Municipal Governance Institute

To reward your commitment to the continual process of learning new skills and abilities in the local government field, MML sponsors the MML Governance Institute. Participants who complete the program are designated as "Certified Municipal Officials" by the Missouri Municipal League.

*NEW - MML members who have received designation as a "Certified Municipal Official" are now eligible for enrollment the "Advanced Certification Program".  Learn more about the advanced program here.

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 utilizes existing MML training opportunities, such as conferences and online training, as well as specialized crafted workshops to provide meaningful and useful information.

Enrollment

Enroll Today! Enrollment is $150 for officials in member municipalities.  The enrollment fee DOES NOT cover the cost of conference registrations or the online courses.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The individual who is enrolling, should make the purchase.
• Once enrollment fee is complete, individual will receive purchase confirmation. More information will be emailed once enrollment is processed.

Municipal Governance Institute Brochure (pdf)
Municipal Governance Institute - Frequently Asked Questions
List of Certified Municipal Officials
Sample Press Release For Designation As Certified Municipal Official

Core Requirements

One hour in each of the following topics (12 hours total):

• Budgets
• Economic Development
• Emergency Management
• Ethics
• Fundamentals Municipal Government
• Liability and Risk
• Parliamentary Procedures
• Personnel Law
• Planning and Zoning
• Public Works Contracting
• Revenue Sources
• Sunshine Law

In addition, participants need to complete four (4) hours of Electives.

Credit Hours

Credit Hours will be given for documented attendance at MML workshops, conferences and online courses. Sessions that qualify for the Municipal Governance Institute will be designated as such on the agenda. 

Non-MGI Programs

The Municipal Governance Institute (MGI) recognizes that non‐MGI trainings are available to MGI participants and that these trainings may in some cases cover the same core issues as required to receive designation as a certified municipal official. Some of the trainings offered by the St. Louis County Municipal League will count towards MGI credits.  In addition, the online FEMA NIMs 700 level training is accepted for the emergency management credit.  Other programs may qualify if submitted in accordance with the MGI policy (click here for the policy).

1-2-3

Getting started in the MML Governance Institute is as easy as 1-2-3. Start by enrolling (be sure you are logged into your MML profile when you make the purchase) . Next, complete and return the attendance verification forms whenever you attend qualifying events or workshops to MML. You can check the status of your progress towards completing the coursework by visiting your profile on the MML website. MML will notify you when you have achieved completion of all the required coursework.

Timeframe

The program is designed so participants can  complete requirements within a standard two-year term of office. Attendance at the MML Elected Officials Training Conference, and two MML Annual Conferences, including the pre-conference workshops, along with MML qualifying webinars, will typically provide the needed credits to qualify for completion. All participants are expected to complete the program within four years.

Completion

Upon completion of the Institute's coursework, municipal officials will be presented with a plaque honoring the achievement. Recognition will occur at the League's Annual Conference, MML regional meetings or at city council meetings. A press release highlighting the accomplishment will also be issued.

MGI Advisors

MML wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals in designing the original certified municipal official curriculum:

Brian Dabson, Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs, Mizzou
Christine Bushyhead, Attorney, Bushyhead Law
Joseph Lauber, Attorney, Lauber Municipal Law
Mark Levin, City Manager, Maryland Heights
Nancy Thompson, Attorney, City of Columbia
Ron Holifield, Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Government Resources
Dr. Wally Siewert, Focus, St. Louis

MML wishes to thank the following individuals for their input in designing the curriculum for the advanced program:

Adam Couch, Mayor, Odessa
Eric Cunningham, City Attorney, Cape Girardeau
Ben DeClue, City Administrator, Glendale
Ron Holifield, Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Government Resources
Maribeth Matney, City Clerk, Carl Junction
Norm McCourt, Mayor, Blackjack
Lori Obermoeller, Finance Director, Creve Coeur
Cindy Pool, Councilmember, Ellisville
Gerry Welch, Mayor, Webster Groves