The Newly Elected Officials Institute is a state-mandated training program designed to equip new mayors and councilmembers with the knowledge and skills necessary to govern effectively. This training, provided by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, helps local officials understand their roles and responsibilities in municipal government.
Training Requirements
Per Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 36-45-1), all individuals elected to a municipal governing authority who were not serving as of July 1, 1990, are required to complete this training program. Additionally, municipal elected officials who have been out of office for more than four years or more than one term (whichever is longer) must retake the class if returning to municipal elected office following a break in service.
Program Overview
The Newly Elected Officials Institute covers essential topics to help city officials perform their duties effectively, including:
- The roles and responsibilities of municipal officials
- Legal, financial, and ethical obligations
- Best practices in city governance
Participants also earn six hours of credit toward the voluntary training certificate offered through the Municipal Training Institute.
Program Schedule
The Newly Elected Officials Institute is held annually, typically in February or March.