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.
Check out the dates below:
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 Courses + On-Demand Catalog
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.
Below are our current On-Demand Catalog courses:
AML Certificate Programs
AML Certificates showcase your expertise in municipal leadership and commitment to professional development.
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
Financial Management Certificate
A category dedicated to the most important aspect of municipal leadership: financial management. Requires six hours of training in budgeting and finance as it relates to the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. Completion of training for this certificate also meets requirements under G.S. 160A-148 for city managers.
(DIRECT) Certificate
DIRECT strengthens communities by identifying and addressing racial disparities at the local level. DIRECT stands for Diversity, Inclusion & Racial Equity for Cities & Towns.
Requires six hours of training in the DIRECT curriculum
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.
Requires the completion of the Commit to Civility On-Demand course and a commitment to the civility pledge. Municipalities also adopt and submit a Resolution.
