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.

By LGMA Staff December 31, 2025
CAO Connect Lunch Series April 10 and November 13, 2026 12 – 1:00 p.m. 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 25, 2025
Communications Connect Lunch Series April 2 and October 29, 2026 Online Thursdays, 12 - 1 PM PST Registration is now open Complimentary Peer Learning Opportunity and Exposure to Experienced Practitioners Are you a local government communications professional who is juggling media calls, social media flare-ups, “urgent” last-minute projects, and big expectations with limited time and tools? Do you ever wish you had a trusted circle of peers you could bounce ideas off, gut-check your approach, or simply ask, “Is it just me, or is this wild?” Join your colleagues for a complimentary LGMA-hosted virtual lunch hour where communications pros can share real-world challenges, swap practical solutions, and build connections with people who understand exactly what it’s like to be the calm, clear voice in the middle of the storm. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance through the Comms Connect Lunch Topics Form or by emailing Vanessa Gelhaar, LGMA Senior Program Manager at vgelhaar@lgma.ca with the subject line: Comms Connect Lunch Series Topics. Registration: Complimentary registration , attend one or all sessions with one registration. Registration will close 5 business days prior to each lunch session. You will receive an email reminder closer to the date of the session with the Zoom link and any additional information. Format: This virtual networking series will be offered on the following Thursdays from 12 – 1 p.m. Be sure to hold the 2026 dates in your calendars: April 2 October 29 Registration Disclaimer: This Connect Lunch Series is restricted to individuals who work in local government and have communications duties as part of their portfolio. Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Please email office@lgma.ca if you do not consent to your image being used for this purpose. Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this programming through the LGMA, you acknowledge that some of the content speaks to legal considerations that are for teaching and learning purposes only. Participation in the program automatically releases the LGMA and its volunteer speakers and contributors from any and all legal responsibility. By participating in this program, you understand that it is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding serious legal matters. You understand that any learning gleaned from the volunteers and from the LGMA does not substitute legal advice, nor should it be taken as such. You must indemnify and save harmless the LGMA and our officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against any claims, costs, losses, damages, actions, causes of action and expenses arising, directly or indirectly, from an error, omission or negligent or willful act of participants or participants’ agents, employees, sub-consultants or sub-contractors, or from participants’ breach of this Agreement. © 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved. No part of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products) may be stored, reproduced, transcribed, translated, or transmitted into any other form without prior written permission of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, no one may make commercial use of or any content of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products), whatsoever, including selling any information, software, products, or services or displaying or otherwise using any content of this product on any website. Access to LGMA courses, course materials, and services is limited to the registrant indicated at the time of purchase. Sharing of course access, materials, or other resources is prohibited.
December 20, 2025
Corporate Officer Connect Lunch Series April 22 and September 9, 2026 Noon - 1 p.m. PST Registration is now open Complimentary Peer Learning and Networking 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 . Format: The virtual series will be offered on Wednesdays from 12 – 1 p.m. Be sure to hold the following 2026 dates in your calendars: · April 22, 2026 · September 9, 2026 Registration: Registration is complimentary will close 5 business days before the scheduled lunch series date. Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or all sessions with one registration. You will receive an email reminder closer to the date of the session with the Zoom link and any additional information. Registration Disclaimer: The CO Connect Lunch Series is restricted to individuals who work in local government as COs or Deputy COs. CO Discussion Forum: We’re proud to collaborate with local government serving partners to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Civic Info BC's CO Discussion Forum builds on the connections formed through the CO Connect Lunch series, offering an additional space for knowledge sharing. Whether you’re curious about how other COs have approached similar initiatives or facing a complex challenge you’d like to explore with peers, this Forum is designed for you. Sign up today to enhance your peer learning experience and connect, share insights, and gain practical solutions from colleagues who truly understand your role. Find instructions on how to sign up on the LGMA website. Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Please email office@lgma.ca if you do not consent to your image being used for this purpose. Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this programming through the LGMA, you acknowledge that some of the content speaks to legal considerations that are for teaching and learning purposes only. Participation in the program automatically releases the LGMA and its volunteer speakers and contributors from any and all legal responsibility. By participating in this program, you understand that it is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding serious legal matters. You understand that any learning gleaned from the volunteers and from the LGMA does not substitute legal advice, nor should it be taken as such. You must indemnify and save harmless the LGMA and our officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against any claims, costs, losses, damages, actions, causes of action and expenses arising, directly or indirectly, from an error, omission or negligent or willful act of participants or participants’ agents, employees, sub-consultants or sub-contractors, or from participants’ breach of this Agreement. © 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved. No part of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products) may be stored, reproduced, transcribed, translated, or transmitted into any other form without prior written permission of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, no one may make commercial use of or any content of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products), whatsoever, including selling any information, software, products, or services, or displaying or otherwise using any content of this product on any website. Access to LGMA courses, course materials, and services is limited to the registrant indicated at the time of purchase. Sharing of course access, materials, or other resources is prohibited.
