MATI Programs

Municipal Administrators Training Institute

Supporting the learning, leadership, and growth of local government professionals since 1982.

The LGMA launched its first Municipal Administration Training Institute (MATI®) program, titled "Operation and Overview of Local Government" in 1982. Since then more than 3,000 local government professionals have taken a MATI course. 


MATI programs are essential for anyone looking to broaden their perspective on the roles and responsibilities of local government administration - offering training ranging from advanced communications, leadership, community planning, and professional development.


To find information about a specific program (i.e. "MATI Managing People"), try using the search bar below.

MATI® Advanced Communication Skills

September 9, 2019
MATI® Advanced Communication Skills for Local Government Professionals April 12-17, 2026 - Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, BC Learn communication essentials – listening and open question techniques Manage difficult conversations and improve skills for resolving conflict Practice coaching and negotiating skills Improve council-staff communication Get advice on your own communication challenges Communicate better with diverse populations Learn public consultation approaches and techniques Discover best practices for communicating with and through the media Learn about social media and Web 2.0 effective practices Registration has not yet opened for this program. Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must complete a NEW intake form to confirm their registration into the course. To be added to the waitlist, you will register and provide your credit card, however, you will not be charged until you have been accepted into the program. Fees: $3,441.90 + GST (members), $3,753.75 + GST (non-members) This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. Travel Grant Available for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. Submit your travel grant application by completing this form. Thank you to Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training. Please contact localgovernment@capilanou.ca for further information on this course or to be added to an interest list. Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.

MATI® Community Planning for Local Government Professionals

September 8, 2019
Registration is currently not available. This course will be offered again in 2027. At this week long residential program participants work with top planners to learn how the planning system really works in BC. Specific course topics include planning law, the planners’ toolkit including OCPs and zoning, Approving Officer’s role, sustainable and complete communities, community engagement on planning issues and what you need to know about hiring planning consultants. At the course you will work on a planning challenge from your community and leave with solutions you can implement. If you would like to be added to the MATI Community Planning’s early notification list for the next offering of this course, please email localgovernment@capilanou.ca . Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.

MATI® Foundations

September 7, 2019
MATI® Foundations Providing an extensive overview of the critical facets of local government administration, concepts, and theories, this essential program is for anyone looking to broaden their perspective on the roles and responsibilities across local government departments. An annual program, this course is currently delivered as a series of 90-minute, live interactive webinars over several months, the Foundations of Local Government Learning Series. The 2026 Learning Series will be offered September through December 2026 over 13 modules. Please visit the Foundations of Local Government Learning Series webpage for details.

MATI® Leadership in Local Government Organizations

September 6, 2019
April 26-May 1, 2026 - The Bayside Resort, Parksville, BC This innovative program has been specifically designed for people in leadership roles in local government in British Columbia. Senior practitioners in the field of local government have designed this program in conjunction with educators who are familiar with issues facing local governments in BC. It will provide participants with opportunities for discussion and interaction with a widely diverse group of leading academic and local government figures. The program is a blend of theory and practice, with an emphasis on interaction and participation. The program features new information and new research in the field of leadership studies. Registration has not yet opened for this program. Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must complete a NEW intake form to confirm their registration into the course. To be added to the waitlist, you will register and provide your credit card, however, you will not be charged until you have been accepted into the program. Fees: $3,441.90 + GST (members), $3,753.75 + GST (non-members) This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. Travel Grant Available for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors,, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. Submit your travel grant application by completing this form. Thank you to Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training. Please contact localgovernment@capilanou.ca for further information on this course or to be added to an interest list. Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.

MATI® Managing People

September 5, 2019
MATI® Managing People in Local Government Organizations (PADM 207) May 3-8, 2026 - Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Island A partnership between Capilano University and the LGMA Management and supervisory excellence in local government demands more than a thorough knowledge of a specialist field. It also requires leadership competencies such as the ability to inspire, coach, foster cooperation, and manage conflict. Equally vital is the need to successfully navigate human resource skills – from attracting, acquiring, and retaining talent, performance leadership planning that drives high performance, coaching and effectively managing and addressing performance challenges, while ensuring staff are engaged, feel valued, and have a sense of belonging. Registration has not yet opened for this program. Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must complete a NEW intake form to confirm their registration into the course. To be added to the waitlist, you will register and provide your credit card, however, you will not be charged until you have been accepted into the program. Fees: $3,441.90 + GST (members), $3,753.75 + GST (non-members) This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. All meals and accommodations are for registered students only. Travel Grant Available for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. T o be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. Submit your travel grant application by completing this form. Thank you to Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training. Please contact localgovernment@capilanou.ca for further information on this course or to be added to an interest list. Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.

MATI® School for Statutory Approving Officers

September 4, 2019
MATI® School for Statutory Approving Officers Registration is currently not available. Join the interested list . Developed and led by local government experts and practitioners, this week-long residential program provides a comprehensive review of the duties and responsibilities of the Statutory Approving Officer, practical training, along with best practices for carrying out this function. Accommodation and meals are provided and arranged by LGMA. Eligibility Requirements: You are eligible to attend the MATI® School for Statutory Approving Officers if you work in a BC local government or First Nations jurisdiction and are the Statutory Approving Officer, Deputy Approving Officer, or the primary person responsible for the evaluation of subdivision applications in your organization. Participation from provincial approving officials is welcome. Review the 2025 program brochure for reference .

MATI® The Successful CAO - Local Government Advanced Management

September 3, 2019
MATI® The Successful CAO February 20-25, 2026 - Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, BC Registration now open If you are currently a Chief Administrative Officer or aspire to be one, this highly-acclaimed MATI course is designed for you. Designed by educators and experienced CAOs, this course will equip you with practical knowledge, tools and techniques that are specific to the unique CAO role in BC municipalities, regional districts, First Nations governments and other local government bodies. It will be of interest not only to new and aspiring CAOs, but also to more experienced CAOs who are taking on a new position or seeking one-of-kind training targeted to their role. MATI The Successful CAO will help you develop a personal action plan for long-term success and a supportive network of CAO colleagues. Course prerequisites: Participants must have taken one of the following: MATI Advanced Communications Skills, MATI Managing People, MATI Leadership or PADM 307 Ethics in Local Government. If you are a current CAO, but do not meet the prerequisites, please contact Linda Adams at lindaadams@capilanou.ca Registration Information: * please note, there is two step registration process and applicants must complete the intake form Register online by February 6, 2026. Payments will not be processed until February 6. Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registration is full, to be added to the waitlist, you will register and provide your credit card, however, you will not be charged until you have been accepted into the program. All participants must complete the intake form to confirm their registration into the course. Fees : $3,129 + GST (members), $3,412.50 + GST (non-members) This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. All meals and accommodations are for registered students only. Travel Grant for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. Submit your travel grant application by completing this form. Thank you to Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training. Please contact localgovernment@capilanou.ca for further information on this course. Visit Capilano University for further MATI® program information.