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.
FEATURED EVENT:
"Strategic Planning for Small Towns"
This Strategic Planning Workshop offers a practical, accessible solution for municipalities under 15,000 in population. Rather than just learning about strategic planning, participants will actively develop a 3-to-5-year Strategic Plan tailored to their town’s unique needs and priorities.
Led by experienced League staff, this hands-on session walks municipal leadership teams through a structured planning process using a proven, user-friendly template. Together, your team will identify key focus areas, define clear objectives, and outline actionable steps to move your community forward. Unlike traditional trainings, this workshop delivers a tangible outcome: a working draft of your town’s Strategic Plan, ready to be immediately refined, adopted, and implemented.
AML Course Calendar
See Course CatalogAML Course
Cyber Security 101: Understanding the Threat and Protecting Your Town
Wednesday, September 24
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
AML Course
Strategic Planning: A Workshop for Small Towns | Winston-Salem
Wednesday, October 8
9:30 AM -
Thursday, October 9
4:00 PM
AML Course
Cyber Security 101: Understanding the Threat and Protecting Your Town | Webinar
Wednesday, October 22
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
AML Course
Excellence in Municipal Customer Service | Webinar
Wednesday, October 29
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
AML Course
Local Government Budgeting Workshop | Morganton, NC
Wednesday, November 5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
AML Course
Local Government Budgeting Workshop | Raleigh, NC
Wednesday, November 12
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
AML Course
HR 201: Performance Management Workshop | Lexington, NC
Tuesday, November 18
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
AML Course
Elected Official Training: 'Council Academy' and 'Rules of Procedure' | Kannapolis, NC
Wednesday, December 3
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
AML Course
Elected Official Training: 'Council Academy' and 'Rules of Procedure' | Durham, NC
Wednesday, December 10
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Meeting
Essentials of Municipal Government - Asheville
Thursday, January 15
12:00 AM -
Friday, January 16
12:00 AM
AML On-Demand
Courses are provided virtually, on-demand, and in-person
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. Courses are primarily web-based and offer attendees both live webinar and on-demand opportunities. Courses will directly address the League's Vision 2030 operating principles.
See On-Demand Courses Below:
AML Certification Programs
Introduction. Fundamentals. Workshops
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 Certification Programs Below:
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
