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
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.
Bylaw Drafting Online Course January 13, 20, and 27, 2026 (three modules) Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30a.m. + 2:00 - 3:30p.m. Registration now open To increase access to this high demand course, the LGMA is offering a dual-cohort model. Cohort 1 : 10:00 - 11:30 AM PST Cohort 2 : 2:00 - 3:30 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 This interactive, fully online course has been developed for staff whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments. Do you want to improve your bylaw drafting skills with practical training and hands-on exercises? Then this program is for you! Join Lisa Zwarn for three facilitated, interactive modules and learn how to develop a comprehensive bylaw. January 13 Module 1: Getting Started (webinar and assignment) January 20 Module 2: Constructing Bylaws (webinar and assignment) January 27 Module 3: Putting the Finishing Touches (webinar and assignment) *Final assignment is to be completed by February 2, 2026. Each interactive webinar is a 90-minute facilitated online with Q&As and an overview of the assignments. Participants will have five days to complete their assignments for each module and will receive written feedback and coaching. Review the 2026 brochure and register online . Eligibility: B.C. local government employees whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments are eligible to register for this course. Registrants who wish to attend but do not meet the criteria should contact us at office@lgma.ca before registering. Cancellations: No refunds will be provided after January 5, 2026.
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
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® 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 .