By LGMA Staff December 15, 2025
HR Connect Lunch Series February 9 and October 19, 2026 Online Monday, Noon - 1 p.m. PST Registration is now open Complimentary Peer Learning Opportunities and Exposure to Experienced HR practitioners 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. Format: The virtual series will be offered on the following Mondays from 12 – 1 p.m. Be sure to hold the 2026 dates in your calendars: · February 9, 2026 · October 19, 2026 Registration: Registration will close 5 business days before the scheduled lunch series date. Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or both sessions with one registration. You will receive an email reminder closer to the date of the session with the Zoom link and any additional information. Registration Disclaimer: The HR Connect Lunch Series and HR Discussion Forum are restricted to individuals who work in local government and have HR duties as part of their portfolio. HR Discussion Forum We’re proud to collaborate with local government serving partners to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Civic Info BC's HR Discussion Forum builds on the connections formed through the HR Connect Lunch series, offering an additional space for knowledge sharing. Whether you’re curious about how other HR practitioners have approached similar initiatives or facing a complex challenge you’d like to explore with peers, this Forum is designed for you. Sign up today to enhance your peer learning experience and connect, share insights, and gain practical solutions from colleagues who truly understand your role. Find instructions on how to sign up on the LGMA website. Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Please email office@lgma.ca if you do not consent to your image being used for this purpose. Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this programming through the LGMA, you acknowledge that some of the content speaks to legal considerations that are for teaching and learning purposes only. Participation in the program automatically releases the LGMA and its volunteer speakers and contributors from any and all legal responsibility. By participating in this program, you understand that it is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding serious legal matters. You understand that any learning gleaned from the volunteers and from the LGMA does not substitute legal advice, nor should it be taken as such. You must indemnify and save harmless the LGMA and our officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against any claims, costs, losses, damages, actions, causes of action and expenses arising, directly or indirectly, from an error, omission or negligent or willful act of participants or participants’ agents, employees, sub-consultants or sub-contractors, or from participants’ breach of this Agreement. © 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved. No part of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products) may be stored, reproduced, transcribed, translated, or transmitted into any other form without prior written permission of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, no one may make commercial use of or any content of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products), whatsoever, including selling any information, software, products, or services or displaying or otherwise using any content of this product on any website. Access to LGMA courses, course materials, and services is limited to the registrant indicated at the time of purchase. Sharing of course access, materials, or other resources is prohibited.
November 29, 2025
February 17-19, 2026 Westin Wall Centre, Richmond, BC Weathering Change 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) 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, Weathering Change, will provide a lineup of interactive sessions with expert speakers covering topics such as leading with compassion, strategic plans, emergency service cost management, legal updates, and more. A pre-forum workshop is also offered. Pre-forum workshop: The CAOs’ Compass for General Local Elections Fees: $231 + GST, members, $258.50 + GST, non-members Register separately for the pre-forum workshop. Review the CAO Forum program and register online before February 3, 2026. Early Bird Fees before December 31, 2025: $847 + GST member, $984.50 + GST non-member Regular fees starting January 1, 2026: $957 + GST member, $1,039.50 + GST non member Hotel Accommodations: (ROOM BLOCK IS NOW SOLD OUT) Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport: $219 plus taxes per night. Pre and post dates are also included with this rate. Reservations must be made by January 26, 2026. Book your hotel room via the hotel reservation passkey link. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted without penalty before 4:30 p.m. on February 3, 2026. No refunds provided after this date but registration can be transferred to another colleague. $500 Travel Grant: Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation and Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors, grants in the amount of $500 each are available for eligible local government professionals travelling to the 2026 CAO Forum. Review the eligibility requirements and submission form. LGMA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of this program from:
December 17, 2024
Supervisor Essentials Online Course April 1, 8 and 15, 2026 10 - 11:30 a.m. PST Registration is now open. 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. March 25 Pre-work available on Moodle April 1 First webinar and assignment – The Role of a Supervisor April 8 Second webinar and assignments – Communications Skills April 15 Third webinar and assignments - Case Study, F inal assignment due by April 30th. Eligibility: B.C. local government employees whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments are eligible to register for this course. Registration: Review the course brochure and register here before the deadline of March 18, 2026. Cancellations: No refunds will be provided after March 18, 2026. 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.