The ACCMA announces:

The Local Government Professional Management Certificate Program

The Alabama City/County Management Association (ACCMA with support from the Government and Economic Development Institute at Auburn University provides a certificate program to increase the specialized knowledge and skills of those in local government to master the complexities of the political, social, and economic environment of public administration. Components of this program will include leadership, financial management, ethics, communication, personnel management, public service, community development, public policy, strategic planning, and relations with local elected officials.

The program is composed of five courses and continuing education. Cost for each class is $195

The registration for these classes is separate from ACCMA membership and conferences. All checks need to be made payable to Auburn University.

For registration, you can Download or print a Registration Form or Register Online through each class title below.

Courses and Descriptions:

1. Leadership and Effective Public Management - October 12-13, 2017- this course will provide the participant with knowledge and skills necessary for their professional development by defining the role of the public management in democratic government, maintaining effective relations with elected officials, broadening leadership skills, expanding knowledge of local government services and processes, and strategic planning. Information sheet and map provided. 
2. Human Resource Management and Staff Effectiveness - March 1-2, 2018- this course is designed to provide an overview of important personnel, employment, and human resource issues and discussions of the ways in which the work place is affected. Current employment laws and how they impact personnel actions and processes will be addressed from the perspectives of both the employee and the supervisor. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on consistently following approved policies and procedures, and on the necessity of appropriate documentation. The course will also examine strategies and techniques for effective employee supervision and motivation. Information sheet and map provided.
3. Public Budgeting and Financial Management - April 12-13, 2018- effective stewardship of public resources is one of the most important responsibilities for public managers. This course is designed to provide an overview of theories and techniques of governmental budgeting, financial planning and control, risk management, procurement, grants and contracts management, reporting, and accounting. Information sheet and map provided.
4. Public Management and Community Development - November 2-3, 2017- participants in this course will learn the importance of their positions as local government administrators in the planning, advancing, and marketing of their community. Topics of this course include: strategic and comprehensive planning, community leadership, community engagement, technology and development, and community branding. Participants will also expand their knowledge of policy development and implementation. Information sheet and map provided.
5. Laws and Ethics for Public Management - December 14-15, 2017- this course explores ethics and basic legal responsibilities associated with managing in the public sector. Maintaining a balance between how the government administrator works and what the expectations are of the government agency for which they work is discussed in this course. This course will address the ethical tensions that may arise in sustaining that balance by addressing such questions as: What ethical issues does the government official and administrator face as they go about their day to ay work and responsibilities? How do they make appropriate choices when faced with an ethical issue? How can the governmental entity maintain a strong culture for professional ethics? Using a combination of guided discussion, case studies, and review of professional ethics issues, this course will address these topics and more. The Tenets of the ICMA Code of Ethics will be explored in the course and these tenets are also incorporated into all of the other courses in the curriculum. 
Information sheet and map provided.

Registration/Cancellation Policy:

Provided that space is available, receipt of the registration form constitutes registration. Written cancellations received fifteen (15) working days prior to the beginning of the program will be honored with a partial refund of the registration fee, but will be assessed a $50 administration charge. Due to commitments to instructors and meeting facilities, late cancellations or non-attendance will not be refunded. 

Certificate Maintenance

When a participant completes the five courses, they will receive an ACCMA Local Government Professional Management Certificate. The participant's certificate status will be reviewed every three years. To maintain the certificate, a person must attend three ACCMA or ICMA conferences and one ACCMA training course over the three-year period.