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 2025 learning calendar for online courses and training options.
The following signature programs are being offered in-person for 2025:
- CAO Forum (February)
- Annual Conference (June)
- Corporate Officers Forum (October)
- Administrative Professionals' Conference (November)
Visit MATI Programs for a suite of MATI Training programs available annually.
Featured Programs
Advanced Supervisor Essentials Online Course October 14, 21 and 28, 2025 10-11:30 a.m. PST Registration is now open. Are you a manager or supervisor with leadership experience who would like to expand your skillset as an effective leader? Are you an experienced manager who would like to develop as an authentic leader capable of increasing your teams’ capacity through coaching and effective conflict management? Articulate your leadership vision and values to develop resiliency and lead with presence. Identify essential coaching skills to engage and sustainably support your team, and lean into conflict management for enhanced collaboration, inclusion, and psychological safety at work. Learn new strategies emphasizing application and practice to cultivate a positive work environment, encourage growth within your team, and foster connectivity across differences. This online course utilizes blended learning, combining self-paced activities with three 90-minute facilitated online webinars with Q&As and an overview of the assignments. Participants attend the webinars, review additional self-paced content, and complete their assignments for each session. See detailed session descriptions below. October 7 - Pre-work available on Moodle October 14 - First webinar and assignment October 21 - Second webinar and assignment October 28 - Third webinar and assignment Review the 2025 course brochure and register online . Cancellations: No refunds will be provided after September 30, 2025.
Corporate Officer Forum Taking Care of Business October 1-3, 2025 Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton, BC Attendance is reserved for Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers only. Since 2006, this educational offering has focused on emerging trends and legal and legislative changes of relevance to BC local government Corporate Officers. If you’re a Corporate Officer, you know what it means to juggle legislation, leadership, and logistics—often all at once. That’s why this year’s Corporate Officers Forum, themed “Taking Care of Business,” is built around helping you navigate the demands of your role with clarity, confidence, and connection. Review the program brochure and register online before September 17, 2025 Early Bird registration rates until August 15, 2025 member rate: $841.50 + GST / non-member rate: $979 + GST Regular registration rates starting August 16, 2025 member rate: $951.50 + GST / non-member rate: $1,034 + GST Register separately for the Pre-forum workshop : 2026 General Local Election $220 LGMA Member, $247.50 Non-Member Hotel Accommodations: Lakeside Resort hotel group rates range depending on room: $178- $275 + GST. These rates are based on a first-come, first served basis and upon availability. Reservations must be made by September 1, 2025 Book your hotel room via the hotel reservation passkey link. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted without penalty before 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2025. No refunds provided after this date but registration can be transferred to Deputy Corporate Officer. NEW $500 Travel Grant: Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation, one grant in the amount of $500 is available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to the forum. Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application.
First Nations and Local Government Land Use Planning Regional Workshop October 21-23, 2025 En'owkin Centre, SnPink’tn (Penticton), BC We acknowledge this event takes place at the En'owkin Centre, located in the unceded Syilx-Okanagan Nation Territory in the community of SnPink'tn (the Penticton Indian Band). This gratitude extends to the many Indigenous Nations on whose territories we work, live and play. Join us for a 2.5-day workshop specifically designed to enhance connections and understanding between First Nations and local governments on using land use frameworks and identifying tools for developing shared land use practices. With the input of experienced practitioners from First Nations and local governments, this workshop features regionally curated content for the Interior BC region . In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we strongly encourage planners and administrators interested in this workshop to reach out and invite their First Nations/local government counterparts they work with to attend the workshop together. Program Eligibility : The content of this regional workshop is specifically curated for the Interior region . Registration is reserved for planners, administrators, and land use managers working in First Nations and local governments in this region. To ensure equitable access to the workshop, we limit registration to two (2) seats per organization . If you wish to register more than 2 individuals from your organization or wish to attend but do not meet the criteria, please contact LGMA Office at office@lgma.ca to express your interest. Registration: Review the workshop brochure and register online by October 7, 2025 . Seats are limited to 25 First Nations and 25 Local Government employees. Fees for attending the workshop, include daytime meals. Participants are required to make their own hotel accommodations. Early Bird registration rate until September 9: $737 + GST Regular registration rate starting September 10: $781 + GST First Nations participants are eligible for bursaries . Eligible applicants facing financial barriers associated with registration and travel costs are encouraged to apply. Please submit your application online by October 7, 2025 . Accommodations Penticton offers a wide range of accommodation options and participants are responsible for making their own accommodation and travel arrangements. Participants can take advantage of special discounted rates available through Corporate Supply Arrangements (CSAs) with the BC Provincial Government to attend this workshop. These pre-negotiated rates offer great value and are an easy way to help keep travel costs in check. For more information, please click the links below. CSA Guidelines Eligible Accommodation in SnPink'tn (Penticton) Please update the arrival date as needed. CSA Frequently Asked Questions For more accommodation options, please refer to Visit Penticton . Be sure to book early to secure your preferred location. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations and changes are accepted without penalty until October 7 . No refunds are provided after this date. We greatly appreciate the support of the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
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.
