Advancing Municipal Leaders

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.

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 and will be categorized by the following learning topics:

Risk Management
Economic Development
Advocacy
Public Good
Covid-19
About the League

When Are the Courses?

All live events (both webinars and in-person) will be included on the Events Calendar. The On-Demand Course Catalog offers you 24/7 access to many classes that can be completed at your convenience.

Check back regularly for new offerings and stay informed by subscribing to our weekly AML newsletter that announces classes and registration information (sign up below).

Why Should I Attend?

Not only do participants receive valuable information and education through AML courses, but also they can earn credits toward three certification levels of municipal leadership: Order of Municipal Leadership, Order of Municipal Dedication, and Order of Municipal Expertise.

AML Advisory Committee

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

Co-Chair Sharon Harker, Commissioner, Beaufort

Co-Chair P.J. Connelly, Mayor Greenville

Members:

Brenda Bozeman, Mayor, Leland

Dedreana Freeman, Council Member, Durham

Darrell Hinnant, Mayor, Kannapolis

Vivian Jones, Mayor, Wake Forest

Anne-Marie Knighton, Town Manager, Edenton

Costi Kutteh, Mayor, Statesville

Steve Little, Mayor, Marion

Nicole Stewart, Council Member, Raleigh

Order of Municipal Leadership

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

Order of Municipal Dedication

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

Order of Municipal Expertise

During this final level of certification, municipal officials will be asked to choose a specialization to focus your efforts and increase your mastery. Officials who achieve the Order of Municipal Expertise not only work to continue their own education, but also help newer officials begin their own journeys.

Who Should Attend AML?

All municipal elected officials – both newly-elected and incumbent – 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.