Friends of Local Government Academy,

For the Academy, 2020 was transformational. At some points bizarre, and certainly erratic, this past year was filled with constant change – and change is difficult.

This year forced us to do things differently, to seek new approaches to flagship programs like Run for Office and the Municipal Intern program, which are traditionally held in person. Unexpectedly, we found that by reevaluating our usual methods and outreach, the Academy’s programming and resources became more accessible to more people in more communities.

We were also able to do more in 2020 than ever before, such as creating time-sensitive content on a need-to-know basis, so that managers could take on budgeting for 2021 and municipal leaders could more confidently care for their communities during the pandemic.

The cancellation of the 2020 Municipal Intern Fair didn’t stop local government placements or the annual Municipal Intern Program Recognition Luncheon. Indeed, we just reimagined it and held the first ever socially distanced Graduation Picnic, which might be a new tradition!

Speaking of Interns, check out our website on Monday, January 4, for the 2021 Municipal Intern Program requirements and application announcement. If you’re a municipality, COG, or municipal authority with a perfect project for an intern, mark your calendars: applications are due February 11, 2021.

While 2020 prevented us from seeing you face-to-face, it brought new ways of thinking about what it means to be together. We leave 2020 thankful for our volunteer instructors who selflessly donated hundreds of hours of technical expertise to public officials and staff. We acknowledge that this rapid pivot to providing online learning and resources would not have been possible without them, and we’re honored to have them as our colleagues, supporters, and friends.

As the year ends, we are excited for the future knowing that we have become stronger as an organization and as a community of local government advocates. Our challenges this year forged a deep sense of gratitude for the support of Local Government Academy and belief in our mission to Promote Excellence in Local Government.

Wishing you a healthy and peaceful holiday season.

– Joy