Free Webinar - This is Not a Drill: A Leader’s Guide to Ransomware and Community Resilience
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

TRACK: MANAGEMENTLength: 1.5 hourPrice: Free to members and non-membersDate: April 16, 2026Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

REGISTER NOW

Description:

When ransomware struck a local municipality, the experience became a lesson every local government leader needs to hear. In This Is Not a Drill, we break down how attacks like this unfold, why small municipalities have become prime targets, and what three areas of protection every official should be asking about today. The session ends with real questions you can bring straight to your IT team.

Key Points:

The Anatomy of a Crisis: A non-technical breakdown of a recent municipal attack including the ripple effect.

The Myth of “Too Small to Target”: Why small-to-medium municipalities are now the primary targets for cyber-extortion and what that could mean for you.

The 3 Pillars of Protection: A high-level look at the essential “Safety Nets” (like Multi-Factor Authentication and Immutable Backups) that every official should verify are in place today.

Leading Through the Noise: How to ask your IT team the right questions to ensure your community is prepared, not just “compliant.”

By registering for this webinar, you are authorizing the League Learning Academy to forward information to you at your email address related to educational offerings.

Northeast District Meeting
2026-04-17 11:30 - 13:30 | City of Carbondale | Anthracite Hotel, 25 S Main St, Carbondale, Pennsylvania, 18407, United States
Please join us for your District Meeting! Connect with our team, mingle with fellow members, and enjoy great food. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet, network, and feel appreciated!

To check what district your municipality is in click here! We hope to see you at one of the meetings below.

The agenda below applies to all meetings:

11:30am – Registration Opens

11:30am – 12:00pm – Coffee & Conversation

12:00pm – Lunch

12:30pm – Intro

12:35pm – Legislative Update

1:00pm – League Update

1:20pm – District Meeting Business

1:30pm – Adjourn

To register for the meetings, please scroll down and click the purple REGISTER ONLINE button and choose the meeting that corresponds with your district under the session tab. If you are having an issue completing the registration process, please contact Stevie Cona at scona@pml.org or 717-236-9469 x*256.

REGISTER HERE

Public Procurement & Bidding Essentials for Municipal Officials
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-22 23:59
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 6 hoursPrice: Member Registration: $139 per registrant | Non Member Registration: $199 per registrantSend a message to lla@pml.org for group rates of 10 or more registrantsDate: April 21 & 22, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon both days

REGISTER NOW

Participants must attend both 3-hour sessions to earn a course certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is interactive to give you the best learning experience possible. It will be conducted via Zoom. You will need to be able to: Raise your hand, mute/unmute, and use chat.

Course Description

This course provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to public procurement and bidding processes within local government operations. Designed for municipal staff and procurement professionals, it covers the principles, procedures, and legal foundations essential to conducting fair, efficient, and compliant procurement activities.

Participants will explore key topics such as drafting bid specifications, conducting competitive solicitations, evaluating bids, and awarding contracts. Emphasis is placed on transparency, ethics, and regulatory compliance, with insights into navigating common challenges and applying best practices in public purchasing.

Case studies and real-world examples will be used to illustrate common challenges and strategies for ensuring compliance and transparency.

Key Topics:

Key Statutes and Regulations

Procurement Cycle

Competitive bidding requirements

Bid specifications

Bid evaluation and contract awards

Ethical considerations in municipal purchasing

Who should attend:

Municipal Secretaries

Treasurers

Clerks

Administrators

Auditors

Elected officials and Newly elected officials

At the end of the course, you can expect to be able to:

List the key statues and regulations for municipal bidding and purchasing

Describe the steps in the procurement cycle

Draft clear and effective bid specifications

Evaluate vendor submissions using objective criteria

Execute contract awards in accordance with local laws and guidelines

Promote integrity and transparency throughout the procurement process

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. Please review when received. If you do not receive an email, it may be in your spam folder.

CANCELLATION & NO-SHOW POLICY:Cancellation must be received in writing to lla@pml.org within 72 hours prior to a class to be considered for a full refund.

If cancellation is received after the 72-hour window, a processing fee will be applied for a portion of the refund.

Those who do not cancel or attend forfeit the full registration fee.

Northwest District Meeting
2026-04-28 11:30 - 13:30 | City of Warren | Conewango Club, 201 Market St, Warren, Pennsylvania, 16365, United States

Southwest District Meeting
2026-04-29 11:30 - 13:30 | South Fayette Township | Municipal Center, 100 Township Dr, South Fayette, Pennsylvania, 15017, United States

Capitol Conference Webinar Series: Micromobility and Escooter Legislation Impacting Local Governments
2026-04-30 11:00 - 12:00
Please join us for our next Capitol Conference Webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 am. Sam Arnold, Director of Legislative Policy for Senator Kearney, and Nolan Ritchie, Majority Executive Director for the Senate Transportation Committee, will provide an overview of the micromobility and escooter legislation in Committee – Senate Bill 1008.

Senator Kearney introduced Senate Bill 1008 to legalize personal use of escooters while providing for local control. The Committee is anticipated to bring up the bill for a vote in the near future and is in the process of developing an omnibus amendment. The amendment would provide additional provisions to Senate Bill 1008, as well as potentially adding Senate Bill 824, parking protected bike lanes, and House Bill 1633, shared escooter program (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and third class cities). Following their presentation, the speakers will hold a brief Q&A with attendees.

REGISTER HERE

*For League, PSATC and APMM members only

Introduction to Local Government Accounting
2026-05-04 09:00 - 2026-05-05 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 3 hoursPrice: Member Registration: $139 per registrant | Non Member Registration: $199 per registrantSend a message to lla@pml.org for group rates of 10 or more registrantsDate: May 4 & 5Time: 9 a.m. to Noon both days

REGISTER NOW

Participants must attend both 3-hour sessions to earn a course certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is designed to be interactive to give you the best learning experience possible. It will be conducted via Zoom. You will need to be able to: Raise your hand, mute/unmute, use chat.

