lengths. On average, it is expected each Fellow will have completed
between 25 and 40 hours of training. Upcoming classes will be
published in newsletters and web sites. Core units will be offered
annually. Participants are encouraged to complete requirements
within two years but will be given up to three years to accommodate
personal situations and fall elections. Participants must submit
a verification form after each Academy class for the class to
be credited.
Core Requirements: Every participant in the county track must
complete the following six core units: Structure of Government;
Ethics and Open Meetings; County Financial Management; Conducting
Effective Meetings; Consensus and Team Building; and School Board
Issues and the County.
Elective Requirements: Participants will be required to take six
electives. Only Academy-approved units will be accepted toward
the requirement. Electives will be offered under the following
broad categories: Land Use Planning; Communications; Legal Issues
and Local Officials; Human Resources; Technology; Service Delivery;
Intergovernmental Relations; and Personal Development.
For More Information
Linda Burrell at MML
800-492-7121
LindaM@mdmunicipal.org
or
Ellen Clarke at MACo
410-269-0043 or 301-261-1140
eclarke@mdcounties.org
or
Institute For Governmental Service And Research
http://www.umresearch.umd.edu/IGSR/academy_excell.html