Corporate Officer Connect Lunch Series Quarterly on Wednesdays September 17 Noon - 1 p.m. PST Are you a local government Corporate Officer (CO) or Deputy CO in British Columbia who wants more networking opportunities with your peers, advice about the challenges you face in your increasingly complex role while building meaningful connections, without travelling or a significant time commitment? Join your colleagues quarterly for a complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour discussion inspired and led by COs. You and your peers can submit suggested discussion topics in advance. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of your peers while you strengthen your professional networks, and access mentoring opportunities in a safe, supportive environment. The CO Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified the need for additional educational support for new and experienced COs to connect with their peers and engage in collaborative learning and problem solving. The Committee noted in their positions, COs are faced with an increasingly complex environment within which they must perform various roles, and they would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion network to share current issues and problem solve. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CO Lunch Hour Connect Series SUBMISSION FORM or by emailing Liz Cornwell, Advisor, Corporate Officer Advisory Committee at lcornwell@lgma.ca Registration is complimentary and is open to Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers only. You only need to register once for the entire series. Please note, registration will close 5 business days prior to the scheduled lunch series date. For more information review the CO Connect Lunch Series brochure or contact Liz Cornwell at lcornwell@lgma.ca
CAO Connect Lunch Series November 14, 2025 12 – 1:00 p.m. 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 48 hours prior to the scheduled lunch series date. For more information contact Candace Witkowskyj, Executive Director at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca
HR Connect Lunch Series September 29 Online Monday, Noon - 1 p.m. PST Are you a local government Human Resources (HR) practitioner or have HR duties as part of your role, who wants more peer learning opportunities and exposure to experienced HR knowledge holders? Would you appreciate a safe space to get advice about the challenges you face in your increasingly complex role while building meaningful connections and mentorship, without travelling or a significant time commitment? Join your colleagues for the complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour virtual discussions inspired and facilitated by HR knowledge holders. The HR Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified this exciting new opportunity to connect with your peers and engage in collaborative learning and problem solving. HR practitioners are faced with an increasingly complex environment within which they must perform various roles and would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion to share resources, discuss gaps, support one another, and problem solve to increase the capacity of local government HR practitioners in BC. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the HR Lunch Connect Series Form or by emailing Teressa Johnson, Program Manager, LGMA at tjohnson@lgma.ca with the subject line: HR Connect Lunch Series Topics. Complimentary registration is online for all sessions. Attend one or all with one registration. Please review the brochure . Registration will close 5 business days prior to the scheduled lunch series date . Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or all sessions with one registration.
Advanced Supervisor Essentials Online Course October 14, 21 and 28, 2025 10-11:30 a.m. PST Registration is now open. Are you a manager or supervisor with leadership experience who would like to expand your skillset as an effective leader? Are you an experienced manager who would like to develop as an authentic leader capable of increasing your teams’ capacity through coaching and effective conflict management? Articulate your leadership vision and values to develop resiliency and lead with presence. Identify essential coaching skills to engage and sustainably support your team, and lean into conflict management for enhanced collaboration, inclusion, and psychological safety at work. Learn new strategies emphasizing application and practice to cultivate a positive work environment, encourage growth within your team, and foster connectivity across differences. This online course utilizes blended learning, combining self-paced activities with three 90-minute facilitated online webinars with Q&As and an overview of the assignments. Participants attend the webinars, review additional self-paced content, and complete their assignments for each session. See detailed session descriptions below. October 7 - Pre-work available on Moodle October 14 - First webinar and assignment October 21 - Second webinar and assignment October 28 - Third webinar and assignment Review the 2025 course brochure and register online . Cancellations: No refunds will be provided after September 30, 2025.