Description:

Whether you’re new to local government finance or looking to sharpen your skills, this course equips you with the essential tools to maintain fiscal accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Participants will explore the principles of fund accounting and gain practical knowledge of the DCED Chart of Accounts, a critical tool for maintaining standardized financial records across Pennsylvania’s local governments.

Through hands-on instruction and real-world examples, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, navigate key accounting cycles, and master techniques in financial reporting. Special focus is given to detailed guidance on submitting accurate data via the DCED-CLGS-30 form.

The course concludes with an introduction to GASB 34, highlighting its role in annual financial reports and the preparation of audited financial statements in accordance with standards.

Key Topics:

Basics of Bookkeeping

Accounting Cycles

Fund Accounting

DCED Chart of Accounts

Financial reporting

Reporting under DCED-CLGS-30

Basics of GASB 34 annual financial reporting (audited financial statements)

Who Should Attend:

Auditors

Municipal Secretaries

Treasurers

Clerks

Administrators

Managers

Elected/Appointed Officials

Newly Elected Officials

At the end of this course, you can expect to be able to:

Explain the principles of fund accounting as they apply to local government financial operations

Identify the structure and purpose of the DCED Chart of Accounts for standardized financial recordkeeping

Apply basic bookkeeping practices across key accounting cycles within the local government context

Prepare financial reports, including accurate submissions using the DCED-CLGS-30 form

Interpret the role and requirements of GASB 34 in developing annual financial reports and audited statements

Demonstrate fiscal accountability through transparent and regulatory-compliant financial reporting method

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. Please review when received. If you do not receive an email, it may be in your spam folder.

CANCELLATION & NO SHOW POLICY:Cancellation must be received in writing to lla@pml.org within 72 hours prior to a class to be considered for a full refund.

If cancellation is received after the 72-hour window, a processing fee will be applied for a portion of the refund.

Those who do not cancel or attend forfeit the full registration fee.

Avoiding the Headlines: How to Evaluate your Municipality’s Compliance, Ethics and Transparency
2026-05-13 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 3 hoursPrice: Member Registration: $89 per registrant | Non Member Registration: $149 per registrantSend a message to lla@pml.org for group rates of 10 or more registrantsDate: May 13, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER NOW

Participants must attend the entire 3-hour session to earn a course certificate.

Understanding Where Municipal Decisions Can Go Wrong—and How to Fix Them

Course Description

Municipal decisions often go wrong not because of poor intent, but because legal requirements, ethical standards, or transparency rules are misunderstood or overlooked in practice. This course helps participants identify where those breakdowns commonly occur and provides practical strategies to correct issues early reducing risk, improving decision‑making, and strengthening public trust.

This Level 2 course is designed for municipal staff and officials who are prepared to evaluate and assess municipal practices beyond a foundational level. The course focuses on critical review of municipal government responsibilities, including governance authority, ethics, transparency, public accountability, meeting requirements, and records management.

Participants will examine real‑world municipal scenarios to assess compliance with the Sunshine Act, Right‑to‑Know Law, ethics standards, and accessibility requirements. Emphasis is placed on evaluating policies, procedures, and decision‑making for legal sufficiency, risk management, and effective public service. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to identify compliance issues, assess existing practices, and support informed decisions that strengthen governance and public trust.

Key Topics

Advanced Governance Authority and Responsibility

Ethics, Transparency, and Public Accountability

Sunshine Act Compliance and Public Meetings

Right-to-Know Law and Records Management

Policy, Procedure, and Risk Assessment

Accessibility and Inclusive Public Service

Who should attend:

This course is best suited for individuals who already understand basic municipal operations and are prepared to critically review practices, identify compliance risks, and support sound governance decisions. Includes:

Municipal staff, Elected officials, Municipal administrators and managers, Department heads and supervisors, Board and commission members, Experienced municipal employees

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

Evaluate municipal governance actions for compliance with statutory authority, ethical standards, and transparency requirements.

Assess municipal practices for adherence to the Sunshine Act, including meeting notice, agenda, and executive session requirements.

Analyze records management and response procedures for compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.

Identify ethical risks, conflicts of interest, and accountability concerns in real-world municipal scenarios.

Apply legal and procedural standards to assess the sufficiency of municipal policies and decision-making processes.

Assess accessibility practices related to public meetings, records, and services for compliance and inclusivity.

Recognize potential legal, operational, and reputational risks arising from non-compliant municipal practices.

Recommend improvements to policies, procedures, or practices that strengthen governance, compliance, and public trust.

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. Please review when received. If you do not receive an email, it may be in your spam folder.

CANCELLATION & NO-SHOW POLICY:Cancellation must be received in writing to lla@pml.org within 72 hours prior to a class to be considered for a full refund.

If cancellation is received after the 72-hour window, a processing fee will be applied for a portion of the refund.

Those who do not cancel or attend forfeit the full registration fee.

Lunch & Learn Series: How COSTARS Works: Cooperative Purchasing in Pennsylvania
2026-05-14 12:10 - 13:10
TRACK: Administrative and ManagementLength: 1 hourPrice: Member $39 | Non-Member $89Format: Online via Zoom

REGISTER NOW

Description

Lower Costs, Less Administrative Burden, Better Procurement Outcomes

Join us for a basic overview of COSTARS, Pennsylvania’s cooperative purchasing program designed to help local governments and state‑affiliated organizations buy smarter. This session explains how COSTARS leverages statewide purchasing power to provide access to competitively priced, state‑managed contracts—eliminating the time and expense of conducting your own bids.

