Strengthen how you show up in everyday interactions—especially when the pressure is on. This practical session breaks down what civility really means in today’s workplace and why it matters for trust, communication, and teamwork. Participants will explore the four domains of emotional intelligence and learn how these skills bring character to life in daily interactions. Through real-world examples and guided practice, you’ll build the awareness and tools needed to stay composed, respond with intention, and communicate with professionalism and respect.

Unlock your potential to think boldly and solve problems more effectively. This fast-paced, practical session introduces the essentials of critical thinking—what it is, why it matters, and how it sharpens decision-making in municipal government. Participants will explore the real drivers of innovation, learn to spot the conditions that help new ideas take root, and walk away with tools to strengthen creativity and problem-solving across their departments. A great fit for anyone ready to elevate their impact and spark fresh thinking in their municipality.

MTAS introduced the IMPACT Series in 2022. Presented quarterly, the IMPACT Series draws from Stephen Covey’s time management principle of prioritizing activities that are “important but not urgent” to produce long-term impact. Over the last three years, we have featured a variety of topics and speakers. 2026 MTAS IMPACT Series Municipal Moneyball: Finding Hidden Savings in City Operations Turn overlooked inefficiencies into measurable savings—one process at a time. Municipal budgets are tight, and inefficiencies cost real money.  Imagine freeing up funds for your top priorities without raising taxes, cutting services or staff. Join our 2026 IMPACT Series, inspired by a city leader who cut waste by more than 25% of the city’s entire operating budget, with zero impact to any city services.  Over four, one-hour sessions, you will learn the exact approach he used to uncover hidden savings and apply it to your own organization. What you will gain: ·       Practical tools to audit internal processes, identify waste, and calculate real savings—without compromising service quality or compliance. ·       A roadmap to identify quick wins and long-term savings ·       How to get buy-in and sustain improvements ·       A plan to reinvest savings into your organization’s key priorities Presenter:    CAPT Doug Kibbey, US Navy (ret) Doug received a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 1986.  He earned his wings in 1988, spent 34 years in the Navy (including three tours at the Pentagon), received his Master of Science degree in Lean Six Sigma from Loyola University New Orleans in 2001, and retired to Bath Springs, TN in 2016.  He was hired as the City Manager for Clifton, TN in Sept of 2016 and served in that capacity through the end of May of 2025. Session Dates & Topics ·       March 5 | Buy-in or Bust: Winning Support for Change ·       June 4 | Quick Wins: Where to Find Hidden Savings First ·       September 24 | Big Wins: Tackling High-Dollar Inefficiencies ·       December 3 | Reinvesting Savings: Turning Efficiency into Impact Register for all sessions – even if you can’t attend live. Only registered participants receive recordings and resources. All sessions are from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET via Zoom.

Fee: $385 (city will be invoiced after orientation)**NOTE: This program includes a one-hour virtual orientation and three, in-person classroom days. You may only see the classroom dates in K@TE. ** Imagine being able to communicate effectively, confidently influence people and drive performance within your team. The MTAS Municipal Leadership Program is designed to equip leaders at all levels with knowledge, tools and strategies to excel in their roles. Topics include Communicating for Results, Managing Performance and Influencing People. This 14-hour program features:A work styles assessment with personalized management insights;Thought-provoking preparatory information;Virtual and classroom instruction;Engaging class activities and group discussion;Optional self-directed professional development opportunities.Program Format:Virtual orientation (1 hour)Three, in-person classroom days (12 hours, 4 hours/day)Prework (1 hour) For specific cohort dates and other information visit the website: https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/municipal-leadership-training

Fee: $385 (city will be invoiced after orientation)**NOTE: This program includes a one-hour virtual orientation and three, in-person classroom days. You may only see the classroom dates in K@TE. ** Imagine being able to communicate effectively, confidently influence people and drive performance within your team. The MTAS Municipal Leadership Program is designed to equip leaders at all levels with knowledge, tools and strategies to excel in their roles. Topics include Communicating for Results, Managing Performance and Influencing People. This 14-hour program features:A work styles assessment with personalized management insights;Thought-provoking preparatory information;Virtual and classroom instruction;Engaging class activities and group discussion;Optional self-directed professional development opportunities.Program Format:Virtual orientation (1 hour)Three, in-person classroom days (12 hours, 4 hours/day)Prework (1 hour) For specific cohort dates and other information visit the website: https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/municipal-leadership-training

Start small. Improve daily. See big results. Discover a simple, structured way to approach everyday challenges and improve municipal services—without big budgets or complex tools. This introductory session will show you how small, consistent steps can lead to major improvements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team engagement. Walk away with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

Gain a comprehensive overview of municipal water and wastewater systems, the board’s role and responsibilities in governing the operation of your water systems, and how to maintain viable water systems. The session will also explore trends, challenges as well as requirements for complying with federal and state laws and regulations. Utility Training: 3.0 hours

Fee: $385 (city will be invoiced after orientation)**NOTE: This program includes a one-hour virtual orientation and three, in-person classroom days. You may only see the classroom dates in K@TE. ** Imagine being able to communicate effectively, confidently influence people and drive performance within your team. The MTAS Municipal Leadership Program is designed to equip leaders at all levels with knowledge, tools and strategies to excel in their roles. Topics include Communicating for Results, Managing Performance and Influencing People. This 14-hour program features:A work styles assessment with personalized management insights;Thought-provoking preparatory information;Virtual and classroom instruction;Engaging class activities and group discussion;Optional self-directed professional development opportunities.Program Format:Virtual orientation (1 hour)Three, in-person classroom days (12 hours, 4 hours/day)Prework (1 hour) For specific cohort dates and other information visit the website: https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/municipal-leadership-training