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Leadership Certificate for Elected Officials

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About the Certificate

LMC Elected Officials Leadership Certificate. Developing Leaders. Advancing Good Governance.

Strong city leadership starts with continued learning. The Leadership Certificate for Elected Officials recognizes Minnesota city elected officials who invest in building their knowledge, strengthening their leadership skills, and staying connected to resources that help them serve their communities.

Launching in January 2027, this free, voluntary program allows city elected officials to earn credit for participating in eligible League of Minnesota Cities learning opportunities and events. Participants can choose from a variety of in-person and online programs, creating a flexible learning path that works for your interests and schedules.

Who

Any elected official representing a Minnesota city can participate in the program. 

How to Earn

To earn the certificate, participants must complete 32 credits within two years, including at least 16 credits of in-person learning and one qualifying leadership program. 

Required Programs

Participants are required to complete one of the following leadership programs: 

  • Elected Leaders Institute: Newly Elected Leaders
  • Elected Leaders Institute: Next-Level Leaders
  • Introduction to City Governance for Newly Elected Leaders (online)

Eligible Programs

Most LMC Programs will be eligible for credit. The amount of credit will vary and will be listed on the individual event and program webpages.

  • LMC Annual Conference
  • City Day on the Hill
  • Webinars
  • MemberLearn Courses
  • Some Safety and Loss Control events

Access a list of upcoming LMC events

  • Certificate FAQs

    Q: Who can participate?

    A: Any current elected official serving a Minnesota city.

    Q: Does the certificate cost anything?

    A: No. Participation is free, however, there are registration costs for some events and MemberLearn courses. 

    Q: Is participation required?

    A: No. The certificate is entirely voluntary. You can opt into the program beginning in January 2027.

    Q: How long do I have to complete the program?

    A: You have two years from the date you enroll. Most participants should be able to complete the requirements in about one year.

    Q: How do I earn credit toward the certificate?

    A: Participants will earn credit by attending eligible LMC learning opportunities and events. 

    Q: What types of learning opportunities count toward the certificate?

    A: A variety of eligible LMC learning opportunities will count, including select in-person events, workshops, and webinars. 

    Q: Do I have to attend specific events?

    A: The program is designed to be flexible. Participants can choose from eligible learning opportunities based on their interests, schedules, and the needs of their city. However, participants must complete one of the required leadership courses listed below: 

    • Elected Leaders Institute: Newly Elected Leaders (15 credits)
    • Elected Leaders Institute: Next-Level Leaders (10 credits)
    • Introduction to City Governance for Newly Elected Leaders (online)

    Q: How will my participation be tracked? Can I track my own progress?

    A: LMC will keep track of your certificate progress. You can log in to MyLMC to check your progress. 

    Q: Will learning I completed before enrolling count toward my certification?

    A: Only eligible learning completed after enrolling in the program will count toward certification.

    Q: Can I earn credit for virtual programs?

    A: Yes. Eligible webinars and MemberLearn opportunities can both count toward the certificate.

    Q: What happens when I complete the requirements?

    A: Participants who complete the program requirements will receive the LMC Elected Officials Leadership Certificate and formal recognition of their commitment to continued learning and leadership development.

    Q: What happens if I leave elected office before completing the certification?

    A: The certificate is available to current Minnesota city elected officials. If you leave office before completing the requirements, you will no longer be eligible to participate.

    Q: Can I participate if I am newly elected?

    A: Yes. Any current elected official serving a Minnesota city can enroll, regardless of how long they have been in office.

    Q: If I switch roles (from council member to mayor), does my progress carry over?

    A: Yes. 

Your LMC Resource

Adriana Temali

Learning & Events Manager

(651) 281-1267 or (800) 925-1122

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