Winning an election is only the beginning for mayors and council members. Once in office, they must learn how to run a city or town, from managing public money to following state laws. More than 90 Alabama municipal officials were recognized Oct. 20 for completing training to help them better serve their communities.
The Alabama League of Municipalities held its annual graduation and awards ceremonies at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan, the League’s immediate past president, delivered the commencement address.
“With the world continuously changing, lifelong learning is essential for the betterment of our communities, and the Alabama League of Municipalities remains dedicated to providing intentional, engaging opportunities for municipal officials to learn best practices and skills to be their best selves,” ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said.
“The League is proud to celebrate 98 graduates of our Certified Municipal Official program for working hard over the year to earn these distinguished certifications that will allow them to better serve their cities and towns.”
The Certified Municipal Official program offers in-person and online instruction in government operations and practices that help officials follow state laws. Courses cover subjects such as budgeting, ethics, public records, zoning and the duties of mayors and council members.
According to the League, mayors and council members who have not earned basic certification must complete 10 hours of training annually during their first term beginning after Jan. 1, 2025, for a total of 40 hours. Those hours include 20 hours of core instruction and 20 hours of noncore training.
After earning basic certification, mayors and council members must complete five hours of training annually.
Officials can continue their education beyond basic certification by pursuing advanced and emeritus designations. Emeritus certification requires at least 120 credit hours of continuing education plus 15 participation points.
This year’s ceremony included 50 basic certified municipal officials, 41 advanced certified municipal officials and eight CMO emeriti, according to the League. Another 11 officials received CMO Tier II emeriti recognition, and one received CMO Tier III emeritus recognition for training beyond 120 credit hours.
Twelve graduates earned their basic and advanced certifications simultaneously.
The League also presented Certified Municipal Achievement Awards to Glencoe, Hokes Bluff and Shorter. Established in 2018, the awards recognize municipalities where the mayor and every council member each complete at least 40 credit hours of training within a year.
More than 5,200 municipal officials have participated in the League’s training program since it began 32 years ago. The nonpartisan organization represents more than 450 incorporated Alabama cities and towns and has supported municipal government through advocacy and training since 1935.
Mayors and council members interested in continuing their training can review their completed courses and credit hours through the League’s online Member Portal.
They can also review training opportunities, including online classes, regional sessions and conferences offered throughout the year.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
