Local Government Academy
Below are seven attributes of governance that support sustainability and resources available from the Local Government Academy to attain them.
7 Attributes of Governance that Support Sustainability and LGA Resources
1. Organizational Capacity
Newly Elected Officials Course - provides a comprehensive review of the basic duties of municipal officials, taught by experts in their fields. Offered every other year following the municipal election, it is a one-of-a kind course, unique in Pennsylvania for its scope and content.
Next Scheduled: Opening Day - November 21, 2009
Municipal Intern Program - provides a service to communities by placing students from graduate and undergraduate programs at local colleges and universities in municipalities, authorities and Councils of Governments to complete summer internships.
Next Application Deadline – January 31, 2010
Pillars of Good Government - for use in evaluating the value and performance of local government services. The process for establishing the standards engages local governments, the academic community, businesses and nonprofit organizations around 8 "pillars" of good government. Contact LGA to serve on a Pillars Team
2. Best Management Practices
Annual Training Calendar - various best management practice sessions for elected officials and staff in the areas of human resources, public safety, public works, budget and finance, intergovernmental cooperation, ethics, community development, and powers & duties of municipalities and local officials.
Visit the LGA website to sign up for an e-newsletter to receive program updates.
LGA Lyceum – a forum to create dialogue on current local government issues. Read and comment on local government best management practices.
www.lgalyceum.org
Municipal Intern Program – see above
3. Professionalism
Pledge to Excellence - Candidates for local office have an opportunity to demonstrate to voters their commitment to good government and professional development by signing the Pledge to Excellence. The pledge is a commitment to lifelong learning and meeting the requirements of public office through professional and personal development. Sign the pledge online at www.localgovernmentacademy.org
Local Government Job Network - LGA is often contacted by municipalities and other organizations looking for help in finding individuals with the knowledge and skills relevant to local government. http://lgjobnet.org
Newly Elected Officials Course – see above
4. Intergovernmental Cooperation
Multi-Municipal Planning Grant Program - supports the creation and implementation of multi-municipal plans in conformance with the PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Applicants are eligible for grants up to $8,500 per municipality. The program is administered by LGA with funds from the Heinz Endowments.
Next Application Deadline – November 1, 2009
Road to Excellence Conference – Annual conference on intergovernmental cooperation
Next Scheduled: Intergovernmental Cooperation in Public Safety September 17, 2009 9:00 – 3:00
5. Civic Engagement
Contemplating Governing - is an introduction to serving in local government. These sessions will help individuals decide if local government service is right for them and encourage responsible campaigning. This program provides citizens the chance to consider the opportunities, challenges, requirements, and reasons to serve in local elected office.
Next Scheduled: January 2011
LGA Lyceum – a forum to create dialogue on current local government issues. www.lgalyceum.org
Newly Elected Officials Course – see info above
6. Attract Investment
Annual Training Calendar - of Community Development programs including sessions on topics such as planning, zoning, economic development, reducing blight, stormwater, transportation, and more.
Next Scheduled: Sustainable Community Development Essentials June 4, 2009 9:00 – Noon
Before the Storms: 2009 Stormwater Conference September 3, 2009 9:00 – 3:00
7. Stewardship
Annual Training Calendar - of Budget & Finance sessions, as well as programs on Ethics and Accountability
Next Scheduled: Act 32 Earned Income Tax Collection: Is Your School District or Municipality Ready? June 2009 Multiple Dates & SWPA Locations
2009 Grant Writing Workshop June 10, 2009 9:00 – 3:30
GASB 54 program Summer Date TBA
Technical Assistance is available through the Local Government Academy in all of the above 7 attributes.
Visit www.localgovernmentacademy.org for more information.
Anita Lengvarsky
Director of Programs
Local Government Academy
alengvarsky@localgovernmentacademy.org
