​ 2021-2022 Municipal Leadership Academy

 

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The Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA) is conducted following the regular city elections, which are held in odd-numbered years. MLA offers education on a variety of important 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.

Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 MLA! Register for all three parts or one series at a time.

Register Now!
 
 

MLA Part One Details
​​​​​​​​​​MLA Part One provides an overview of city government, offered through five in-person workshops around the state along with a virtual session. In addition, attendees will receive the 2022 Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders’ Handbook, which is a great resource on all things city government. The handbook alone is a $40 value!

​Topics Covered
  • ​​Budget and Finance
  • Effective City Councils
  • Municipal Operations
Dates/Locations​
Thursday, December 2 | Atlantic
 
Saturday, December 4 | Mason City (moved from Clear Lake)
Thursday, December 9 | Cherokee
Saturday, December 11 | Cedar Rapids
Thursday, December 16 | Virtual (via Zoom)
Saturday, December 18 | Ankeny

MLA Part Two Details
​​MLA Part Two features a set of online trainings held during the first week of January 2022, which can be viewed live or 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 Covered
  • The City Budget
  • You Got Elected, Now What? 
  • Basics of Planning & Zoning


MLA Part Three Details
MLA Part Three builds on the understanding developed in the first two parts by covering specific issue​​​​​​​​​​​s and challenges that cities face, providing attendees tools to improve their communities. Part Three is held at five locations around the state with one virtual session.

Topics Covered
  • ​Economic Development
  • Community Betterment
  • Acting Strategically​​

More information about the training offered can be seen in the 2021-2022 MLA Brochure​. 
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