Programs & Training

The LGMA provides educational support and training for every stage of your local government career.

From leadership and communications training for people new to the profession, to accessible online learning programs to help local government professionals in every corner of the province, the LGMA offers an ever-changing suite of professional development, technical training, e-learning, and intensive residential programs designed to support your learning, leadership, and growth.


Review the 2026 learning calendar for online courses and training options.


The following signature programs are being offered in-person for 2026:

 

  • CAO Forum (February)
  • First Nations Land Use Planning Regional Workshop (May)
  • Annual Conference (June)
  • Corporate Officers Forum (November)
  • Administrative Professionals' Conference (November)

 

Visit  MATI Programs for a suite of MATI Training programs available annually.

Featured Programs 

Registration is open for the following Programs and Training 

The following programs are currently open for registration and can be searched by using the search bar below 

(i.e. "CAO Forum").


To explore additional programs by topic, visit our In-Person Programs, Online Training , MATI Programs , or On-Demand Programs pages.

February 25, 2026
Local Government Advanced Elections Workshops Online Tuesday, April 14: 1-3PM (Registration is closed) Thursday, April 23: 1-3PM (Registration is closed) Wednesday, April 29: 10AM-12PM (Registration is closed) If you are responsible for, or supporting your local government election, this advanced workshop is for you! The LGMA will be holding a series of Advanced Elections Workshops for local government and school officials in advance of the 2026 General Local Government Elections. Representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Elections BC, and the LGMA Elections Advisory Committee will be leading the workshops by Zoom. These workshops are designed to supplement the 2026 BC Local Elections Manual helping to prepare employees with all the tools, skills, and confidence needed to hold a successful local government or school trustee election. If your local government has not yet purchased the new manual, order your copy today . Format: The workshop will be held virtually using Zoom, facilitated by LGMA Elections Advisory Committee members, representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Elections BC. Fees: $385 + GST (members), $440 + GST (non-members) Participants only need to register for ONE workshop date; they will each cover the same content. Review the brochure . Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after registration closes for each workshop.
By LGMA Staff • December 31, 2025
CAO Connect Lunch Series April 10 and November 13, 2026 12:00 – 1:00 PM PST 2026 registration now open Registration Eligibility Requirements: You must be a CAO or board/council-appointed Deputy CAO for a local government organization in order to register for this complimentary lunch series. A complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour discussion is being offered to CAOs who want an informal space to connect with peers and gain support and advice for the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. This virtual opportunity is inspired by the historical efforts of local government leaders who have sought to create informal opportunities for CAOs, by CAOs. Bring your own lunch and take advantage of the wisdom of your peers while you strengthen your professional networks in a safe, supportive environment. The CAO Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified the need to build on previous efforts by local government leaders to strengthen informal networking opportunities for CAOs by hosting a virtual space for CAOs to connect with their peers and engage in collaborative problem-solving. The CAO Advisory Committee and the LGMA acknowledges the incredible work that has been done by past leaders to hold space for these important gatherings and recognizes that this work would not be possible without such a solid foundation upon which to build. The Committee noted CAOs are faced with significant challenges and mounting stressors and would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion network. The accessibility and technological familiarity gleaned over the past year affords CAOs the opportunity to connect with their peers for informal discussion without travel constraints or significant commitment. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CAO Lunch Hour Connect Series form . Complimentary registration is online for all sessions, for CAOs or board/council-appointed Deputy CAOs. Attend one or all with one registration. Registration will close 5 days prior to the scheduled lunch series date. For more information contact Candace Witkowskyj, Executive Director at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca
By LGMA Staff • December 19, 2025
Corporate Officers Fundamentals January 26 - March 9, 2027 Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:30 AM PCT 7 online modules Registration is now open. Are you: New to the Corporate Officer (CO) role or looking to step into one? A newly appointed CAO responsible for corporate administration? Administrative support to elected officials or work closely with your organization's CO? Join experts Lisa Zwarn and Stephen Fleming in this seven-week online course to build the knowledge needed to effectively navigate and excel in the CO role. Explore key responsibilities, relevant legislation, agenda and minute preparation, effective meeting administration, and gain insights from experienced Corporate Officers through a live panel discussion. Review the full schedule of topics and key dates designed to support your professional development and equip you for success in this dynamic field. Take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the CO role, strengthen your professional practice, and gain valuable resources and strategies that you can apply immediately in your organization. Fees : $1,452 + GST (members), $1,815 + GST (non-members) Review the 2027 course brochure . Cancellation Policy The registration and cancellation deadline is January 12 . No refunds will be provided after. Textbook: This course will be using the Corporate Officers Handbook and this can be purchased at the time of registration if not already owned by your local government.
November 29, 2025
February 16-18, 2027 Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, Victoria, BC Setting the Pace for Steady Progress Registration is limited to CAOs and appointed Deputy CAOs. CAO Forum sessions can be used towards Continuous Professional Learning credits. The CAO Forum is an annual offering for local government Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs)/City Managers to connect, share experiences and in-depth discussions on key topics impacting their work. The forum will feature interactive, two-way discussions with speakers on subjects of interest to local governments and provide an excellent opportunity for frank and open dialogue. This year’s theme includes a lineup of interactive sessions covering topics like fiscal sustainability, leading with authenticity, building your leadership bench, legal updates and more. A pre-forum workshop is also offered. Pre-forum workshop: HR and Labour Relations Amidst Economic Uncertainty Fees: $254 + GST, members, $284 + GST, non-members Register separately for the pre-forum workshop. Review the program brochure and register online before February 2, 2027. Early Bird Fees before December 31, 2026: $932 + GST members, $1,083 + GST non-members Regular fees starting January 1, 2027: $1,053 + GST members, $1,143 + GST non-members Hotel Accommodations: $219 plus taxes per night. Pre and post dates are also included with this rate. Reservations must be made by January 18, 2027. Book your hotel room via the hotel reservation passkey link . Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted without penalty before 4:30 p.m. on February 2, 2027. No refunds provided after this date but registration can be transferred to another colleague. Travel Grant: Through financial support from LGMA's year-round partners, limited grants to offset travel expenses are available for eligible local government professionals attending the 2027 CAO Forum. Review the eligibility requirements and submission form found on our website. LGMA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of this program from:
December 17, 2024
Supervisor Essentials Online Course Registration for 2026 is closed. Please review the following information for reference only. Join the interested list here. Course Information Are you new to a management role or have more responsibility and more staff to supervise? Learn how to effectively lead and engage a high-performing team and create a motivational environment for your staff to work in. Brush up on fundamental communication skills that are critical to the success of a supervisor. Provide positive and constructive feedback and learn the difference between managing performance and coaching others effectively. As you move through your careers and take on the responsibly of leading others, the nature of your work changes. Your performance is measured by the health of your teams and your ability to effectively manage the work of others. This online series of modules equips leaders with essential skills to help you navigate the transition to supervision successfully.  Eligibility: B.C. local government employees whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments are eligible to register for this course. Review the 2026 course brochure for reference only. Course Format: This online series includes three x 90-minute webinars and follow-up sustainment activities and resources. Attend webinars; review additional resource documents; work on assignments on your own time; submit your assignments for review, coaching, and direct feedback before the next assignments are due.