Tuesday, February 4, 2020, marks my one-year anniversary as Local Government Academy’s Executive Director, and what a year it has been. While not everything this past year went according to plan, we have had far more wins than I ever expected.  

Taking on this role was daunting knowing the sheer amount of training offered by the Academy, but by far my biggest challenge was, literally, just delivering quality programming for local governments, and doing it well.  

Yes, last year was intense. I am glad that 2020 is a leap year, because I need that extra day — just wait until you see what Local Government Academy has planned… 

When I came to the Academy, my first “program” as ED was the Municipal Intern Program, which was underway and behind schedule. Like Groundhog Day, we are now entering our 25th year of this unique capacity building program connecting communities with grads and undergrads who are enrolled at our world-renowned institutions of higher learning.  

Now a “veteran” of the program, I am excited about the new requirements we have implemented for placement sites and interns, which I believe will lead to more rewarding internship experiences and long-lasting support for local government. Look for the selected placement sites on February 10th!  

The 2020 Newly Elected Officials Course (NEOC) saw its highest registration numbers since its inception in 1984. Every two years since our founding, Local Government Academy has held our unique training focused on incoming officials and their role and responsibilities as an elected official.  

Our benchmark for the course has always been to integrate learning with relationship building, and this encompasses the interactions among participants as well as our selection of the venues and our instructors.  

Now in its 36th year, the legacy of NEOC is its outstanding ability to connect the region’s leaders with local resources and expertise. “Our” Graduation Dinner is March 4th — perhaps it’s time for a reunion for NEOC Alum?  

I spent a lot of time last year listening, and boy did I get an earful! I am overwhelmed by the offers of help and thankful for an amazing board and the many Friends of Local Government Academy.  

New this year, we are offering a summer workshop series for elected officials that takes a deeper dive into subject matter introduced in NEOC. Issues such as managing public sector employees, finance and budgeting, and conflict of interest require dedicated time to understand, and we plan to offer that to you this summer.  

Finally, let me leave you with this: The Academy is kicking off a regional initiative to fight blight and disinvestment in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our effort is the result of a tri-county partnership and will build a network of experts who can be deployed to offer technical assistance directly to local governments. So, after one heck of a challenging year, it is with pride that Local Government Academy will offer new programs designed exclusively for local governments. Working together regionally, we will build capacity that will encourage reinvestment and revitalization, and I invite you to join our partnership.

– Joy