Hello Friends of LGA!

As we enter the new school year, LGA is busy planning ahead for the 2020 Program year. We are working with our partners to develop curriculum and identify subject matter experts who are willing to volunteer as program instructors. The importance of this cannot be understated as our instructors provide valuable in-kind services that match state and county funding, which keeps LGA programs affordable.

Speaking of school, we have plans to enhance the Municipal Intern Program to make it more rewarding for our students while ensuring it remains beneficial to our communities. I learned so much from my first experience with this unique capacity-building intern program and we have big plans moving forward. The 2020 program year will implement a framework to give solid guidance to municipalities interested in applying to LGA’s Municipal Intern Program and deepen our ties with the academic community.

As we launch the 2019-2020 Newly Elected Officials Course, I know that my education continues. This year elected officials will be treated to a modernized program that is more accessible than ever before. Due to overwhelming interest, we have opened a preregistration for incoming officials and for returning public servants who are interested in a refresher course!

There have been some big changes at LGA over this past year and I am excited for the future. We enjoy tremendous support from our local government family and hear daily from municipalities about training needs for officials and staff. Our board is stronger than ever, our staff eager to meet this need, and I promise that LGA will continue to provide non-partisan education and fulfil our mission to Promote Excellence in Local Government. To that end, I invite you to share your suggestions and participation to achieve strong and responsive local government systems necessary for healthy and vibrant communities.

– Joy