​ Join us f​or the ​2019-2020 Municipal Lea​dership Academy​

 

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*The MLA Part 3 workshops will not be held in person due to concerns with COVID-19. Training videos for each segment have been recorded and all registrants will receive an email with direct links to the videos and accompanying presentations. Registration is open to all who have not registered (online registration is available, check the links on the right side of this page). (4/14/2020)
 
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.

MLA Part One occurred at seven locations across Iowa from November 16 through December 14, 2019.

Topics: Budget and Finance I Effective City Councils I Municipal Operations
  
Missed the Part One sessions? Then buy the Municipal Policy Leaders Handbook. It's a must-read reference for Iowa's elected officials.
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MLA Part Two: $60
The second part of MLA is a group of videos released in early January 2020, which can be viewed online 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

 
 
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​​​​​​​​​​​
 
 

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

Successful leadership and management requires an understanding of the basics of city government and the responsibilities of city officials. The first part of MLA provides an overview of city government at seven in-person workshop around the state. In addition, attendees will receive the 2020 Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders’ Handbook, which a great resource on all things city government. The handbook alone is a $40 value!

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 cost $80, which included a meal and a copy of the 2020 Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders’ Handbook.

MLA Part One Dates and Locations
Saturday, November 16, 2019 in Wall Lake

Thursday, November 21, 2019 in Fayette

Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Ottumwa

Thursday, December 5, 2019  in Griswold

Saturday, December 7, 2019 in Iowa City

Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Algona 

Saturday, December 14, 2019 in Van Meter 
 


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.
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