The Newly Elected Officials Course

About NEOC

The Newly Elected Officials Course is the most comprehensive training program offered to local government officials – it covers the basics, elevates best practices, and builds relationships.

In 1983, Allegheny County established Local Government Academy to help inform and educate local government officials and staff. Since then, our flagship program, the Newly Elected Officials Course, also known as NEOC, has become a trusted resource for training public officials in the practice of good governance. With NEOC as your foundation, you are empowered as a leader on all aspects of governing.

 

 

[The] NEOC course gave us just what we needed to learn the facts, the law, and best practices to navigate government with fewer problems. We formed friendships with people from other municipalities and agencies, who we can call on for advice as well as who can turn to us when collaboration of ideas and services are needed. NEOC? Priceless!
Mayor John Burwell, Borough of Homestead
2021-2022 NEOC Graduate
I don’t know how I would be able to serve my community without this experience/education. It would be like sending someone in to perform a surgery without proper schooling. This program should be required of all elected officials, old and new!
Tanya Chaney, New Eagle Borough
2019-2020 NEOC Graduate
An absolute must for any official.
Dante Plutko, Upper St. Clair
2019-2020 NEOC Graduate

Serving as an Elected Official

A Course for both Newly Elected & Veteran Officials

The Newly Elected Officials Course (NEOC) is a comprehensive program for public officials to build a solid foundation of knowledge essential to effective governing. Focusing on the unique needs of local government, and featuring expert instructors, each session takes a deep dive into subjects such as municipal finance, public sector personnel law, the Public Officials Act, ethical decision making, emergency services, and more.

While unique for its depth of content, NEOC is designed to help incoming elected and appointed officials develop their leadership skills and build important relationships. Peer-to-Peer engagement offers opportunities to grow your network and find mentors from other public service professionals.

Saturday workshop sessions will offer a comfortable learning environment and safe opportunities to network with instructors and municipal resource partners.

 

Historically, 90 percent of participants have their tuition paid for by their community after they are sworn into office as an investment in good government. Additionally, a limited number of scholarships are available through our Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund. Click here to see if your community qualifies.

Registration Options

Registration fees subject to change. Fees are based on municipal population

 

Dependent upon capacity, Single Sessions may be available.

Public officials employed in professions including attorneys may be eligible to apply for continuing education credits.

The 2027-2028 NEOC Schedule of Classes

Below is the preliminary schedule of sessions for the 2027-2028 Program. Check back September 2027 for the finalized 2027-2028 NEOC Program.
Opening Day
Saturday, December 4, 2027

Kick-start your career as an elected official. Network with public service peers, colleagues, and mentors. You’ll be ready for that first meeting after municipal experts review the roles and responsibilities you now have as a public servant.

Check-In & Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m.

Program Begins
9:00 a.m.

Lunch is Served
11:30 p.m.

Program Ends
2:00 p.m.

Location
Hilton DoubleTree Hotel – Green Tree
500 Mansfield Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

What to Expect Your First Meeting (Webinar)
Wednesday, December 8, 2027

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Budgeting Basics (Webinar)
Wednesday, December 15, 2027

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Responsibilities of Elected Officials and Ethical Leadership
Saturday, January 8, 2028

Come learn about the powers and duties of municipal government officials. You’ll also explore the rights and responsibilities of elected officials under the Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law.

Program Begins
9:00 a.m.

Lunch is Served
11:30 a.m.

Program Ends
3:00 p.m.

Location
TBA

Transparency in Local Government (Webinar)
Wednesday, January 12, 2028

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Municipal Finance Management
Saturday, January 22, 2028

Learn key aspects of public sector finance and budgeting and have a chance to discuss finance and budget issues with subject matter experts and other communities.

Program Begins
9:00 a.m.

Lunch is Served
11:30 p.m.

Program Ends
2:00 p.m.

Location
TBA

DCED State Resources (Webinar
Wednesday, January 26, 2028

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Workforce Management and Community Engagement (personnel management, civil service commission, public involvement / communicating as an elected official)
Saturday, February 5, 2028

Join us for discussions of personnel management, the civil service commission, public involvement/ communicating as an elected official.

Program Begins
9:00 a.m.

Lunch is Served
11:30 p.m.

Program Ends
2:00 p.m.

Location
TBA

Councils of Government and Intergovernmental Cooperation (Webinar)
Wednesday, February 9, 2028

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Municipal Responsibility for Emergency Service Provision
Saturday, February 19, 2028

Join us for presentations from the Fire Commissioner, EMS Panel Discussion, and lectures on policing service trends.

Program Begins
9:00 a.m.

Lunch is Served
11:30 p.m.

Program Ends
2:00 p.m.

Location
Allegheny County Emergency Services
150 Hookstown Grade Rd,

Moon Township, PA 15108

Webinar #6 Topic TBA
Wednesday, March 4, 2028

Description and Speaker TBA

Program Begins
5:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Graduation Dinner
TBD

It’s time to celebrate and recognize your hard work and commitment to Excellence in Local Government. Graduates will receive a Program Completion Certificate.

Program Begins
5:30 p.m.

Program Ends
8:00 p.m.

Location
Hilton DoubleTree Hotel – Green Tree
500 Mansfield Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15205