Learn who can participate, how cooperative purchasing works, and how COSTARS supports cost savings, streamlined procurement, and expanded opportunities for suppliers of all sizes. Ideal for municipalities, school districts, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations new to the program.

Registration

Send a message to lla@pml.org for group rates for 10 or more registrants.

By registering for this webinar, 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 webinar. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder.

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

Advanced Budgeting and Cost Management
2026-06-02 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 3 hoursPrice: Member Registration: $89 per registrant | Non Member Registration: $149 per registrantSend a message to lla@pml.org for group rates of 10 or more registrantsDate: June 2, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER NOW

Participants must attend the entire 3-hour session to earn a course certificate.

Course Description

Equip yourself with practical strategies to strengthen financial management and improve organizational trust. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities to reduce personnel‑related expenses, enhance capital budgeting practices, and implement modern budgeting techniques within operational departments.

The course also focuses on effective engagement with elected officials, emphasizing communication and transparency to build confidence in financial decision‑making. Designed for managers, supervisors, and elected leaders involved in budgeting and fiscal oversight, this course provides actionable tools to support sustainable, accountable, and well‑managed local government operations.

In many respects financial operations are the backbone for a high performing municipal government. This course will help in maintaining a financial system to gain trust and integrity in the overall operations of your local government.

Key Topics

Personnel Cost Analysis and Control

Capital Budgeting Improvement Strategies

Modern Budgeting Techniques for Operations

Engage local government officials to build trust and transparency

Who Should Attend

Finance directors

Municipal managers

Elected officials

Newly elected officials

Treasurers

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

Identify opportunities to reduce personnel‑related expenses

Apply strategies to improve your capital budgeting program

Implement new budgeting techniques in operational departments

Engage local government officials to build financial trust

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. Please review when received. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder.

CANCELLATION & NO-SHOW POLICY:

Cancellation must be received in writing to lla@pml.org within 72 hours prior to a class to be considered for a full refund.

If cancellation is received after the 72-hour window, a processing fee will be applied for a portion of the refund.

Those who do not cancel or attend forfeit the full registration fee.

Free Amazon Business Prime Activation Webinar
2026-08-12 11:00 - 12:00
As a Pennsylvania Municipal League member, you have a unique opportunity to impact your entity’s procurement process. We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar where you’ll learn how to activate free Amazon Business Prime for your municipality ($3,499 annual value at no cost).

Amazon Business Prime Activation Webinar

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, August 12th, 2026⏱️ Time: 11:00 AM EST🔗 Register Here

During this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Activate your free Business Prime account

Access exclusive Pennsylvania Municipal League benefits

Maximize savings for your entity

This program offers immense value for your role and the entities’ bottom line. By attending, you’ll receive the exclusive Pennsylvania Municipal League free prime benefit Link and Code to activate Business Prime for free.

Monthly Sneak Peak – September Courses
2026-08-19 09:00 - 10:00
Length: 1 hourDate: August 19, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.Format: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: FreePresenter: Melinda Schmitz, PA Municipal League, Training & Professional Development

REGISTER HERE

Explore upcoming learning opportunities, gain practical insights, earn a discount, and discover the courses that are right for you—all at no cost.

Join us for a monthly free Sneak Peek session and get an exclusive preview of the following month’s training opportunities while learning something new at the same time. Each monthly preview session includes a brief lesson taken directly from one of the preview courses, allowing you to experience the content firsthand and see how the full training can benefit you and your municipality.

Bonus: Attend the August 19 Sneak Peek and receive a 10% discount on any course offered during September.*

September courses being previewed:

Webinar – Leadership With a Purpose — September 2

Foundations of Fiscal Management: Budget Preparation — September 3

Introduction to Local Government Accounting — September 15–16

Lunch & Learn: What Worked for Us—A Police Recruitment Success Story — September 17

Essentials of Municipal Administration — September 22

Capital Budgeting and Planning — September 23

*Rules Apply

To earn a discount, you must:

Register before the session

Attend the entire session

Have your camera on for the entire session and participate

Complete the course feedback form

The discount is for only the month following the date of the Sneak Peek

The discount is only for the person who registered for and attended the session. It cannot be transferred or used for a group.

One sneak peek session per month, only the previewed (following) month’s courses will be discounted.

Registration

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.

Leadership With a Purpose Webinar
2026-09-02 09:00 - 10:00
TRACK: Management and AdministrationLength: 1 hourFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: FREEDate: September 2, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Abe Amoros

Abraham “Abe” Amorós is Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Chief Diversity Officer for the Pennsylvania Municipal League, with more than 35 years of experience in government, communications, and public affairs. A former Managing Director for the City of Reading and Senior Deputy Press Secretary to Governor Ed Rendell, Abe is a recognized leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University, serves on the Penn State Board of Trustees, and has taught graduate-level courses in public relations, political advocacy, and media relations.

Course Description

Kick off the League Learning Academy’s Fall 2026 semester with Leadership with a Purpose, an engaging webinar that explores the many forms of leadership that public servants can aspire to embody.

Participants will learn how different leadership approaches shape team building and individual achievement, and gain clarity on which styles are most effective in a municipal government setting. This session sets the tone for purposeful, people-centered leadership in public service.

Key Topics

Leadership styles in public service

Team vs. individual leadership approaches

Purpose‑driven leadership

Municipal government leadership challenges

Identifying your ideal leadership style

Who Should Attend

All municipal elected and appointed officials and staff

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

Identify key leadership styles relevant to public service

Distinguish how leadership approaches impact teams and individual performance

Recognize leadership challenges unique to municipal government

Clarify which leadership style best aligns with their role and purpose

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 webinar to earn a course certificate.

