Local Government Management (LGM)
The Next Generation of Local Government Managers
A partnership between the Virginia Tech Center for Public Administration and Policy (CPAP) & the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA)
Our graduate certificate program in local government management provides the next generation of local government managers and leaders with the tools to advance their careers and to provide exceptional leadership within the communities where they work. The central goal of the program is to offer graduate-level training in local government management that both prepares pre-career students for capable public service at the local level and enhances the capacities of existing local government employees who aspire to be town, city, or county managers or assistant/deputy managers.
Set Yourself Up for Success
"If you are considering a position as a chief executive officer or deputy, the Local Government Management Graduate Certificate will provide you with critical information needed to decide whether the position will be a good fit and once in the position allow you to thrive and be successful."
- Chris Hively, Town Manager, Culpeper, Virginia; LGM Alum
AFFORDABLE TUTITION
Due to the demand and need for investing in local government leadership, in-state tuition is available to all students who enroll in the Local Government Management program. This means that students who reside and work beyond Virginia can also receive the advantages of in-state tuition, a very competitive rate for top tier education.
The per credit hour tuition rate is $850. The program requires completion of 12 credits.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAM
Both full-time and part-time employees of Virginia local government are eligible for financial assistance through the Bob Stripling Scholarship for the Advancement of Local Government Management. Funds available are dependent on donor contributions and are approved on an annual basis.
Students who wish to pursue the certificate as a non-degree candidate may apply for admission to the certificate program using the Virginia Tech Graduate School’s online application system. Students who complete the certificate may apply for entrance as a degree-seeking student in the CPAP MPA program and transfer all twelve credit hours towards their MPA. Students enrolled in a degree conferring program may participate in the certificate program through their elective requirements and obtain both the certificate and degree upon graduation.
INTERESTED? CONSULT US!
Upcoming: Get your questions answered at info sessions offered throughout the fall
In Action: VT SPIA serves as a resource center for finance managers in VA and across the nation
A Vibrant Community of Professionals & Scholars
"My favorite aspect of the program was that the course was taught by active local government professionals that I was able to learn from and look up to. I was able to create professional relationships with many of these educators outside of the classroom. ... Additionally, it was nice to be in a classroom full of other individuals that had the same level of interest in local government that I did. The students were there on their own time which created a greater learning environment because everyone had an actual interest in the topic, rather than a passive interest."
- R. Morgan Quicke, County Administrator, Richmond County, VA; LGM Alum
Program Details
The International City/County Management association (ICMA) has identified leadership development as one of the most important issues that local governments will face in the coming decade. Students are exposed to a full spectrum of local government issues, service delivery options, and management tools. The analysis of a real-life, local government case study is central to each classroom experience. Case studies are used within the courses to emphasize the relationship between the political and management worlds that all local government managers must understand and navigate in order to be successful.
The certificate program consists of four 3-credit hour courses, for a total of twelve hours of graduate coursework. Students are required to complete all four courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better in order to earn the certificate.
All courses are taught by experienced, highly-qualified Virginia local government practitioners in a hybrid online delivery method. Utilizing virtual classroom capabilities, classes are taught simultaneously around the state giving more students the opportunity to participate in the program and learn about the variety of communities in Virginia. (Program Director: Stephanie Davis)
Course Offerings (students complete 4 of the 5 course offerings to obtain the certificate)
Explores the institutions and systems in which public administrators work, and the dynamics of public administration within the larger political, economic and social environment. Special focus on the local government management profession, the evolution of the council-manager government and the core ethical and democratic values of the profession. Review skills necessary for effective local government managers, including critical strategic thinking, communication, organizational and community leadership competencies. Explores career management approaches for the local government managers. Considers the implication of future trends in local government management and the profession. (3 hours, 3 credits)
An examination at an advanced level of a selected managerial process(s) in the public sector. This course will focus on local government human resource, financial management, information technology, and performance management processes that managers must use when working in local government organizations. Additionally, topics will review public procurement, risk management, safety management, franchise agreements, contracting for municipal services. (3 hours, 3 credits)
Examines the powers, structure, roles and responsibilities of the local government within the U.S. and Virginia federal system from the perspective of the local government manager. Considers the election process, state legislative process, state/local relations and intergovernmental relations that constitute important internal and external forces in the local management environment. Explores the state/local government delivery systems of public education, public safety, transportation, public health, social services, environmental quality, criminal justice, and public works and utilities, as well as other programs that are provided either partly of wholly by local governments. (3 hours, 3 credits)
This course will focus on local government management and community development. It will examine the local government management process that supports community and economic development, including the local and regional planning processes, growth management, urban design for creating livable communities, property law, and local government tools and strategies for securing economic and community development. In addition, it will focus on the managerial competencies required for leading the community and economic activities of local governments. (3 hours, 3 credits)
This course addresses the roles and responsibilities of a local government planning administrator. The course covers planning topics such as leadership, organization and operational management, engagement and collaboration, customer service, conflict management, visioning, politics, data analytics and technology, from a manager’s perspective, not just basic tools of a practitioner. (3 hours, 3 credits).