Local Government Academy
14 reviews total. Average rating:
User Reviews
I was a Client Served & Attended LGA classes as a newly elected Councilmember.
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In the two months that have passed since completing the LGA's Newly Elected Officals Course, I have found several occassions when I draw on information that was provided. The curriculum was relevant, well designed and presented concisely in a compressed timeframe. It gave me a foundation and will help me develop my understanding and performance of my Council position. Though the course didn't give us all the answers - more importantly, it taught and encouraged us to ask the right questions. The experience was invaluable.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the way that I consider issues that come before our council for deliberation.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the opportunity to learn among peers and make connections that I hope will develop into collaborations in the future.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... knowledgable, organized, enthusiastic and comitted to making this a terrific program.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... change the face of government in our region even more!
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I had the ability to pick up the two programs I missed due to a conflict.
- If I ran this organization, I would... thank my lucky stars for Susan and her great staff!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... the same as other non-profits - sustaining funding sources.
- One thing I'd also say is that... the course offerings are great and I expect to take other classes and encourage my fellow councilmen to consdier them. I would like to stay connected and participate with LGA programs in other ways too.
This program came highly recommended, and the commitment of LGA to programming was apparent. A lot of effort went into the program, and we were exposed to a lot of the complexities of local government. Thanks, Deron Gabriel
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... friendly, professional, and dedicated
Ways to make it better!
- One thing I'd also say is that... Some instructors were phenomenal, and some were average.
I was a Client Served & Classes for Newly Elected Officals
Post public compliment
I have in my adult life taken many classes for my business. It was not unusual for me to take a magazine or the like with me, in case I got bored.
Being elected to office, I felt a responsibility to take any legitimate classes that were offered.
I reviewed the information sent by the LGA and signed up for The Newly Elected Officials course.
On the first day of the LGA classes - I brought a magazine - just in case!
I have now completed the classes and never opened the emergency magazine!
The classes were well organized. The staff was gracious and professional. The teachers were absolutely top notch.
The classes were invaluable and taught in an easily digestible format. It has helped me as a "newbie" to perform and seek help that I would have never been aware of, if it wasn't for the extremely knowledgeable people that make up the LGA.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... My ability to know where to access information I need.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... not change a single thing!
I was a Client Served & I was trained to be a more effective Township Supervisor.
Post public compliment
I learned after being elected Supervisor.
I had to chose between PSATS and LGA - I chose LGA.
I had no expectations, soon realized that I should have and they were far exceeded.
They expose to you to the tools and information you need to do this job.
Every topic was covered thoroughly. Each LGA employee gives 100%.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... through doing my job. The education provided is making me a much more effective Supervisor.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Knowing that so many people care about local government and are willing to reachout and help.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Top notch. Each person worked to gain 100% satisfaction.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Not do too much more. These folks perform miracles with very little. If they had more money I am sure they would find a way to make LGA mandatory for all elected officials.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... Not much could have been done to make it better. I struggle to be able to put all the pieces together, but this is my challenge.
- If I ran this organization, I would... Try to emulate the way Susan does it.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Getting the best instructors to come out on Saturday.
- One thing I'd also say is that... What a blessing. The services provided by LGA were so unexpected that I can not express how appreciative I am for their services. Thank you.
I was a Client Served & I attended four day length seminars introducing me to municipal operations and responsibilities (e.g. financing, infrastructure, and planning).
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As an appointed councilperson, I received a brochure advertising the Local Government Academy from our borough secretary. When I indicated my interest in attending the Newly Elected Officials Course, the other members of council encouraged my interest and unanimously agreed to have the borough reimburse me for the tuition. My high expectations for learning about municipal government operations have been more than satisfied. In fact the organizers and presenters at our all day Saturday sessions have excited me and convinced me that I can and should make a positive impact on the quality of life in my community.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the faithful attendance of a large group of newly elected officials at four separate day-length sessions and witnessed the enthusiasm of the organizers, presenters, and fellow elected officials.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... appreciating the wide diversity of municipalities represented by the course attendees and learning about the many different issues confronting the different newly elected officials.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... encouraging, personable, helpful, and passionate about improving the effectiveness of local governments.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... extend its mission in facilitating intergovernmental communication, planning, and implementation of joint municipal actions needed to efficiently manage community resources.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I had spent more time reviewing the large quantity of information presented at each Saturday session.
- If I ran this organization, I would... be completely overwhelmed by the responsibility.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... convincing more elected officials to participate in its programs.
I was a Board Member & I feel like the guy in the electric shaver commercial. "I tried the Local Government Academy, and I liked it so much I became the Board Chairman!"
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In my work with municipal governments across the western half of the state, education of officials, both elected and appointed, on the cruicial nature of their roles and their impact on the health of the region's business community was imperative. After a brief investigation into LGA's objectives and processes, there was no other choice for our organization but to become both a Board member and a major sponsor. The role that LGA plays in creating nonpolitical inroads into effective governance of the region continues to be a tremendous asset, with all upside potential for growth and sustained contributions to the region's overall health.
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The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... The NEOC (Newly Elected Officials Course) in that it provides an eye-opener crash course that allows neophytes to hit the ground running...a clear winner for community residents and businesses.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The separation of politics from governance, an icnredible feat equal in stature to separation of church and state.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Incredibly caring and committed professionals with an unsurpassed grasp of regional issues and an array of learning opportunities for those seeking to resolve those issues.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Expand to meet the real demand for educational programs and services.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... Well...I did "run" the organization as Board Chairman.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... The demand "pull" on program offerings and services that outstrips the growth in budget and staffing.