Foundations of Fiscal Management – Budget Preparation
2026-09-03 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: September 3, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Fred Bean

Fred Bean brings unique depth in public-sector leadership, with 23+ years as a Pennsylvania municipal manager and 17 years administering local government health insurance cooperatives. A past APMM president, he instructs for APMM, and the PA Municipal League, and has served as a guest lecturer for ICMA, MCCMA, and DCED. Fred holds degrees from James Madison University and Shippensburg University and completed the National Security Seminar at the US Army War College. Fred retired in 2024 but stays active with ICMA and APMM as an Honorary Member.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Make Every Dollar Count for Your Community—Budget with Confidence and Purpose

This practical, engaging course provides a comprehensive guide to developing a municipal budget. Designed for newly elected officials, municipal staff, and anyone involved in local government finance, the session demystifies the budgeting process and equips participants with the knowledge needed to make responsible financial decisions.

Through interactive discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, participants will explore the core principles of fiscal management and how they directly inform the creation of a sound municipal budget. The course also covers the legal and statutory framework that governs financial oversight, the roles and responsibilities of municipal officials, and the revenue sources and financial challenges unique to local government.

Whether you are new to municipal budgeting or looking to sharpen your skills, this session provides the tools, terminology, and guidance needed to support long-term fiscal health in your community.

Key Topics

What fiscal management means for local governments

Legal and statutory requirements for municipal financial oversight

The step-by-step budget development process

Primary revenue sources and common financial pitfalls

Strategies for cost savings and revenue enhancement

Who Should Attend

Local government officials

Finance staff

Newly elected officials

Municipal managers

Department leaders

Anyone involved in budget planning or fiscal oversight

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

Define core fiscal management concepts and responsibilities

Identify the legal requirements for managing municipal finances

Describe the major components and phases of a municipal budget

Identify primary municipal revenue sources

Apply fundamental municipal budgeting principles

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

Introduction to Local Government Accounting
2026-09-15 09:00 - 2026-09-16 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 6 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $139 | Non-Member $199Date: September 15 & 16, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to noon (both days)

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Jennifer CruverKibi

Jenn CruverKibi, CPA, CGFM is a Partner at Maher Duessel with over 20 years of experience in governmental accounting and auditing. Known for her passion for the profession, Jenn brings deep technical expertise and a genuine love of teaching to every client engagement and classroom she leads.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone

Course Description

Turn Everyday Tasks into Expertise—Do Your Job with Accuracy, Confidence, and Ease

Whether you’re new to local government finance or looking to sharpen your skills, this course equips you with the essential tools to maintain fiscal accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Participants will explore the principles of fund accounting and gain practical knowledge of the DCED Chart of Accounts, a critical tool for maintaining standardized financial records across Pennsylvania’s local governments.

Through hands-on instruction and real-world examples, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, navigate key accounting cycles, and master techniques in financial reporting. Special focus is given to detailed guidance on submitting accurate data via the DCED-CLGS-30 form.

The course concludes with an introduction to GASB 34, highlighting its role in annual financial reports and the preparation of audited financial statements in accordance with standards.

Key Topics

Basics of Bookkeeping

Accounting Cycles

Fund Accounting

DCED Chart of Accounts

Financial reporting

Reporting under DCED-CLGS-30

Basics of GASB 34 annual financial reporting (audited financial statements)

Who Should Attend

Auditors

Municipal Secretaries

Treasurers

Clerks

Administrators

Managers

Elected/Appointed Officials

Newly Elected Officials

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

Explain the principles of fund accounting as they apply to local government financial operations

Identify the structure and purpose of the DCED Chart of Accounts for standardized financial recordkeeping

Apply basic bookkeeping practices across key accounting cycles within the local government context

Prepare financial reports, including accurate submissions using the DCED-CLGS-30 form

Interpret the role and requirements of GASB 34 in developing annual financial reports and audited statements

Demonstrate fiscal accountability through transparent and regulatory-compliant financial reporting method

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 6-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

Lunch & Learn Series: What Worked for Us: A Police Recruitment Success Story
2026-09-17 12:10 - 13:10
TRACK: Public SafetyLength: 1 hourFormat: Live WebinarPrice: Member$39 | Non-Member $59Date: September 17 Time: 12:10 – 1:10 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Presenter: Chief Nelson Whitney, Falls Township

Nelson E. Whitney, II serves as Chief of Police for the Falls Township Police Department, leading a full-service agency serving more than 34,000 residents. He oversees over 50 sworn officers and a budget exceeding $16 million. Chief Whitney holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Franklin University and has completed executive and leadership training through Northwestern University, Cambridge University, FBI LEEDA, and the FBI Chief Executive Institute. He also serves as a Police Peer Advisor for DCED, an instructor for the Command and Leadership Academy, and a Senior Public Safety Instructor for the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Description

Join Police Chief Nelson Whitney, Falls Township, as he shares how his department successfully attracted and hired qualified police officer candidates in today’s highly competitive recruitment environment. This one-hour Lunch & Learn will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, partnerships, outreach efforts, and hiring practices that helped increase applicant interest and strengthen the department’s recruitment pipeline. Attendees will gain practical ideas, lessons learned, and actionable takeaways that can be adapted by municipalities of all sizes looking to address public safety staffing challenges.

Academy Lunch & Learn Series

Lunch & Learns are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month

Join us for a dynamic series of monthly Lunch & Learn sessions designed to deliver bite-sized, high-impact learning for busy municipal officials and staff. Each session will focus on a timely and relevant topic in Finance, Administration, or Management.

Whether you’re a manager, elected official, staff member, or administrative leader, these sessions will offer:

Actionable strategies you can apply immediately

Expert-led insights tailored to the realities of local government

Bring your lunch and your curiosity—we’ll provide the tools to help you lead more effectively, solve problems faster, and serve your community better.

