Learn more about MLA Part One ​​​​​​​​

Budget and Finance
A chief duty of the city council and staff is the development and approval of the annual city budget. This session will provide the basics of city budgets, including the property tax system, budget adoption schedules, revenue streams and expenditures.

Effective City Councils
Part of being a mayor or council member is learn­ing to work as a team to accomplish the city’s goals. Learn strategies to con­duct more efficient and effective meetings.

Municipal Operations
Cities provide a wide variety of daily services to citizens, each of which come with different responsibilities and concerns. Get a better understanding of your obligations under state and federal laws as well as how basic services are provided.

MLA Part One costs $80, which includes a meal and a copy of the 2020 Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders’ Handbook.

MLA Part One Dates and Locations
Saturday, November 16, 2019 (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
Wall Lake | Community Center
209 2nd St, Wall Lake, IA 51466

Thursday, November 21, 2019  (4 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
Fayette | Upper Iowa University, Student Center Ballroom
605 Washington St, Fayette, IA 52142

Saturday, November 23, 2019  (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
Ottumwa | Bridge View Center
102 Church St, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Thursday, December 5, 2019  (4 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
Griswold | Community Center
601 2nd St, Griswold, IA 51535

Saturday, December 7, 2019  (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
Iowa City | Clarion Highlander Hotel
2525 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52245

Thursday, December 12, 2019  (4 p.m.- 8 p.m.​)
Algona | ​Knights of Columbus Hall
1501 E Walnut St, Algona, IA 50511

Saturday, December 14, 2019 (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
Van Meter | Veterans Reception Center
910 Main St, Van Meter, IA 50261

 

The second part of MLA is a group of videos released during the first week of January 2020, which can be viewed on the League’s website at your convenience. Watch the videos all at once or separately in order to fit within a city’s ori­entation program for new officials.

The City Budget
Build on the basic city finance information covered in MLA Part One by hearing how a city budget is developed. The main focus is getting attendees prepared to partici­pate effectively in their city budget process.

You Got Elected, Now What?
This video covers strategies for success in office, handling human resources issues, council meet­ing basics and an overview of roles and responsibilities.

Basics of Planning and Zoning
Get an overview of planning and zoning laws as well as the role and responsibilities of the planning commission, the board of adjustment and the city council.

MLA Part Two costs $60.

 

MLA Part Three builds on the understanding developed in the first two parts by covering specific issues and challenges that cities face, providing attendees tools to improve their communities.

Economic Development
Learn about the city’s role in eco­nomic development and the tools used by city governments to retain and attract businesses and housing. This session is essential to understanding the critical role city officials have in maintaining and improving their local economy.

Community Betterment
All want a healthy, clean and vibrant community, but it does not come easy. Hear how your city can proactively clean up properties and neighborhoods, improve its nuisance abatement efforts and boost community pride.

Acting Strategically
Discussion will focus on ways cities can determine priorities, set goals and carry out initiatives. Any successful city must think and act strategically and this session will provide attendees tools to conduct planning and ways to work together.

MLA Part Three costs $80.