President's Review

by Michele DeShay, Mayor, Moline Acres, and MML President

Train For Success

We all have goals in our life, perhaps for our career, education, health or community. There are certainly a variety of techniques to reach those goals, but one constant remains no matter the desired outcome: proper training leads to results.

Without proper training in the best practices for running a city well, a local leader will not be equipped to wisely administer city services. Without proper training, local leaders will become strained and even the most vibrant community can suffer.

The Missouri Municipal League provides a fantastic way for you to keep your skills sharp through the Missouri Governance Institute (MGI). The MGI program allows you as a leader to have every tool for success. I encourage you to review this program and consider becoming a Certified Local Government Official. Since established in 2013, more than 200 officials have registered.

Participants must complete 12 hours of study in core areas and four hours of elective training. The program is open to both elected and appointed municipal officials and uses existing MML training opportunities, such as conferences and online training, as well as specialized workshops to provide meaningful and useful knowledge.

Enrollment is low cost and many of the credits can be earned via online webinars. You can even track your progress through the MML website.

Once you have achieved your certification, take the opportunity to enhance your skills even more with the Advanced Municipal Governance Institute (AMGI). With this program, you will complete 14 hours of study in core areas and three capstone projects in leadership, advocacy and community service.

At the most recent MML Annual Conference in September 2022, we recognized 26 officials for completing the MGI program. Even more exciting, we recognized the first class of AMGI honorees, with 15 receiving pins to award the achievement.

Of course, the best way to learn is through MML’s in-person trainings, where you can fully interact with other local officials and share best practices through networking. Consider joining me at the upcoming MML Elected Officials Training Conference June 8-9 in Columbia, Missouri, where hundreds of local officials from across Missouri will gather to increase skills regarding conducting city business, personnel law, planning and zoning, ethics and more. You do not want to miss this conference! Learn more on pages 6-7 and register today!