Advancing Municipal Leaders

What is AML?

Advancing Municipal Leaders (AML) is a member-driven education program designed to provide continuous learning opportunities and help local elected officials be successful in public office.

Through AML, municipal officials will learn how to meet - and exceed - the requirements of their role in office. Courses include a comprehensive overview of North Carolina municipal government and are presented by the League and our partners who are dedicated to the learning and development of municipal officials.

Why AML?

All municipal officials – elected and staff  – should attend. From open meetings to municipal finances and topics in between, our courses are designed to bring officials up to speed on the constantly evolving world of municipal government. Current officials will also find incredible value in the up-to-date information on municipal operations and networking opportunities.

The Advancing Municipal Leaders Advisory Committee works to identify the ever-changing educational needs of municipal elected officials across North Carolina. Members meet periodically to help guide the AML program's efforts.

AML Newsletter Sign-Up

FEATURED EVENT:

Human Resources Training: 'HR 101' and 'HR 201'

Flat Rock – May 13, 2026 

HR 101: Comprehensive Overview of Municipal Employee Management
Morning Session | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HR 201: Performance Management Workshop
Afternoon Session | 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

 

Course Description: 

This two-part educational offering provides local government leaders with practical guidance to manage employees effectively and confidently. The morning session, HR 101, explores the full municipal employee lifecycle, highlighting best practices, key legislation, and policy navigation. The afternoon session, HR 201, focuses on performance management strategies, including feedback, accountability, and addressing underperformance. Participants may attend one session or both, earning AML credits while building essential HR knowledge and skills.

REGISTER FOR COURSE

AML Course Calendar

See Course Catalog

AML Course

Human Resources Training: 'HR 101' and 'HR 201' | Flat Rock


10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapters 9 and 10, Year End and Audit


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 4, Revenues and Collections


1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

AML Course

Municipal Supervision: 'Basics 101' & '201' | Kernersville


10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 5, Expenses and Purchasing


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 6, Billings and Collections


1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 8, Payroll


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 11, Annual Reporting


1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Webinar

AIM Training Session: Chapter 12, Checklists


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

AML On-Demand

Comprehensive online training for municipal leaders

On-Demand Course Library

Our on-demand courses provide flexible, self-paced training for North Carolina municipal officials. Each course offers focused instruction on essential aspects of North Carolina municipal government, developed by the League and subject-matter experts. These virtual offerings directly support the League’s Vision 2030 operating principles.

Featured On-Demand Courses:

Ethics for Municipal Officials

This course will help municipal officials meet mandated requirements and provide an overview of the laws and regulations that govern ethical behavior in North Carolina.

See Course Details

Open Meetings Law

This course provides a practical overview of North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law, including meeting definitions, notice requirements, public access, and closed session procedures.

See Course Details

Municipal Finance Series

This on-demand series builds foundational knowledge in local government finance, covering accounting, controls, cash management, reporting, and officials’ financial oversight roles.

See Course Details

AML Certificate Programs

Introduction. Fundamentals. Workshops.

See Course Catalog

Each learning category allows participants to move from introductory courses, through trainings on key fundamentals, and finally into hands-on intensive workshops. Select your level of involvement, based on your needs and the needs of your town.

For those new to office or looking for a refresher, we have webinars and 101-level trainings always ready for you. For those looking to take the next step, there are a selection of facilitated workshops each year on topics such as strategic planning, budgeting and performance management.

Affordable, accessible, and designed for municipalities—AML meets you where you are in your professional development journey.

See Certificate Programs Below:

Employee Management Certificate

Managing employees effectively is one of the most essential—and often most challenging—responsibilities in municipal government. This program is designed to equip local government leaders and staff with a solid foundation in public sector human resources.

Get Started Today

Financial Management Certificate

A category dedicated to the most important aspect of municipal leadership: financial management. 

Get Started Today

Commit to Civility Certificate

Commit to Civility is a multi-step program that showcases a city or town council's pledge to civil conduct and leadership. It engages and challenges municipal officials to embrace civility throughout the course of their work within their communities.

Get Started Today

Certificate of Municipal Achievement

Working toward achieving the Certificate of Municipal Achievement will provide you with the basics of municipal government and connect you to the resources and materials that will prepare you for your role. 

Requires 12 hours of AML credit

Certificate of Municipal Excellence

AML's second level of achievement builds upon your understanding of municipal government. While working toward the Certificate of Municipal Excellence, municipal leaders will gain an even deeper understanding of governing at the local level. 

Requires 25 hours of AML credit

Certificate of Municipal Dedication

Officials who achieve the Certificate of Municipal Dedication not only work to continue their own education, but also help newer officials begin their own journeys.

Requires 40 hours of AML credit*

*After obtaining the Certificate of Municipal Dedication, officials must complete six hours of continuing education each year to maintain the certificate

NCLM Learning & Development Team

Vickie Miller

Director of Learning & Development

Contact Vickie Miller

Stephanie Hughes

Communication & Multimedia Strategist

Contact Stephanie Hughes