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 1-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

Essentials of Municipal Administration
2026-09-22 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: September 22, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

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:

Identify the structure and authority of Pennsylvania municipal codes and explain their relevance to local governance

Differentiate between the legal and implied duties of municipal officials and describe how each impacts daily operations

Explain the purpose and procedures for adopting ordinances and resolutions within a municipal framework

Demonstrate best practices for managing public meetings, including agenda preparation, recordkeeping, and ensuring transparency

Ensure compliance of records management policies and actions taken

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

Capital Budgeting and Planning
2026-09-23 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: September 23, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Fred Bean

Fred Bean brings rare depth in public-sector leadership, with 23+ years as a Pennsylvania municipal manager and 17 years administering local government health insurance cooperatives. A past APMM president, he instructs for APMM, and the PA Municipal League, and has served as a guest lecturer for ICMA, MCCMA, and DCED. Fred holds degrees from James Madison University and Shippensburg University and completed the National Security Seminar at the US Army War College. Fred retired in 2024 but stays active with ICMA and APMM as an Honorary Member.

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

Where Vision Meets Action—Creating Stronger Communities Through Capital Planning

Capital budgeting is essential to responsible planning and investment in local government. This course provides a clear, practical overview of capital budgeting fundamentals, including how to develop a capital budget, evaluate public projects, and understand why these decisions matter.

Participants will also learn how to access and apply for Pennsylvania‑specific funding programs, such as RACP and LGCPL, and navigate the application process to support successful capital projects.

Ideal for both new and experienced leaders, this course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to plan, evaluate, and fund capital projects that strengthen communities and ensure fiscal accountability.

Key Topics

Capital Budgeting Process

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Pennsylvania Specific Programs

Application Process and Compliance

Who Should Attend

Finance Officers and Budget Analysts

Elected Local Officials (Mayors, Council Members, Commissioners)

Newly elected officials

Managers/Administrators

Public Works and Infrastructure Department Heads

Grant Writers and Project Coordinators

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

Define capital budgeting and its importance in local government

Identify key components of a capital budget

Access and apply for Pennsylvania-specific programs like RACP and LGCPL

Apply capital budgeting techniques to evaluate public projects

Navigate the application process for capital project funding in PA

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

Monthly Sneak Peak – October Courses
2026-09-29 09:00 - 10:00
Length: 1 hourDate: September 29, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.Format: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: FreePresenter: Melinda Schmitz, PA Municipal League, Training & Professional Development

REGISTER HERE

Explore upcoming learning opportunities, gain practical insights, earn a discount, and discover the courses that are right for you—all at no cost.

Join us for a monthly free Sneak Peek session and get an exclusive preview of the following month’s training opportunities while learning something new at the same time. Each monthly preview session includes a brief lesson taken directly from one of the preview courses, allowing you to experience the content firsthand and see how the full training can benefit you and your municipality.

October courses being previewed:

From Agenda to Action: Running Productive Municipal Meetings – October 14

Lunch & Learn Topic TBA – October 15

NEW – Public Safety Fundamentals for PA Municipal Officials – October 20

Unlocking Grant Success – Essential Skills for Winning Proposals – October 21

Public Procurement & Bidding Essentials for Municipal Officials – October 27-28

Bonus: Attend the September 29 Sneak Peek and receive a 10% discount on any course offered during October.*

*Rules Apply

To earn a discount, you must:

Register before the session

Attend the entire session

Have your camera on for the entire session and participate

Complete the course feedback form

The discount is for only the month following the date of the Sneak Peek

The discount is only for the person who registered for and attended the session. It cannot be transferred or used for a group.

One sneak peek session per month, only the previewed (following) month’s courses will be discounted.

Registration

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.

2026 Municipal Leadership Summit
2026-10-07 00:00 - 2026-10-10 23:59 | Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, 325 University Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033
You’re invited to join us from Wednesday, October 7 – Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the HERSHEY LODGE AND CONVENTION CENTER for the Municipal Leadership Summit!

This event is an amazing training opportunity that brings together officials from the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners, and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association for an enriching experience of collaboration, education, and celebration.

Why attend?

The League, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC) and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association are heading to Hershey for the 2026 Municipal Leadership Summit. Plan to join us to build your leadership skills, learn the latest in topics important to local government by participating in programming of a professional value, share best practices for serving your community, and learn how others are moving their communities forward. Additional information on session topics will be available shortly.

Things to See and Do in Hershey!

Hotel Reservations

Overnight reservations are available at The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center for $199 per night + 11% taxes. Credit cards are charged a one night’s advance deposit including tax at the time of booking. The Lodge is accepting ONE reservation per person. Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reserve your room prior to Monday, September 14, 2026. After this date, room prices may increase and/or rooms may not be available, or the group block may be sold-out. If you are having issues reserving your room reservation online, or need assistance with changing an existing room reservation, please contact the Reservation Office at (855) 729-3108.

Cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to arrival date.

Book Now!

Questions: Direct questions to Mary Costik, CMP, at mcostik@pml.org.

From Agenda to Action: Running Productive Municipal Meetings
2026-10-14 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: October 14, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Ben Estell

Benjamin Estell is a leader in cooperative government and regional collaboration, serving as Executive Director of a Council of Governments. He previously served for nearly a decade as Borough Manager of Dormont, Pennsylvania, and seven years as Service‑Safety Director for East Liverpool, Ohio. Benjamin is known for building consensus, leading through uncertainty, and developing solutions that serve diverse stakeholders with professionalism and trust.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Lead in Service to Your Community—Create Meetings That Inform, Engage, and Deliver Results

This hands-on course equips council members, clerks, and municipal administrators with practical tools to lead meetings that are efficient, transparent, and legally sound. Through interactive modules, real‑world scenarios, and applied exercises, participants learn how to prepare strategically and navigate key legal requirements.