Effective Report Writing Online Course October 21 - November 4, 2025 (3 modules) Registration is now open. Do you want to improve your written communication skills? In today’s world of information overload, it is vital to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively. The better your writing skills are, the better the impression you will make and the more successful you will be in ensuring your advice and ideas get noticed, assessed, and implemented. Improve your writing skills, avoid common pitfalls, and fix those pesky grammatical mistakes with this online course offered by experts in writing effectively and communicating successfully in a local government context. This online course is comprised of three modules which include live, interactive webinars, assignments, and coaching: MODULE 1: Effective Report Writing and Audience Analysis MODULE 2: Effective Writing Techniques MODULE 3: How to Write a Recommendation Participants attend the live webinars; review additional resource documents and participate in learning activities in the Moodle virtual classroom; work on the assignments on their own time; and submit their assignments for review, coaching, and direct feedback. Review the course brochure and register by October 7, 2025. Cancellation Policy: No refunds are available after the registration deadline of October 7, 2025. Instructors: Fiona Prince, MA and Sonia Santarossa, MA
November 18, 25 and December 2, 2025 Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Registration is currently open for this course. NEW! Additional Cohorts! To increase access to this high demand course, the LGMA is piloting a dual-cohort model. Cohort 1 : 10:00 - 11:30 AM PST Cohort 2 : 1:00 - 2:30 PM PST Registrants can access the same course content in either the morning session (Cohort 1) OR the afternoon session (Cohort 2), subject to availability. Please select only one cohort time slot when registering. Course information Do you want to learn how to take comprehensive yet concise minutes that fulfill legal requirements and operational standards? If you take minutes for your council, board, or other organizational meeting and want to learn administrative best practices, this program is a must. Recognize your role in creating a successful meeting, going beyond taking notes for minutes, and ensure that your minutes have legal force and effect. Module 1: Before the Meeting Organization (webinar and assignment) Module 2: During the Meeting (webinar and assignment) Module 3: After the Meeting (webinar and assignment). Review the 2025 brochure and register online . Course Format: This online series consists of three x 90-minute webinars with Q&As and an overview of the assignments, with follow-up sustainment activities and resources . Attend webinars; review additional resource documents; work on assignments on your own time; and submit your assignments for review, coaching, and direct feedback before the next assignments are due.
2025 CAO Dinner Sunday, September 21, 2025 Craft Beer Market, 450 Swift Street, Victoria, BC Register online before September 8, 2025. The LGMA will hold a CAO Dinner as a chance to connect with colleagues during UBCM week in Victoria, BC. The LGMA is proud to carry forward and facilitate a space for peer-learning that was originally championed by CAOs within the sector. Hosted by LGMA President and long-standing member, Ron Poole. CAOs and Deputy CAOs are invited to attend with partners and spouses. This is a networking dinner. Cost: $99 + GST/ member rate, or $115.50+ GST/ non-member Spousal tickets: $99 + GST
Corporate Officer Forum Taking Care of Business October 1-3, 2025 Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton, BC Attendance is reserved for Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers only. Since 2006, this educational offering has focused on emerging trends and legal and legislative changes of relevance to BC local government Corporate Officers. If you’re a Corporate Officer, you know what it means to juggle legislation, leadership, and logistics—often all at once. That’s why this year’s Corporate Officers Forum, themed “Taking Care of Business,” is built around helping you navigate the demands of your role with clarity, confidence, and connection. Review the program brochure and register online before September 17, 2025 Early Bird registration rates until August 15, 2025 member rate: $841.50 + GST / non-member rate: $979 + GST Regular registration rates starting August 16, 2025 member rate: $951.50 + GST / non-member rate: $1,034 + GST Register separately for the Pre-forum workshop : 2026 General Local Election $220 LGMA Member, $247.50 Non-Member Hotel Accommodations: Lakeside Resort hotel group rates range depending on room: $178- $275 + GST. These rates are based on a first-come, first served basis and upon availability. Reservations must be made by September 1, 2025 Book your hotel room via the hotel reservation passkey link. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted without penalty before 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2025. No refunds provided after this date but registration can be transferred to Deputy Corporate Officer. NEW $500 Travel Grant: Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation, one grant in the amount of $500 is available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to the forum. Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application.
Coaching Essentials Online Course November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2025 4 online modules, Wednesdays, from 10 - 11:30 am Registration is now open. In the Coaching Essentials Online Course, you will learn how to apply coaching techniques such as active listening, paraphrasing, and powerful questioning to real-life scenarios to heighten your learning. Increase engagement, innovation, and develop inclusive coaching strategies in this exciting new course. Learn how to apply coaching in the local government context, such as in performance and development conversations, and to create a meaningful, inclusive, and engaging culture. This course will provide you with essential coaching skills to help navigate complex situations, manage conflict, and facilitate constructive dialogue. This online series includes four x 90-minute live webinars, including one webinar to practice, apply, and reflect on utilizing coaching techniques. Attend webinars, complete self-paced activities, and review additional resource material to sustain learning. October 29 Pre-work available on Moodle November 5 First webinar and assignment – Coaching Approach November 12 Second webinar and assignment – Coaching Techniques November 19 Third webinar and assignment – Coaching in Action November 26 Fourth webinar and assignment – Coaching Through Conflict Review the brochure and register by October 22, 2025, 4:30pm PST. Registration & Cancellation Policy: Registration is limited to local government professionals. No refunds will be provided after October 22, 2025.
