Munis 101: The Essentials of Municipal Governance

Whether you are a new or returning councillor, developing your skills and knowledge of what it takes to effectively serve your constituents is always a good strategy.

Munis 101: The Essentials of Municipal Governance delivers the key information and strategies that you need to excel in your role. Munis 101 is completely updated to reflect recent changes made to the Municipal Government Act, and includes best practices in everything from public participation to considering how to set tax rates.

Munis 101 will not only prepare you to excel in your role, but it also meets all Alberta Municipal Affairs requirements for mandatory post-election training by providing the fundamental strategies and concepts that new and returning elected officials can apply to learning about their own local municipal functions, plans, and financial information. In fact, the course has been endorsed by Alberta Municipal Affairs, so you can be confident that you have the baseline skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Munis 101 is a two-day, in-person course with plenty of opportunities for reflection, discussion, and applying concepts and ideas to your own municipal context. The course is divided into five modules as follows:

Module 1 – Apply the Basics of Municipal Governance and Legislation in Alberta

• Distinguish the role of municipalities in Alberta
• Govern within the municipal organization and function

Module 2 – The Elected Official’s Role in Municipal Leadership

• Recognize the roles and responsibilities of municipal elected officials
• Recognize and respect the roles and responsibilities of municipal staff
• Apply common council decision-making processes
• Work effectively within your individual leadership style

Module 3 – Navigate the World of Municipal Finance

• Recognise important budgeting and financial administration processes
• Distinguish how municipalities are funded

Module 4 – Explore the Role of Municipal Planning and Development

• Recognize how municipalities plan and grow
• Understand common planning and development processes

Module 5 – Ensure Effective Collaboration

• Recognize the importance of collaboration and the available tools
• Build relationships with local businesses and non-profits
• Recognize the opportunities and challenges of collaborating

Withdrawal policy:

• One month or more prior to course date: full refund
• Two weeks prior to course date or less: $75 administration fee
• One week prior to course date: 50% administration fee
• Less than one week prior to course date or no-show: no refund
• A full refund will be issued in the case of a positive COVID-19 test that would preclude a registered participant from attending an in-person course, regardless of the statements above. However, notice of withdrawal is required as soon as possible
• In addition, anyone experiencing any COVID symptoms is not permitted to attend an in-person course, and will be issued a full refund so long as they send notification to the registrar before the course starts

Other Available Courses

• Regional Partnerships and Collaboration
• Council’s Role in Strategic Planning
• Council’s Role in Municipal Service Delivery
• Council’s Role in Land Use and Development Approvals
• Council’s Role in Public Engagement
• Municipal Corporate Planning and Finance

To register, choose a date that you want to register for using the Link in the Sidebar on the main EOEP page.