The course also builds skills in facilitating inclusive, productive discussions, managing conflict and ethical challenges, and documenting decisions to ensure accountability. Participants will be prepared to lead municipal meetings that build public trust, encourage meaningful participation, and support effective governance.

Key Topics

Planning and Preparation

Roles and responsibilities

Municipal Meeting Requirements

Running the Meeting

Decision Making

Documentation and Follow-up

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for local government professionals who play a role in planning, conducting, or supporting municipal meetings. Ideal participants include:

Elected officials

Municipal clerks

Administrative staff

Chairs and board members

Newly elected officials

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

Explain why effective municipal meetings matter and what undermines them

Prepare effective meetings with clear goals, participants, and materials

Comply with legal and procedural requirements for public meetings

Lead meetings confidently using facilitation, time management, and conflict skills

Document decisions clearly and ensure follow‑through

Demonstrate professional meeting leadership that builds public trust

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

Public Safety Fundamentals for Pennsylvania Municipal Officials
2026-10-20 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: Public SafetyLength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: October 20Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Bill Jenaway

Dr. William F. Jenaway is Vice Chair of the Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors and a longtime leader in municipal government, public safety, and emergency services. With more than 50 years of experience in fire and EMS, he has served as a Fire Chief, municipal official, insurance executive, and FEMA grant project manager. Dr. Jenaway is the author of seven public safety textbooks, more than 500 published articles, and teaches public safety and public service at the graduate level.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone

Course Description

Shaping Safer Communities Through Smart Public Safety Leadership

This introductory course provides Pennsylvania municipal officials with a practical foundation in public safety as a core governance responsibility. Designed for municipal officials and staff, the course explores how public safety extends beyond emergency response to include policy, planning, coordination, and accountability.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how public safety systems are structured across state, county, and municipal levels in Pennsylvania, including the roles of agencies such as the Pennsylvania State Police, county emergency management, and local service providers. The course also examines the legal authority of municipalities, clarifying what officials can and cannot do under state law, and the fiscal and liability considerations that influence decision-making.

Finally, participants will explore how community characteristics—such as size, geography, and public expectations—shape public safety needs and strategies. By the end of the session, officials will be better equipped to make informed, strategic decisions that enhance safety, build public trust, and support their communities effectively.

Key Topics

Public Safety as Governance

Structure of Public Safety in Pennsylvania

Legal Authority and Limitations of Municipalities

Roles and Responsibilities—Elected Officials vs. Staff

Community Scale, Complexity, and Public Scrutiny

Who Should Attend

Elected officials (mayors, council members, supervisors, commissioners)

Municipal managers and administrators

Department heads

Newly elected or appointed local officials

Local leaders involved in public safety policy, oversight, and decision-making

This course is especially valuable for those seeking a clearer understanding of their role in public safety governance.

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

Define public safety in your community

Create an organizational chart of public safety in your community

State how your community meets the public safety requirements for your class/type of community (borough, township of the first or second class, or third-class city)

Demonstrate your community’s governing body role in public safety outcomes, providing examples

Define how accountability, risk and public trust are shown in your community

Demonstrate how public safety is shown as a strategic responsibility

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

Unlocking Grant Success – Essential Skills for Winning Proposals
2026-10-21 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: October 21, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

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.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Make Every Application Count—Deliver Funding that Supports Real Community Needs

This intensive three-hour workshop equips local government professionals with essential skills to navigate the grant writing process confidently and effectively. Participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities, develop persuasive proposals, and align their projects with grantor priorities.

The course emphasizes practical techniques for structuring grant narratives, formulating budgets, and meeting submission requirements. Real-world examples and hands-on exercises will help attendees turn ideas into competitive applications that support community initiatives and public programs.

Key Topics

Introduction to Grant Writing: planning efforts that support funding

Finding Funding Opportunities

Proposal Development

Grant Guidelines and Requirements

Budget Preparation

Submission Process

Grant Management

Who Should Attend

Local government staff or officials responsible for grant writing and management

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

Recognize and evaluate relevant grant opportunities

Write clear, compelling grant narratives

Create project budgets aligned with funder expectations

Prepare accurate and persuasive budgets

Registration

Send a message to lla@pml.org for group rates for ten or more registrants

By registering for this course, you are authorizing the League Learning Academy to send 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

Monthly Sneak Peak – November Courses
2026-10-22 09:00 - 10:00
Length: 1 hourDate: October 22, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.Format: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: FreePresenter: Melinda Schmitz, PA Municipal League, Training & Professional Development

REGISTER HERE

Explore upcoming learning opportunities, gain practical insights, earn a discount, and discover the courses that are right for you—all at no cost.

Join us for a monthly free Sneak Peek session and get an exclusive preview of the following month’s training opportunities while learning something new at the same time. Each monthly preview session includes a brief lesson taken directly from one of the preview courses, allowing you to experience the content firsthand and see how the full training can benefit you and your municipality.

Bonus: Attend the October 22 Sneak Peek and receive a 10% discount on any course offered during November.*

November courses being previewed:

NEW – Calm Under Pressure: Communicating Effectively in Difficult Constituent Situations – November 3

Avoiding the Headlines: How to Evaluate your Municipality’s Compliance, Ethics and Transparency – November 4

Municipal HR Best Practices – November 17-18

Lunch & Learn November Topic TBA – November 19

*Rules Apply

To earn a discount, you must:

Register before the session

Attend the entire session

Have your camera on for the entire session and participate

Complete the course feedback form

The discount is for only the month following the date of the Sneak Peek

The discount is only for the person who registered for and attended the session. It cannot be transferred or used for a group.

One sneak peek session per month, only the previewed (following) month’s courses will be discounted.

Registration

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.

