Take Advantage of the Advancing Municipal Leaders Program

In 2026, many communities across North Carolina are welcoming a new class of elected leaders, following the recent municipal elections. Many mayors and council members are taking office for the first time, and some seasoned officials are stepping into new roles with different responsibilities. While fresh perspectives are a strength of local government, transitions of this scale underscore the need for support, shared knowledge and strong educational networks.

Many elected officials are learning the complexities of municipal governance at the same time—some for the first time—while balancing public expectations, legal responsibilities and important decisions that affect their communities’ future. Even the most experienced leaders benefit from continued education as policies, statutes and best practices continue to evolve. This is where the League’s Advancing Municipal Leader (AML) program plays a critical role.

The League’s AML program is designed to equip elected officials and municipal staff with the knowledge, tools and connections they need to lead effectively from day one. By utilizing AML resources, League members invest not only in their own leadership development but also in the stability of municipal government across North Carolina.

Spring Educational Sessions
This spring, the League is offering multiple opportunities for continuing education. Across central and eastern North Carolina, three comprehensive fiscal training sessions will provide hands-on guidance in municipal financial management. Attendees can earn six AML credits and six CPE credits, with AML credits also counting toward the NCLM Financial Management Certification Level I— a practical way to build skills and advance professional credentials.

CityVision 2026 returns to Raleigh in May, where participants can earn up to four AML credits through a robust lineup of concurrent sessions, along with an additional credit available through the general session. Over three days, attendees will learn from experts, explore new strategies for local governance, and engage with peers from across the state. Key themes will include disaster preparedness and leadership, as well as timely topics such as regionalization and practical communications training. Whether it’s deepening knowledge, earning AML credits, or building relationships, these in-person opportunities provide valuable experiences for municipal professionals at every stage of their careers. 

On-Demand Opportunities
Finding time for training can be a challenge for municipal officials balancing full schedules and evolving responsibilities; to better meet members where they are, the League continues to expand its library of on-demand courses—flexible training opportunities that can be completed anytime, at a pace that fits individual needs.

In 2026, Advancing Municipal Leaders launched three new on-demand courses in the Foundations of Municipal Governance series. Designed to help towns build strong operational foundations, these courses provide practical guidance on effective, ethical and transparent local government. Participants gain a clearer understanding of essential topics such as managing municipal assets, complying with public accountability requirements and making informed decisions in accordance with North Carolina statutes. Each course offers one AML credit.

Current courses in the series include:

• Real Estate & Condemnation 
• Open Meetings Law
• Public Records 

The League has also expanded its on-demand offerings in municipal finance, now providing a full slate of nine courses covering core financial management topics—from understanding financial reports to preparing for an audit. These courses are designed to support staff at varying levels of experience and responsibility, each providing one AML credit, applicable toward NCLM Financial Management Certification Level I requirements.

Municipal Finance course topics include:

• Accounting for nongovernmental accountants
• Bank reconciliations
• How to read financial reports
• Monthly board meetings
• Cash receipts
• Pre-audit preparation
• Completing required forms
• Internal controls
• Roles and responsibilities 

Ethical conduct is important as an elected municipal official. Because of its importance, the North Carolina General Assembly mandates that municipal elected officials receive a minimum of two clock hours of ethics education within 12 months of being elected or appointed to office. AML’s on-demand ethics course helps municipal officials meet the mandated requirement and provides an overview of the laws and regulations that govern ethical behavior in North Carolina.

In addition, the League now offers an Accounting Instruction & Mentorship (AIM) Training Certificate for participants who have completed a full year of training using the League’s AIM Manual. This certificate is available exclusively to members participating in the Municipal Accounting Services program for mentorship or new software implementation. Together, these new on-demand courses reflect the League’s continued commitment to providing practical, accessible training that supports local officials at every stage of their professional development.