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.
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
- Environment 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. Attendance at both sessions is required to complete the Local Government Leadership Program and receive the elective credits for the New Mexico Municipal League Leadership Certificate of the Municipal Officials Leadership Institute (MOLI), New Mexico Counties’ NM EDGE and County College, or 3 credit hours in “Boardsmanship” toward the mandated school board training through the New Mexico School Boards Association.
For more information about receiving NM EDGE units toward certification, visit the NM Edge website call 575-646-5424.
For more information about receiving MOLI credit toward certification, visit the MOLI Program website or call 800-432-2036.
For more information about receiving “Boardsmanship” credit hours, call the New Mexico School Boards Association at 505-983-5041.
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).
2023 Local Government Leadership Program Session Dates
April 17 – 20 (Santa Fe)
May 31 – June 3 (Albuquerque)
Nominate an individual for the Local Government Leadership Program today!
If you would like to apply, please download an application and send it to leader@leadershipnm.org. Application deadline is March 31, 2023.
Download the 2023 Program Application Fillable Form
Download the 2023 Program Flyer