Public Procurement & Bidding Essentials for Municipal Officials
2026-10-27 09:00 - 2026-10-28 12:00
TRACK: ADMINISTRATIVELength: 6 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $139 | Non-Member $199Date: October 27 & 28, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to noon (both days)

REGISTER HERE

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.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone

Course Description

Lead with Integrity—Strengthen Your Community Through Responsible Procurement

This course provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to public procurement and bidding processes within local government operations. Designed for municipal staff and procurement professionals, it covers the principles, procedures, and legal foundations essential to conducting fair, efficient, and compliant procurement activities.

Participants will explore key topics such as drafting bid specifications, conducting competitive solicitations, evaluating bids, and awarding contracts. Emphasis is placed on transparency, ethics, and regulatory compliance, with insights into navigating common challenges and applying best practices in public purchasing.

Case studies and real-world examples will be used to illustrate common challenges and strategies for ensuring compliance and transparency.

Key Topics

Key Statutes and Regulations

Procurement Cycle

Competitive bidding requirements

Bid specifications

Bid evaluation and contract awards

Ethical considerations in municipal purchasing

Who Should Attend

Municipal Secretaries

Treasurers

Clerks

Administrators

Auditors

Elected officials and Newly elected officials

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

List the key statues and regulations for municipal bidding and purchasing

Describe the steps in the procurement cycle

Draft clear and effective bid specifications

Evaluate vendor submissions using objective criteria

Execute contract awards in accordance with local laws and guidelines

Promote integrity and transparency throughout the procurement process

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 6-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

Avoiding the Headlines: How to Evaluate your Municipality’s Compliance, Ethics and Transparency
2026-11-04 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: MANAGEMENT Length: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $89 | Non-Member $149Date: November 4, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

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

Understanding Where Municipal Decisions Can Go Wrong—and How to Fix Them

Municipal decisions often go wrong not because of poor intent, but because legal requirements, ethical standards, or transparency rules are misunderstood or overlooked in practice. This course helps participants identify where those breakdowns commonly occur and provides practical strategies to correct issues early reducing risk, improving decision‑making, and strengthening public trust.

This intermediate course is designed for municipal staff and officials who are prepared to evaluate and assess municipal practices beyond a foundational level. The course focuses on critical review of municipal government responsibilities, including governance authority, ethics, transparency, public accountability, meeting requirements, and records management.

Participants will examine real‑world municipal scenarios to assess compliance with the Sunshine Act, Right‑to‑Know Law, ethics standards, and accessibility requirements. Emphasis is placed on evaluating policies, procedures, and decision‑making for legal sufficiency, risk management, and effective public service. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to identify compliance issues, assess existing practices, and support informed decisions that strengthen governance and public trust.

Key Topics

Advanced Governance Authority and Responsibility

Ethics, Transparency, and Public Accountability

Sunshine Act Compliance and Public Meetings

Right-to-Know Law and Records Management

Policy, Procedure, and Risk Assessment

Accessibility and Inclusive Public Service

Who Should Attend

This course is best suited for individuals who already understand basic municipal operations and are prepared to critically review practices, identify compliance risks, and support sound governance decisions.

Municipal staff

Elected officials

Municipal administrators and managers

Department heads and supervisors

Board and commission members

Experienced municipal employees

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

Evaluate municipal governance actions for compliance with statutory authority, ethical standards, and transparency requirements.

Assess municipal practices for adherence to the Sunshine Act, including meeting notice, agenda, and executive session requirements.

Analyze records management and response procedures for compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.

Identify ethical risks, conflicts of interest, and accountability concerns in real-world municipal scenarios.

Apply legal and procedural standards to assess the sufficiency of municipal policies and decision-making processes.

Assess accessibility practices related to public meetings, records, and services for compliance and inclusivity.

Recognize potential legal, operational, and reputational risks arising from non-compliant municipal practices.

Recommend improvements to policies, procedures, or practices that strengthen governance, compliance, and public trust.

This course is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Participants should consult their municipal solicitor or other qualified legal counsel regarding specific legal, personnel, compliance, ethics, transparency, records management, accessibility, governance, or other matters that may affect their municipality or organization.

The Pennsylvania Municipal League and the League Learning Academy make no representations or warranties regarding the applicability of course content to any particular situation and assume no liability for decisions made or actions taken based on information presented in this course. Responsibility for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures remains with each participant and their municipality or organization.

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

Municipal HR Best Practices
2026-11-17 09:00 - 2026-11-18 12:00
TRACK: MANAGEMENTLength: 6 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member $139 | Non-Member $199Date: November 17-18, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. to noon (both days)

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Roseann McGrath

Roseann McGrath is a trusted HR advisor with 38 years of experience, including over 22 years as Human Resources Director for Lower Merion Township. A former municipal executive leader, she also brings HR expertise from healthcare and employment services. Since retiring, she has provided HR consulting focused on compliance, strategy, and performance, guided by the belief that human capital is an organization’s most valuable asset

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone

Course Description

Do HR Right—Strengthen Your Skills to Support People, Performance, and Public Service

Build a workplace that is fair, respectful, and productive—where people want to stay and succeed

Our employees are our most valued asset and most important strength. Managing human capital is just as important as managing financial capital and therefore should be given the same priority (if not more).

As local government professionals are increasingly asked to do more with fewer resources—often balancing multiple roles—strong HR practices are essential. Whether you are a new HR professional to municipal management or perform HR responsibilities in a non-typical HR role this is the ideal session for you.

Participants will gain essential HR knowledge and skills, from transactional fundamentals to strategic, transformational practices. The course provides ready‑to‑use tools such as checklists, templates, job descriptions, performance evaluations, employee handbooks, and policies.

Beyond compliance, the course emphasizes employee engagement and organizational culture. Participants will learn how to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace that supports open communication, accountability, fairness, and mutual trust. The program offers an overview of best practices for human resources management in local government, focusing on leadership, innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion, performance excellence, and legal compliance—ultimately building a resilient, agile, and empowered workforce.

