Regional and Local Officials

High School

Courses in government, civics, and history will give you an understanding of the structure of government. English courses are important because you will need good writing skills to communicate with constituents and other government officials. Math and accounting will help you develop analytical skills for examining statistics and demographics. Journalism classes will develop research and interview skills for identifying problems and developing programs.

Postsecondary Training

To serve on a local government, your experience and understanding of the city or county are generally more important than your educational background. Some mayors and council members are elected to their positions because they've lived in the region for a long time and have had experience with local industry and other concerns. For example, someone with years of farming experience may be the best candidate to serve a small agricultural community. Voters in local elections may be more impressed by a candidate's previous occupations and roles in the community than they are by a candidate's postsecondary degrees.

That said, most regional and local officials still hold an undergraduate degree, and many hold a graduate degree. Popular areas of study include public administration, law, economics, political science, history, and English. Regardless of your major as an undergraduate, you are likely to be required to take classes in English literature, statistics, foreign language, western civilization, and economics.

Certification

The National League of Cities (NLC) offers the NLC University Certificate Program, which provides training via the following learning tracks: Budget/Finance, Sustainability, Community & Economic Development, Infrastructure/Technology/Transportation, Leadership, Advocacy/Communication/Engagement, and Safety/Health/Education/Human Development. Visit https://www.nlc.org/resources-training/nlc-university/nlc-university-certificate-program for more information. In addition, colleges and universities offer certificates in leadership, management, government affairs, public policy, political science, and related fields. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The International City/County Management Association provides web conferences and workshops and other continuing education opportunities. Topics include ethics, management skills, staff development, leadership, and financial management. The National League of Cities offers workshops, conference seminars, webinars, and a Leadership Fellowship Program. The National Association of Counties provides conference seminars and workshops, web-based education, and a County Leadership Institute. Topics include social media, disaster planning, and leadership. Contact these organizations for more information.