On-Demand Course Library

Our comprehensive online, on-demand course catalog offers North Carolina local government officials flexible access to essential training in municipal governance, ethics for elected officials, municipal finance, and other key topics. Designed to build foundational knowledge and practical skills, these courses empower leaders to navigate complex responsibilities, uphold transparency, and make informed decisions that strengthen their communities—all at their own pace and convenience.

Best Practices for Elected Officials

The Best Practices for Elected Officials series is designed to help local leaders navigate their roles with confidence, integrity, and effectiveness. Covering topics such as ethical decision-making, public engagement, and strategic leadership, these courses provide practical guidance for fostering transparency, building trust, and serving communities responsibly. Each session equips elected officials with actionable insights to meet the challenges of governance and lead with excellence.

Ethics for Municipal Officials

Participants will review laws governing conflicts of interest, standards of conduct, and open government while strengthening ethical decision-making skills and public trust. This course satisfies North Carolina’s mandated ethics training requirement for municipal elected officials.

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Independence, Professionalism, & Public Engagement

This session reviews best practices for boards and elected officials, focusing on ethics, impartial decision-making, professionalism, transparency, and clear motions. Participants learn strategies to build public trust and strengthen effective governance.

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Foundations of Municipal Governance

The Foundations of Municipal Governance series provides North Carolina municipal officials with essential knowledge and practical guidance for effective, ethical, and transparent local government. Participants will gain a strong understanding of key operational and governance principles—including managing municipal assets, navigating public accountability requirements, and making informed decisions in compliance with North Carolina statutes. Each course is designed to equip officials with the tools and insights needed to lead confidently, respond to evolving responsibilities, and foster trust in their communities.

Real Estate & Condemnation

This session introduces the fundamentals of municipal real estate, from basic property interests to condemnation procedures and risk considerations. Participants will learn how local governments acquire, hold, and dispose of property while meeting statutory requirements and safeguarding the public interest.

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Open Meetings Law

This course provides a clear, practical overview of North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law. Participants will learn what constitutes an official meeting, how to meet public notice and access requirements, and the proper procedures for entering, conducting, and recording closed sessions.

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Public Records

This session explains what qualifies as a public record under North Carolina law and how records must be managed, retained, and released. Participants will learn to apply the retention schedule, safeguard confidential information, and respond appropriately to public records requests.

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Municipal Operations Essentials

The Municipal Operations Essentials series provides local government officials with practical knowledge and best practices for managing critical day-to-day services. From coordinating road closures to optimizing utility operations, these courses focus on the operational strategies that keep communities running smoothly. Designed for flexibility and real-world application, the series equips leaders with the tools to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability in municipal service delivery.

Managing Road Closures

This 30-minute on-demand course will provide municipal officials and leaders with an awareness of requirements for closing streets and roads so that municipal risk is reduced and public safety is maintained.

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Utility Management Best Practices

The Municipal Operations Essentials series provides local government officials with practical knowledge and best practices for managing critical day-to-day services.

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Municipal Finance Series

The Municipal Finance Series is a comprehensive set of on-demand trainings designed to strengthen foundational knowledge and practical skills in local government finance. The series covers key topics such as governmental accounting, internal controls, cash management, financial reporting, and the roles and responsibilities of municipal officials. Together, these courses provide municipal staff and elected officials with the tools needed to support accountability, sound financial decision-making, and effective oversight.

Governmental Accounting for Non-Governmental Accountants

Learn why governments follow different accounting rules than the private sector. This course provides a high-level overview of governmental accounting objectives, fund structure, financial statements, and how measurement focus and basis of accounting support accountability.

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Bank Reconciliations

This webinar explains why accurate and timely bank reconciliations are critical. Topics include central depositories, returned items, daily banking reports, escheats requirements, and a detailed walkthrough of a sample bank reconciliation.

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How to Read Financial Statements

Review the annual financial reporting process and learn how to effectively read municipal financial statements. This course explains what financial reports can and cannot tell you and highlights the importance of timely financial information.

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Monthly Board Reporting

Learn why monthly financial reporting is essential for keeping boards and leadership informed. This webinar covers what information should be included, what should be excluded, and reviews strong examples of board reports from NC municipalities.

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Cash Receipts

Understand best practices for managing cash receipts and maintaining strong internal controls. This course explores centralized cash systems and introduces investing principles that emphasize safety and liquidity over yield.

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Pre-Audit

This webinar defines financial obligations and explains the pre-audit and disbursement processes. Participants will learn required documentation, internal controls, and best practices to ensure compliance and proper financial oversight.

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Completing Required Forms

This course introduces resources available to help municipal staff complete required financial forms. It provides an overview of reporting requirements and walks through select forms to highlight common issues and best practices.

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Internal Controls

Learn what internal controls are and why they matter. This webinar reviews common warning signs of control weaknesses, areas of fraud risk, and strategies for developing and maintaining effective controls, particularly in small finance offices.

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Roles & Responsibilities

This course reviews the legal structure of municipal governments and the statutory authority of key roles. It clarifies the responsibilities of governing boards, management, and staff in municipal financial operations.

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NCLM Learning & Development Team

Vickie Miller

Director of Learning & Development

Contact Vickie Miller

Stephanie Hughes

Communication & Multimedia Strategist

Contact Stephanie Hughes