Academy for Excellence in Local Governance

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a collaborative effort involving the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), the Maryland Municipal League (MML), the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), and the Institute for Governmental Service (IGS).

An advisory committee with representatives from each of the partner organizations and local officials provides oversight for the Academy. IGS at the University of Maryland College Park serves as the program manager for the Academy.

To register as a Fellow, contact Robin Cook at IGS at (301) 403-4610. You may also register for the Academy at any of MACo's conferences. 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 will be designated by the Academy logo.

What Is the Cost?

Participants in the certificate program register for $50 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.

County Track Requirements

To receive the Academy Certificate, local officials must complete ten core units plus four 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. Required core units will be offered in a timeframe suitable to completing the certificate program within its completion requirements. 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 10 core units: Structure of Government; Ethics; Open Meetings; Public Information Act; Employment Issues; Financial Management; Effective Meetings; Consensus & Team Building; School Board Issues; and Risk Management.

Elective Requirements: Participants will be required to take four electives. Only Academy-approved units will be accepted toward the requirement. Electives will be offered under the following broad categories: Land Use Planning; Service Delivery, Legal and Liability Issues, Human Resources & Personnel Administration, Finance, Communications, Economic Development and Tourism, Environmental Issues, Personal Development, Intergovernmental Relations, and Technology.

Upcoming "County Track" Classes

See Conferences & Events for more information.