The Newly Elected Officials Course (NEOC) includes informative sessions addressing the complex tasks of running a municipality and prepares newly elected officials to deal with policy matters and the government process, as well as legal and fiscal responsibilities.  Program instructors include experienced leaders from local, county, and state government, professors from area colleges and universities, and specialists from both the public and private sectors.

Those attending the Newly Elected Officials Course find their term of public service to be quite effective.  Local Government Academy provides educational programs for local government elected officials, appointed officials, and municipal staff in southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Click here to download PDF of Invitation to Winners of 2009 local elections- includeds complete schedule and registration options

OR, if you are ready to register now click here to proceed to registration page

The course covers:

·         The legislative process

·         Scope of municipal powers

·         Working with the media

·         Understanding finances and the budget

·         Personnel law

·         Police and public safety

·         Municipal staff and hiring

·         Infrastructure

·         Planning, zoning and development

·         Leadership and ethics                               

Course Overview 

Understanding the extent and limitations of municipal power and the effect which government form and structure have on decision making and administration.  Also, rights and responsibilities under the Sunshine Act will be covered.

Techniques and procedures for running an effective meeting and properly and effectively involving the public in the process of government.

Media and communications:  Tips and tactics on working with the media, including an open discussion with editors, reporters, and veteran municipal officials about the problems each face. 

Municipal Finances:  Standards for a “good” budget, sources of revenue, control over expenditures, financing capital improvements, and what questions to ask to determine the municipality’s financial position.

Personnel Law:  This is a critical area, which covers the many laws that guide how personnel are hired, managed, and fired.

Police & Public Safety:  Understanding the police function and control over the police department; selection, training and promotion, and discipline of police officers; the civil service law governing cities, boroughs, and townships; examining the relationship between the elected board and the fire department and models of paid, volunteer, and combination companies; municipal officials and legal responsibilities.

Infrastructure:  What elected officials need to know about streets, water, wastewater, and storm water management; maintaining systems; and the impact of development on the need for water, sewage and streets.

Municipal Planning, Zoning, and Development:  Understanding the functions of the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, their relationship with elected officials, and areas of responsibility; problems caused by the lack of improper zoning; and the impact of development on neighboring communities.

Strategic Planning and Leadership:  Long-range planning techniques, becoming an effective leader, to lead or to manage – the relationship between elected officials and professional staff.

Technology/Communication – Communicating with the public through newsletters and websites.

Certificate of Achievement 

Those completing the entire course (two absences permitted) will receive a certificate at a formal ceremony.

NEOC Opening Day Session

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (8:30 AM registration)

Course Schedule

The Local Government Academy 2009-2010 Newly Elected Officials Course offers multiple registration options in multiple locations.  In addition to the full course, a Saturday-only option is available, as well as two weeknight-only options will be offered in Butler and Westmoreland Counties.

Click here to view the 2009 - 2010 NEOC Schedule. 

Registration Options:

Certificate - Full Course $450

Choose location:  Allegheny Co, Butler or Greensburg

Saturdays-Only $275

Weeknights -Only  150

Choose location:  Butler or Greensburg

Not sure?  Choose Opening Day-only, $30.  You may upgrade your registration until January 12, 2010

Click here to proceed to registration page to select registration options 
 

Continuing Legal Education Credits

Attorneys:  Local Government Academy is an accredited PA Continuing

Legal Education provider.  Several sessions held as part of this course will be

certified for CLE credits for an additional fee.  Contact LGA for information.

Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund, formed in honor of Michael P. Lynch, longtime chairman
of the LGA Board of Directors, provides a limited number of NEOC partial
scholarships for first-time elected officials based on community need. To apply,
contact Susan Hockenberry at 412-237-3171 or
shockenberry@localgovernmentacademy.org
 

NEOC Sponsorship Opportunities

2009-2010 Sponsorship Prospectus

Opportunities exist at various levels for corporations and individuals to support
the Academy's work, including the Newly Elected Officials Course.  Current
Advocates for Good Government at the Benefactor Level are recognized as a
Newly Elected Officials Course sponsor as part of their level of benefits.

For more information about the Local Government Academy's Advocates for
Good Government Program and all related benefits, contact Susan
Hockenberry, Executive Director, at (412) 237-3171, or email
shockenberry@localgovernmentacademy.org
           

2009-2010 Newly Elected Officials Course Sponsors