I was a Client Served & I was an intern through the Municipal Intern Program
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The Local Government Academy excels in placing undergraduate and graduate students as interns with local municipalities. By having an Internship Fair in February, this allowed me to meet representatives from those communities participating in the program and really get an understanding of the project that would be completed as a summer intern. The program is a wonderful way to give students interested in public administration a taste of what the world of local government is like.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... students and alumni who have participated in the Municipal Intern Program. They have all had well-rounded experiences as a result.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... learning the daily triumphs and struggles of a small-town local government.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... very personable, knowledgeable, patient and helpful.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... have a municipal intern program year- round!
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I could have shared the progress of my project with others affiliated with the LGA (including fellow student interns). For example, allow each intern to write a brief paragraph about their progress mid-summer and then have this information shared with others via a media outlet. I was curious to see how my fellow colleagues were doing.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... funding. It's a challenge for most non-profit organizations!
I was a Client Served & As a Township Manager I have attended many LGA seminars, served LGA-educated elected officials and been supported by two-LGA funded interns.
Post public compliment
I was retained as a Township Manager four years ago to assist a growing municipality improve issues that included rapid turn-over in administrators, erosion of trust and stagnate performance. With the knowledge that one of the root causes was the corresponding succession of elected leaders, we turned to the Local Government Academy for help. My leaders and I have yet to be disappointed! We strongly encourage new board members to attend and staff also receives training. Shared knowledge builds trust and common-ground. It is also much more difficult for any official to support a one-issue agenda once they learn there is much work to be done!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... increased attendance and word of mouth. It is very rewarding each time you attend and met a new municipality or a state or county official.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... witnessing the changes that occur in my elected officials, and myself, as a result of the LGA's mission. It is rewarding to see an official learn all that is expected of them, broaden their agenda and rise to exceed their own expectations. It challenges me as a public servant.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... always educated and professional whatever the topic, and also very skilled in some of the finer points and "unique" aspects of local government.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... get Pennsylvania closer to the ideals of good government and the vision of a "Commonwealth" where the local level provides the best level of public service.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... hope to someday expand the mission to educate, not just local leaders as individuals, but local governments in board dynamics.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... continued funding for such a large group of municipal leaders. Despite the perception some persons may hold, I have found that most elected officials and public employees are very cost conscious. Finding ways to offer these courses for free or at minimal cost is essential.
- One thing I'd also say is that... the LGA is always right on top of current trends and "hot" topics. If I have a question today, I can trust the LGA course brochure will arrive tomorrow!
Provides information and learning opportunities from top professionals in local government to those who need it most....the elected officials. And provides this service at little or no cost. All benefit from the information provided by LGA, from the most urban and progressive communities to the most rural or distressed communities. The beauty of this agency is that the real benefit is to the folks who live in these communities; in the form of lower taxes, lower legal fees and general understanding of governing by their elected local government.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The opportunity to meet peers from different communities and sharing experiences, information, etc.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... competing with other organizations who have a political agenda and deep pockets
I was a Client Served & I was an intern in their municipal intern program
Post public compliment
My first contact with the Local Government Academy was at their career fair at the University of Pittsburgh. As a student I have attended numerous career fairs but LGA's fair was exceptional. The opportunity to meet with each host municipality was invaluable and the system of ranking top choices by student and host municipality helped to facilitate a quality match. Also, by posting plenty of information about the projects ahead of time I was able to prepare for the fair rather than show up cold.
My assignment in a Washington Co. PA municipality provided me with a chance to experience many facets of common city business and to work with residents, businesses, and elected officials. The staff and elected officials were generous and friendly and helped to make the temporary move from Cleveland to the Pitt area an easy one. Currently, while working on my MPA coursework, I often find myself referring back to my experience in the intern program. It was important to me to have been able to make the connection between the academic and professional worlds and I'm grateful to the Local Government Academy for providing the opportunity to make that connection.
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... extremely welcoming and friendly and committed to the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate students in its program.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... become a national destination of choice for aspiring local government professionals interested in gaining practical municipal experience. It's already truly a one of a kind program for its region.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... The professional development session and meeting between all interns was held earlier in the program rather than towards the end. Just my preference.
Jerry.Andree@Cranberrytownship.org
I was a Board Member & Have had the pleasure of serving on their Board, volunteering to teach classes and organize classes and receiving the benefits of having a newly elected official attend the Newly Elected Officials Course.
Post public compliment
The most comprehensive "one stop shop" to help newly elected officials to prepare for their new civic responsibilities in a responsible and professional manner.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... assisting a newly elected member of our governing body to be quickly acclimated and prepared to deal a full agenda from day one.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... getting to meet so many people with a passion for excellence in local government.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... professional, personal, helpful and made everything so enjoyable.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... greatly improve the quality of life of every resident in western Pennsylvania through improved local government management.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I would have done more to prepare.
- If I ran this organization, I would... continue to do everything they are doing.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... finding steady and reliable sources of funding to further pursue the organization's mission.
- One thing I'd also say is that... it needs improved funding to recruit and retain their staff.
Making the decision and commitment to be a public servant can be intimidating. The LGA offers courses and forums to help educate newly elected officials so they can learn what to expect and what will be expecrted of them to be an effective government official. The LGA promotes good government and is a great resource in our region.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The professionalism and commitment of the LGA staff. Well run organization!
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... =
I was a Client Served & I attended the Newly Elected Officials Course
Post public compliment
Local Government Academy provides valuable assistance to individuals transitioning from candidate to public official. Non-profit and non-partisan, LGA provides instruction on the nuts and bolts of governing, the pros and cons of various policy options, and helpful guidance how local government can help communities be their best. Particularly useful is the advice on how to function well in an intergovernmental system.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... my increase in knowledge
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... meeting local government officials from all around the greater Pittsburgh area
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... very professional
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... help save taxpayers money by helping officials do their jobs better
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... More information was on-line
- If I ran this organization, I would... offer more classes
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... people knowing about it
This is a great organization!