Program Coursework

What is contained in the program?

There are five (5) core skill areas that need to be satisfied in order to become a CGL. They are as follows:

Organizational Leadership
Effective Communication: Written and Verbal
Creative and Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Relationships with Elected/Appointed Leadership
Project Management

In addition to the core skill areas, candidates shall complete three (3) electives from the following list. Candidates shall work with their mentor to identify three elective areas to broaden the candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities. For example, a candidate that works regularly with Economic Development should seek elective coursework in other categories.

Creating a Culture of Success
Organizational Behavior
Public Information, Media Relations and Mass Communications
Civic Engagement
Legislative Program Management
Innovation in Local Government
Public Infrastructure Planning
Sustainability
Recreation Program Management
Negotiating
Labor Relations
Strategic Planning and Management
Performance Measurement
Economic Development
Emotional Intelligence
Managing Financial Resources
Managing Human Resources
Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace
Risk Management and Liability
Technology in Local Government
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Subject Matter Expert Course- Candidates may propose one elective course in a single subject area not listed above. The CGL Committee will determine whether the proposed course and subject area meets the intent of the program.

You should track your courses as you go with the CGL Tracking & Completion Form. A short (250 word) write-up is required for each course you take and we recommend that you complete your short write-up for the course as you go.

Submit a Proposed Course

All coursework must be pre-approved by the CGL oversight committee. Job exchanges or like experience for one month or more shall qualify as one elective. You can also submit a proposed course to the CGL Committee for approval.

Program Schedule

The CGL program is largely completed at a pace determined by the applicant and their mentor. The applicant will have three (3) years to complete the credentialing requirements. Check the CGL Coursework calendar to the right for upcoming opportunities.

Participants enrolled before the May 2, 2016 effective date must complete core coursework in Effective Communication and Project Management and one from each of the following:

Creating a Culture of Success OR Organizational Leadership
Managing Resources: Human and Capital OR Interpersonal Relationship with Elected/Appointed Leadership
Objective Thinking OR Creative and Critical Thinking