Self-Paced Online Program
Council Orientation Program
Council Orientation Program
ICMA Member
Non Member
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This self-paced program is designed to help newly elected council members establish a strong foundation for effective leadership. Through a series of five courses, new council members will gain a better sense of how local government works and the role they play to build better communities for their constituents. Led by George Cuff, a former mayor and Canada-wide expert on governance and public sector organizations, this program features insights from experts like Kevin Duggan, Jason Grant, and Michael Overton, and the tools that new elected officials need to navigate the challenges of public office with confidence.
These online courses run approximately three hours each and may be stopped and started at any time. Participants have six months to complete the program. Courses include:
- Introduction to Council-Manager Form of Government: This course will cover the form and structure of local government and provide helpful advice for those transitioning into their roles as elected officials.
- Roles and Responsibilities in Council-Manager Form of Government: Participants will gain an understanding of the dynamics between elected officials, the chief administrative officer, and local government staff.
- Understanding the Budget and Strategic Plan: Participants will explore the elements of the local government budget and how it relates to the strategic plan.
- Public Relations for Council Members: This course helps an elected official acknowledge different perspectives, determine how to share public information, and identify ways to interact with residents while keeping their best interests in mind.
- Ethics for Council Members: Participants learn how to avoid conflicts of interest and apply ethical decision-making to issues that may arise during one's time in office.
Ideal for newly formed councils, a group license will allow the entire council to participate in the program at a discounted rate.
Group Registration Instructions
- Download the registration spreadsheet »
- Fill in all visible columns (please do not reveal the "hidden" columns).
NOTE: When filling in the State column, please use the two-letter, all-caps abbreviation (ex. Maryland should be MD). For the Address column, you may use your organization’s main office address rather than personal addresses of each registrant. - Once the list is completed, email list to Julian Lamphear at jlamphear@icma.org and add the words "Council Orientation Registration for [your organization]" in the subject line of the email. All participants must be submitted within six months of purchase.
- Allow four to five business days for processing. When access is granted, your staff members will receive an email with next steps.
PRACTICE AREAS: [1] Personal and Professional Integrity, [4] Staff Effectiveness, [6] Strategic Leadership, [7] Strategic Planning, [8] Policy Facilitation and Implementation, [9] Community and Resident Service, and [12] Financial Management and Budgeting
TOPICS: Council-Manager Relations, Leadership, Budgeting & Finance, Effective Communication, Strategic Planning, and Ethics
JOB TITLES: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO)

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