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MLA offers education on a variety of i​mportant city government topics and is a great way to prepare for your role as a city official. MLA is designed to help all city officials better understand their role in municipal government and how to effectively serve their community. It is widely considered essential training for elected officials, especially those recently elected to office.     The three-part training series offers a comprehensive overview of city government and is presented by the Iowa League of Cities and the Office of State and Local Government Pr​ograms at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Package price for MLA Part One, Two & Three: $190   MLA Part One: $80 (includes copy of 2019-2020 Policy Leader's Handbook, a $40 value!)   Seven locations across the state held November 16 through December 14, 2019.   Topics: Budget and Finance I Effective City Councils I Municipal Operations   Click for Dates & Locations | Learn more     ​Can't make it to the Part One sessions? The Municipal Policy Leader's Handbook comes with your MLA Part One registration, but is also ​available for online purchase as well.      ​   MLA Part Two: $60   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.   Topics: The City Budget I You Got Elected, Now What? I Basics of Planning and Zoning   Learn more     MLA Part Three: $80   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.   Topics: Economic Development I Community Betterment I Acting Strategically   Click for Dates & Locations | Learn more​   MLA Part Four: League Conference The final part of MLA is attendance at the League’s An­nual Conference & Exhibit, held September 16-18, 2020 in Coralville. Separate registration for this event is required. The conference includes more than 40 workshops and is an opportunity to continue your municipal edu­cation yearly as well an opportunity to share ideas with other city officials.  Learn more​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Session topics

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
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

Learn more about MLA Part Two

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.

Learn more about MLA Part Three

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.

 

 

Thursday, April 9, 2020 - 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. 
Atlantic | Cass County Extension Center
805 W 10th St, Atlantic, IA 50022

 

Thursday, April 16, 2020 - 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.​
Clear Lake | Community Center
10 N Lake View Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428

 

Saturday, April 18, 2020 - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cherokee | Community Center
530 W Bluff St, Cherokee, IA 51012 

Thursday, April 23, 2020 - 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant | Civic Center
307 East Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

 

Saturday, April 25, 2020 - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
​Windsor Heights | ​Community Center
6900 School St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

 

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