Local Government Training at IPA

introduction

Local governments are increasingly asked to do more, often with fewer resources. Local officials are frequently called upon to understand and make decisions on highly complex issues. Today's elected and appointed leaders must be well versed in everything from land-use planning, zoning, development review, FOIA, personnel law, economic development, housing, and many other issues. Our Local Government Training Program is intended to provide important and necessary knowledge for local officials so that they can make informed decisions for their towns and cities.​

What is the Certificate in Local Government Leadership?

Upon completion of a total of 25 hours of education and training sessions in our program within a three-year period along with attendance at one or more Institute for Local Government Leaders held each fall, local officials will be informed that they have earned their Certificate in Local Government Leadership. These Certificates will be presented at IPA's annual Institute for Local Government Leaders.

No additional cost is associated with the awarding of this certification and recipients are invited to attend the Institute as IPA's guest to receive their certificate. Customary registration fees are $50-$100 for participation in most of the individual education and in-person training sessions while fees between $20-$50 are typical for remote learning sessions.​

INTRODUCTION

For over 20 years the Institute for Public Administration has partnered with the Office of State Planning Coordination and the Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association to offer training courses that are specifically targeted toward ensuring that local government officials are well-versed in planning and zoning issues both to meet their own needs and to meet state requirements.

Our planning courses are held at various times year-round, but the core courses​ of Planning 101, Land Use Law, and Land Use Administration are held every January, February, and March. Other courses are designated as qualifying for planning credit based on their content throughout the rest of the year.​

What is the Certificate for Planning Education?

Upon completion of a total of 15 hours of specifically directed education and training sessions on planning and zoning topics within a three-year period, including attendance at Planning 101, Land Use Law, and Land Use Administration, local officials will be informed that they have earned their Certificate in Planning Education. These Certificates will be presented at IPA's annual Institute for Local Government Leaders held every fall.

No additional cost is associated with the awarding of this certification, and recipients are invited to attend the Institute as IPA's guest to receive their certificate. Customary registration fees are $50-$100 for participation in most of the individual education and in-person training sessions while fees between $20-$50 are typical for remote learning sessions.​

INTRODUCTION

The Institute for Local Government Leaders is an event typically held each Fall in Dover, which is changed every year to be themed around important topics for Delaware local governments. Awards are given out at the event for participation in IPA's training programs.

The Institute for Local Government Leaders is part of IPA's program that will qualify participants to receive a Certificate in Local Governance Leadership. Attendance provides local officials with four hours of eligible education and training toward the Certificate requirement of 24 contact hours.

INTRODUCTION 

The Office of Municipal Clerk, sometimes referred to by the title of City Secretary or Town Administrator, is at the very hub of local governance. In support of the key role that is played by the municipal clerk, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks recognizes 46 state, provincial, or regional education centers in the United States and Canada that provide programs of instruction that qualify individuals for the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC).

The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration conducts an annual series of municipal clerks training sessions, which enrolls municipal and county staff from throughout the state of Delaware and the surrounding region. Participation in this training over a three-year cycle satisfies the educational requirements for the CMC designation. 

MUNICIPAL CLERKS INSTITUTE

The Fall 2024 Delaware Municipal Clerks Institute is a 40-hour program hosted on nine Fridays in the fall: August 23 & 30, September 6, 13, 20, & 27, and October 4, 18, & 25. ​​​​

​Course Topics Include...

• Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
• What is Public Administration?
• Roles of Clerks during Elections
• Service Learning at Milford Food Bank
  
• Tour of the Delaware Public Archives
• History of the Administrative Office of the Courts
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Resources for Municipal Government
• Climate Change
• Improving Digital Proficiency Skills for Career Impact
• Budgeting/Tips for Dealing with Council
• Emotional Labor in Public Service