About the Academy
Local government officials are often called upon to understand and make decisions on complex issues with significant implications for their jurisdictions. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a professional development program designed to train informed and responsible local officials thereby providing Maryland jurisdictions with the leadership needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The Academy’s objectives are to:
- increase understanding of local government and how it functions
- promote high ethical standards in public service
- provide an informational base for more informed policy making
- develop the capacity of local officials to govern effectively, and
- recognize local officials for their educational efforts.
Upon their enrollment in the Academy, local officials become Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance. To receive a certificate of completion from the Academy, participants must complete specified core and elective classes in either the municipal or county track. Academy classes are taught by experienced officials, proven practitioners, and university faculty.
The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance was established in 1998 as a collaborative effort among the the University of Maryland's Institute for Governmental Service and Research, the Maryland Municipal League (MML), the Maryland Associations of Counties (MACo), and the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT). A steering committee with representatives from each of the partner organizations provides oversight for the Academy.
For more information about the Academy, contact the Academy Registrar or call the IGSR offices at (301) 405-4905.