Course Descriptions

This course will include discussion of the structures and administration of local governments, as well as current issues in local governance. Topics include: the history and purposes of local government; how local governments are organized and administered; their powers and limitations; issues of sustainability; relations with aboriginal government; and issues of public participation such as interest group lobbying and public consultation.

This course will examine the service that municipalities provide to their citizens in British Columbia. Services to be discussed include: public works, protective services, including fire and police, regulatory services, water and sewer services, refuse collection and solid waste disposal, recreation and cultural services and environmental protection services.

This course will examine the practices and issues of municipal finance in British Columbia and will include discussion of the Local Government Act as it pertains to financial administration; the role of provincial government in financial administration, the role of the Municipal Finance Authority; the finance function at the Municipal/Regional levels; accounting and financial controls in Municipalities and Regional Districts; the financial planning process including short term budgets and long term financial planning; financing options; general accounting/treasury functions; assessment, taxation, collection.

This course focuses on legal principles pertaining to municipal government and regional governments, with particular emphasis on its status, functions, and legal powers and constraints. It will also introduce the principles of administrative law, how legislation is created, and the powers and duties of administrative agencies. Topics covered will include municipal liability, municipal planning law, municipal council and staff legal issues, legislative drafting, basic principles of administrative and constitutional law, and principles of administrative law.

This course provides participants with new information and new research in the field of leadership studies. The format provides many opportunities to learn and practice skills required for effective leaders, the opportunity to learn directly with and from some of the most outstanding leaders in local government in BC, and includes time to look at specific issues faced by individual participants. The course blends theory and practice, with an emphasis on discussion and interaction and participant involvement through role playing and case studies.

The goal of the course is to have British Columbia local government professionals participate in communication skill-based training that will strengthen their individual and team performances. It is believed that managing change, collaborating and navigating difficult conversations are essential communications competencies that effective local government professionals must demonstrate daily. This course will assist participants to become more effective in these areas through interactive sessions on resolving conflict, council-staff relations, communicating with diverse populations, negotiating skills, and coaching skills.

This course focuses on organizational success in local government and provides students with the skills and knowledge to carry out their responsibilities as supervisors and managers in British Columbia local governments more effectively.

The goal of the course is to have British Columbia local government professionals participate in community planning skill-based training. This training will assist students to become more knowledgeable and more effective as they carry out and manage the various local government land use planning and development functions they encounter, and for which they are responsible.

The goal of this course is to provide local government professionals with the skills and knowledge that will assist them to more effectively carry out their responsibilities as members of the department of the City Clerk/Corporate officer, and to prepare them for more senior leadership roles in their local government organizations.

This course is designed for new, improving and aspiring managers working in local government organizations in BC. Through this course students will gain foundational knowledge and skills related to managing staff, managing work and managing self to assist them in becoming more effective in their current or future role as a manager in a municipality, regional district or related organization. Course topics and skill areas will include effective interpersonal communications, team leadership, workload planning and management and essential human resource knowledge. This is an interactive course in which students will assess their strengths and areas for improvement, examine best practices effective managers use and apply learning to their work environment.

The goal of this course is to provide local government professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to understand and analyze complex public policy issues and options, and to recommend action to decision makers. This course will give students the opportunity to understand the key elements of the public policy making process and examine current policy issues, constraints and opportunities in the BC local government context. The course will help students develop a systematic approach to problem solving and prepare them for more senior leadership roles in their local government organizations.

Local government professionals are involved in multiple projects as part of their everyday workload. These projects cover a wide range of areas and create a specific result, program or service. This course provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully and efficiently manage work projects. Students will learn effective approaches to project planning, project teams and stakeholders, scheduling, time management, budgeting, communication, conflict resolution and project team leadership.

This course examines the role of local government professionals in establishing, applying and maintaining ethical standards, integrity and decorum in public institutional processes and relationships. Current and emerging issues that impact the working environment of the responsible public servant will be discussed. Students will develop problem solving approaches and provide recommendations to resolve identified ethical challenges. This course is intended for students who already have significant knowledge of and experience in local government.

This course provides current and aspiring Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) with strategies for long term success in this senior executive position. The focus is on management knowledge and skills unique to this role in BC municipalities and regional districts. This course is designed for new CAOs (e.g. three years or less) and aspiring CAOs (e.g. from senior management in local government and the private sector) who seek to advance their knowledge and skills and build a supportive network of colleagues.

Through this course students will gain knowledge and understanding of municipal government administration in British Columbia, including the key services provided and how the community is involved in the process. Topics examined include: governing legislation and structure; the roles and responsibilities of municipal government staff, elected officials and the community; local government service delivery and funding; and relationships with other governments and supporting organizations. Students will be introduced to key sector challenges such as sustainability, affordable housing, homelessness, alternative transportation and climate change, and develop critical thinking skills while considering local government action on these issues.