Holy Toledo! Local Government Leadership Academy graduates 15th Class

The quality and long-term sustainability of any community depends on the caliber of its local leadership. One thing we can do to ensure a deep pool of qualified leaders is to engage individuals in leadership development, and the Toledo Local Government Leadership Academy is one such program.

Toledo Local Government Leadership Academy – Class of 2016

This educational offering marks the 15^th year of an outstanding local partnership with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program and is the longest running local government leadership academy in Ohio. The 2016 class had twenty-eight graduates from various local government backgrounds. Since 2002, the Toledo Local Government Leadership Academy has produced over 300 graduates.

The Ohio Local Government Leadership Academy is designed for elected officials from county, municipal, and township governments, and for appointed individuals who serve on local government committees, commissions, boards or task forces. The purpose of the Academy is to provide useful programs that will enhance the leadership and decision-making skills of public officials. The Academy curriculum includes eleven workshops. A leadership certificate is presented to each individual who completes seven of the workshops.

General Workshop:

All participants in the Academy must complete the basic course, Public Officials and Public Service, which includes:

1. Duties and Responsibilities of Public Officials
2. Codes of Ethics
3. Standards of Conduct
4. Conflict of Interest
5. Open Meetings Laws / Executive Sessions

Elective Workshop Topics:

To earn the Leadership Certificate each candidate must complete five additional workshops from those listed below. Most workshops are designed for two hours.

1. Conducting Effective Meetings
2. Communicating and Working With the Media
3. Communicating and Working With Citizens
4. Building Sustainable Communities
5. Team Building (between each other/ other officials / and staff)
6. Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution
7. Leadership Skills and Styles
8. Effective Decision-Making
9. Intergovernmental Relations: Opportunities and Challenges for Cooperation
10. Technology in Local Government

Schedule:

The Academy workshops can be offered on a local or regional basis as requested. The Academy will be sponsored by a local or regional organization or association that will be responsible for making all local arrangements, including facilities, equipment and securing participation. Enrollment fees will be determined by the sponsoring organization. Expense reimbursement will be paid to the instructor(s) for travel and workshop materials.

For more information, contact Joe Lucente, Assistant Professor and Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension and Ohio Sea Grant College Program.