The Local Government Leadership Program seeks to prepare local officials with the background and knowledge necessary to undertake their civic responsibility with a passion for effective and ethical public service.

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The Local Government Leadership Program is an educational partnership between New Mexico Counties, the New Mexico Municipal League, the New Mexico School Boards Association, and Leadership New Mexico. These organizations have joined together to provide a unique educational experience to local civic leaders. The goal of the program is to develop and enhance the leadership capacities of local officials while fostering a higher level of civic and community concern and participation. The program consists of two 2-1/2 day program sessions. The curriculum is modeled after the Leadership New Mexico Core Program and is designed to offer municipal and county officials, school board members, members of the National Guard, and regional councils of governments the opportunity to explore the critical issues facing New Mexico and participate in skill-building workshops. Topics for the program include:

• History and Demographics of New Mexico
• Economic Development
• Education
• Energy and Natural Resources
• Health and Human Services
• Crime and Justice
• Personal Leadership Skill Building Workshops

Each session features speakers who are acknowledged leaders in their specific fields, and participants have the opportunity to engage in discussion with them. The program offers the opportunity for inquiry, analysis and the development of solutions to the most pressing issues facing our communities and state. Participants must be willing to commit the necessary time needed to complete the Local Government Leadership Program.

The Local Government Leadership Program is open to all municipal and county officials, school boards members, members of the New Mexico National Guard, and regional councils of governments. The class is selected to represent the various geographic regions of the state. Special consideration will be given to ensure diversity of gender, race, geography, and sector.

Tuition for the Local Government Leadership Program is $500. The tuition includes all program costs, materials, and speakers. A limited number of scholarships are available for those requiring financial assistance. A request for scholarship assistance does not affect selection into the program. Scholarship priority will go to applicants from our most rural counties (population 15,000 or less).