Academy for Excellence in Local Governance

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance (The Academy) voluntary certificate program is a collaborative effort involving MACo, the Maryland Municipal League (MML), the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), and the Institute for Governmental Service and Research (IGSR) of the University of Maryland, College Park, that also serves as the program administrator.

The Academy certificate program is voluntary. Enrolled county government officials are required to take 8 "core" classes and 6 "elective" classes, all available on a rotation basis during MACo Winter and Summer Conferences and at LGIT. Scroll down for more details!

Elected County Officials

Upon request, MACo will contribute $150 towards the $250 enrollment fee for county ELECTED officials in the Academy. Learn more and enroll using this special Elected County Officials Enrollment form.

Non-Elected County Officials

County appointed officials may complete and mail the regular Appointed County Officials Enrollment Form or contact IGSR. The address is 4321 Hartwick Road, #208, College Park, MD 20742 and the telephone number is (301)405-4905.

Need to keep track of your Academy courses?

Download an Academy courses Tracking Form. 

Can't remember when?

Review this History of all core and elective credit courses offered at MACo conferences - past and future scheduled for Winter and Summer Conferences. The list has been updated to include Core Sessions scheduled through 2010.

Why the Academy?

The Academy is provided as an educational response to the professional education needs of Maryland local government officials. Local governments are increasingly asked to do more, often with fewer resources. The downsizing of the federal and state government has placed more decision making at the local level and, at the same time, reduced the training and technical support available to local officials. Often officials are called on to understand and make decisions on highly complex issues with grave implications to their jurisdictions. Citizen distrust, accountability mandates, and public apathy complicate an already difficult situation. The Academy's curriculum is designed to help local officials, especially newly elected officials, meet the challenges of their role.

Purpose and Objectives

By providing enhanced educational opportunities, the Academy will train informed and responsible local officials to give Maryland jurisdictions the leadership needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Specific objectives are (1) to increase understanding of local government and how it functions; (2) to promote high ethical standards in public service; (3) to provide an informational base for more informed policy making; (4) to develop capacity of local officials to govern effectively; and (5) to recognize local officials for their educational efforts.

Who Can Attend?

The Academy is a voluntary program open to all Maryland local government officials. Individuals may take Academy courses independently or enroll in the certificate program. Participants who are enrolled in the certificate program will be called "Fellows."

What Is Required?

To receive the Academy certificate, local officials must complete specified core and elective units in either the municipal or county track. These classes will often coincide with other conferences and meetings to make them easy to fit into the busy schedule of local officials. All certified Academy courses will be designated by the Academy logo.

What Is the Cost?

Participants in the Academy certificate program pay the one-time Enrollment fee and then MACo conference registration fees.

County Track Requirements

Local officials must complete eight (8) core units plus six (6) elective units. Upcoming classes will be published in newsletters and web sites. Required core units will be offered in a timeframe suitable to completing the certificate program within its completion requirements. Participants are encouraged to complete requirements in four years, but may take as long as needed. Participants must submit a verification form after each Academy class for the class to be credited.

Core Requirements: Every participant in the county track must complete the 8 core sessions: Ethics; Open Meetings; Public Information Act; Employment Issues; County Financial Management; Conducting Effective Meetings; Consensus & Team Building; and the Basics of Risk Management.

Elective Requirements: Participants must choose and take 6 elective sessions from the following categories: Land Use Planning; Service Delivery, Legal and Liability Issues, Human Resources & Personnel Administration, Finance, Communications, Economic Development and Tourism, Environmental Issues, Personal Development, Intergovernmental Relations, and Technology.

What Do You Get?

Upon completion of the program, a graduation is held in the University Chapel at the University of Maryland, College Park, where each graduate receives a certificate signed by the President of the University. A dessert reception follows. A press release is mailed to your local media announcing that you have completed this important educational program.

See MACo Conferences and Events Schedule for more information.