The Credentialed Government Leader (CGL) Program is a self-directed career development program that is offered through a collaboration between MMANC, MMASC, and ICMA. CGL is designed to build the management and leadership skills of analysts, mid-managers and others to prepare them, through coursework and coaching, for the next step in their leadership journeys. The program provides foundational tools, experiences, and connections that participants can use to develop their knowledge, self-awareness, and skill set. Through this self-paced program, participants can receive support for and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their professional development and continuous growth and learning.
What are the benefits of participating in the CGL Program?
CGL is a well-known and widely respected mid-level career development program for local government professionals. It provides participants with learning and networking opportunities, mentorship, and preparation and guidance for the next steps in their careers. Completing CGL demonstrates a participant’s commitment to the local government profession and continuous learning and development to peers and future employers.
Participants who complete the CGL program will receive one (1) year of membership to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Completion of the program will also grant participants six (6) months experience credit towards designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM).
Who is eligible for CGL?
Participation in the CGL program is open to those who:
- Have at least three (3) years’ experience working in local government agencies (a completed Master’s degree can count for up to one year of experience)
- Are members of MMANC or MMASC
- Currently serve in non-executive roles
What do I need to do to complete the CGL program?
The steps to enroll in and complete the CGL program are as follows:
- Submit an application. You can submit your application online. The CGL Committee typically reviews applications for eligibility within one month of submission and will inform you of your acceptance into the program.
- Find a mentor. Sign up to the ICMA Coach Connect platform to find and reach out to potential coaches. After enrolling in CGL, you should plan to meet with your coach to develop a coursework plan and check in regularly thereafter.
- Complete coursework. Complete coursework in five core subject areas and three electives by attending CGL-approved MMANC events and/or submitting non-MMANC training for approval.
- Summarize your learning. For each course, document your learning with a 250-word summary. Once you have completed the program coursework, write a 500- to 750-word reflection on the experience.
- Submit your documentation for approval. Send your coursework documentation, write-ups, and reflection to the CGL Committee for review and approval.
You can document your progress in completing course requirements using this tracker.
What’s the time commitment?
The CGL program is largely completed at a pace determined by the applicant and their mentor. The Committee recommends that participants complete their coursework and other requirements within three (3) years of enrollment.
How much does the program cost?
Enrolling in the program costs $75. Courses are paid for individually, so the cost to complete the coursework may vary.
How do I apply?
You can submit your application online. The CGL Committee will typically review applications within one month of submission and inform you of your acceptance into the program.
What is the mentorship like?
Ongoing mentorship is a key component of the CGL program. Participants are responsible for finding, establishing a relationship with, and regularly connecting with their own mentor. You will work with your mentor to:
- Discuss your career path and professional goals
- Develop a course of study that advances your skills and complements your experience
- Review and reflect on your progress
Candidates shall work with their mentor to identify three elective areas that will broaden their knowledge, skills, and abilities. For example, a candidate who works regularly with Economic Development should seek elective coursework in other categories.
How do I find a mentor?
The CGL program recommends using the ICMA Coach Connect platform to help participants find a coach. Alternatively, if you would like to find your own coach outside of ICMA Coach Connect, please let us know at cgl@mmanc.org. Coaches typically are department heads, Assistant/Deputy City Managers, Deputy General Managers, City Managers, or General Managers.
Once you choose your coach, you can reach out and request their help. Remember that these are busy folks – many are City Managers – and they may take time to get back to you or not have time to take on a new mentee at this time. If so, don’t worry – there are lots of options and you can ask another person to be your coach.
What is the coursework like?
The credential requires the completion of eight (8) pre-approved training opportunities including five (5) core areas and at least three (3) electives that you select with your mentor based on your career goals.
| Core Subjects | Elective Subjects |
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You can document your progress in completing course requirements using this tracker.
How do I find courses?
CGL-approved courses are regularly offered at MMANC and MMASC events. MMANC and MMASC Annual Conferences offer the most CGL courses in the shortest amount of time, so it’s a great time to knock out some of your required and elective courses. You can check the MMANC Events Calendar and MMASC Events Calendar for upcoming CGL training opportunities.
Additionally, you may request approval from the CGL committee for other training, classes, conferences, or programs like job exchanges (that are at least a month long). Other professional organizations like ICMA and CSFMO regularly provide courses that may be eligible for approval.
Sometimes, the Committee will offer ½ credits for proposed elective courses. The length of the proposed course, the course instructor and their qualifications, and the topic will be considered when awarding credit.
While the standard duration for all CGL approved courses is a minimum three hours, participants may, upon approval, take up to six (6) electives, each with a minimum duration of 90 minutes. This elective-unit flexibility allows participants to customize their course selection while still meeting the overall requirements of the program. Core course topics must be completed with three-hour minimum courses.
Candidates may also propose one elective course in a single subject area not listed above. The CGL Committee will determine whether the proposed course and subject area meet the program’s intent.
To be approved for full credit, courses must be three (3) or more hours in length, taught by a subject matter expert with professional experience working with or in local government, and address the subject matter from the perspective of leadership responsibilities.
What are the course write-ups and final reflection?
You will need to submit summaries of each of the courses you’ve taken (~250 words) and a culminating summary reflecting on your CGL experience (500-750 words).
What do I do once I’ve completed the program requirements?
Once you finish taking your courses, you can send your tracking document, course write-ups, and final reflection to the CGL Committee at cgl@mmasc.org.
Once the CGL Committee receives your email, they will confer to review your documentation for completion and approve your credential.
We would like to celebrate this accomplishment at the next signature event, so we’ll check in with you after you’ve completed the program to publicly recognize your achievement.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
If you have further questions about the program, mentorship, or course requirements, email the CGL Committee at cgl@mmasc.org.
