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Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)

Elected Officials Academy

MTAS provides training for municipal elected officials through our signature Elected Officials Academy and the Elected Officials Special Topic Series.

The Elected Officials Academy (EOA) includes two programs: Municipal Foundations and Municipal Operations.

Municipal Foundations familiarizes municipal elected officials with foundational aspects of municipal governance. Topics include foundations and structure of municipal government; charters, codes, and local legislative acts; ethics, public records, and open meetings; effective meetings; and municipal finance.

Municipal Operations provides an overview of the responsibilities and oversight of the municipal elected board related to operational functions in municipalities. Topics include human resources, public works, fire services, and police services.

The Elected Officials Special Topic Series provides quarterly, free training sessions on Zoom. New sessions are announced as they are confirmed.


2024 EOA Programs

Municipal Foundations was delivered virtually in January 2024. 

Municipal Foundations and Municipal Operations will both be offered as preconference sessions during the 2024 TML Annual Conference in July. More information about the July programs will be posted and shared in late spring. 

Questions? Contact Doug Brown, (865) 974-9140.


Elected Officials Special Topic Series

Join MTAS for a free training session for elected officials! 

Principled Policing

This session for municipal elected officials will explore the intricacies of responsible policing. Participants will examine challenges that can occur in safeguarding communities and discuss ways to ensure effective police service while preventing negative outcomes, exposure, and narrative. Join us to explore the delicate balance between ensuring community safety and becoming a cautionary tale in a time of policing challenges.

Approved: 1.5 hours Utility Board Training

Presenter: David Moore, MTAS

Wednesday, March 6, 2024
6:00-7:30pm Eastern / 5:00-6:30pm Central

Location: Virtual (Zoom)

This training is free but registration is required. For help with registration, please contact Doug Brown, (865) 974-9140.

Future special topics will be announced as they are confirmed. 


EOA Program Contacts

Registration: Doug Brown, Training Coordinator, (865) 974-9140.

Program Lead: Johanna Owenby, Training and Development Manager, (865) 974-9858.