Essentials of Municipal Administration

Instructor:  Greg Primm

Greg Primm is the City Manager for the City of Lower Burrell, bringing 36 years of hands-on leadership in local government across diverse communities, including townships, boroughs, and a third‑class city. His career spans full-spectrum municipal operations, policy implementation, infrastructure delivery, and council–manager relations. Greg has also spent more than 25 years as a trusted instructor and course developer, shaping the next generation of local government professionals through municipal training programs.

To support meaningful interaction, this session will not be recorded. Your instructor will ask you to turn your camera on and participate in the conversation. Plan to be seen and heard!

Course Description

Make an Impact Where It Matters—Serve Your Community with Skill, Confidence, and Purpose

This introductory course is designed for new and early-career municipal secretaries, administrators, and clerks who are seeking a strong foundation in the structure, responsibilities, and legal framework of Pennsylvania local government.

Participants will explore the essential duties of municipal officials, review the governing codes and legal requirements, and learn how to effectively manage meetings, records, and communications.

Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and practical guidance, learners will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate their roles with professionalism and accuracy.

This course also introduces key concepts such as ordinances and resolutions, the Sunshine Act, and the Right to Know Law, ensuring participants are equipped to support transparent and compliant municipal operations.

Key Topics

• Structure & Authority of Pennsylvania Municipal Codes 
• Roles & Responsibilities of Municipal Officials 
• Legal vs. Implied Duties in Local Governance 
• Ordinances & Resolutions 
• Public Meetings
• Effective Municipal Communication Practices 
• Supporting Transparent & Compliant Operations
• Records Management

Who Should Attend

• Municipal secretaries and administrators
• Borough and township clerks
• Newly appointed municipal staff and newly elected officials
• Anyone seeking foundational knowledge of local government operations

By the end of this course, participants can expect to be able to:

1. Identify the structure and authority of Pennsylvania municipal codes and explain their relevance to local governance
2. Differentiate between the legal and implied duties of municipal officials and describe how each impacts daily operations
3. Explain the purpose and procedures for adopting ordinances and resolutions within a municipal framework
4. Demonstrate best practices for managing public meetings, including agenda preparation, recordkeeping, and ensuring transparency
5. Correct handling of records management policies through By registering, you agree to receive emails from the League Learning Academy about educational programs.

---

Registration

• Send a message to lla@pml.org for group rates for 10 or more registrants
• By registering for this course, you are authorizing the League Learning Academy to forward information to you at your email address related to educational offerings.
• Once your registration is completed, you should receive a confirmation email from The PA Municipal League. It contains the zoom link to the course. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder.
• Participants must attend the entire 3-hour session to earn a course certificate.

Cancellation & No‑Show Policy

• Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 72 hours before the class to receive a full refund.
• Cancellations after 72 hours may receive a partial refund, minus a processing fee.
• No‑shows or failure to cancel will forfeit the full registration fee