Key Topics

Employee relations

Recruitment and retention strategies

Performance management

Compliance with employment law

Disciplinary actions, documentation, and appeals

Proactive measures to prevent issues

Who Should Attend

This practical, interactive course is designed for new and experienced HR professionals, municipal managers, and staff who handle HR responsibilities outside of a traditional HR role

Municipal supervisory and management staff

HR Professionals

Elected, newly elected, and appointed officials

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

Build and maintain positive relationships between your municipality and its employees

Attract and hire qualified candidates, as well as list strategies to retain top talent

Describe the elements of a performance management system

Locate resources to ensure that all HR practices adhere to local, state, and federal employment laws

List the procedures for addressing employee misconduct or performance issues.

Explain the importance of developing and implementing policies and practices to prevent HR-related problems before they arise

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 6-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

Monthly Sneak Peak – December Courses
2026-11-20 09:00 - 10:00
Length: 1 hourDate: November 20, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.Format: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: FreePresenter: Melinda Schmitz, PA Municipal League, Training & Professional Development

REGISTER HERE

Explore upcoming learning opportunities, gain practical insights, earn a discount, and discover the courses that are right for you—all at no cost.

Join us for a monthly free Sneak Peek session and get an exclusive preview of the following month’s training opportunities while learning something new at the same time. Each monthly preview session includes a brief lesson taken directly from one of the preview courses, allowing you to experience the content firsthand and see how the full training can benefit you and your municipality.

Bonus: Attend the November 20 Sneak Peek and receive a 10% discount on any course offered during December.*

December courses being previewed:

Elected Auditor Masterclass – From Fundamentals to Excellence – December 1 & 2

Advanced Budgeting & Cost Management – December 8

NEW – Local Government Financial Reporting: Capital Assets, Debt, & Revenue Collection – December 9 & 10

Lunch & Learn Topic TBA – December 17

*Rules Apply

To earn a discount, you must:

Register before the session

Attend the entire session

Have your camera on for the entire session and participate

Complete the course feedback form

The discount is for only the month following the date of the Sneak Peek

The discount is only for the person who registered for and attended the session. It cannot be transferred or used for a group.

One sneak peek session per month, only the previewed (following) month’s courses will be discounted.

Registration

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.

Elected Auditor Masterclass – From Fundamentals to Excellence
2026-12-01 09:00 - 2026-12-02 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 6 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member$139 | Non-Member $199Date: December 1-2, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. to noon (both days)

REGISTER HERE

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.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Own the Audit—Drive Accuracy, Strengthen Trust, and Lead with Authority

Whether you are preparing for your first audit or looking to update and build a firm foundation for your term, this masterclass will guide you from day one to effective, accountable service.

Learn how to reduce errors in coding and terminology and ensure not only a more accurate audit but also save time and build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail. The course emphasizes practical skills in oversight, reporting, and collaboration with local government officials within the unique context of Pennsylvania’s municipal structure.

Through interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and expert-led instruction, participants will explore the fundamentals of municipal finance, auditing procedures, legal obligations, and ethical standards.

Key Topics

Foundations of Municipal Auditing

Navigating Local Government Finances

Core Auditing Techniques

Effective Audit Reporting

Legal Tools and Practical Resources

Who Should Attend

Elected borough and township auditors

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

Recognize the legal responsibilities and ethical standards required of municipal auditors in Pennsylvania

Identify the key elements of budgets, financial reports, and accounting systems used by municipalities

Apply essential auditing techniques to review financial records, check for compliance, and uncover irregularities

Create accurate audit reports and present findings in a way that’s clear for officials and the community

Choose the relevant Pennsylvania laws, codes, and proven best practices to guide your auditing process

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 6-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

Advanced Budgeting and Cost Management
2026-12-08 09:00 - 12:00
TRACK: FINANCIALLength: 3 hoursFormat: Live, interactive, online session via ZoomPrice: Member$89 | Non-Member $149Date: December 8, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

REGISTER HERE

Instructor: Fred Bean

Fred Bean brings rare depth in public-sector leadership, with 23+ years as a Pennsylvania municipal manager and 17 years administering local government health insurance cooperatives. A past APMM president, he instructs for APMM, and the PA Municipal League, and has served as a guest lecturer for ICMA, MCCMA, and DCED. Fred holds degrees from James Madison University and Shippensburg University and completed the National Security Seminar at the US Army War College. Fred retired in 2024 but stays active with ICMA and APMM as an Honorary Member.

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Turn Financial Strategy into Results—Cut Costs, Build Trust, and Lead with Authority

Equip yourself with practical strategies to strengthen fiscal management and improve organizational trust. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities to reduce personnel‑related expenses, enhance capital budgeting practices, and implement modern budgeting techniques within operational departments.

The course also focuses on effective engagement with elected officials, emphasizing communication and transparency to build confidence in financial decision‑making. Designed for managers, supervisors, and elected leaders involved in budgeting and fiscal oversight, this course provides actionable tools to support sustainable, accountable, and well‑managed local government operations.

In many respects financial operations are the backbone for a high performing municipal government. This course will help in maintaining a financial system to gain trust and integrity in the overall operations of your local government.

Key Topics

Personnel Cost Analysis and Control

Capital Budgeting Improvement Strategies

Modern Budgeting Techniques for Operations

Engage local government officials to build trust and transparency

Who Should Attend

Finance directors

Municipal managers

Elected officials

Newly elected officials

Treasurers

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

Identify opportunities to reduce personnel‑related expenses

Apply strategies to improve your capital budgeting program

Implement new budgeting techniques in operational departments

Engage local government officials to build financial trust

Registration

Send a message to lla@pml.org for group rates for ten or more registrants

By registering for this course, you are authorizing the League Learning Academy to send 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
