Abstract

This project provides a comprehensive training and certification program for municipal clerks in New York State.

Issue

The governance and management capacity of local governments is a continuing concern for the development of and quality of life in communities in New York. With approximately 1,500 cities, towns, and villages in the state, training strategies for improving capacity are needed. Many of New York's rural communities have limited staff and many lack of in-service training programs. This situation is complicated by limited training budgets in turn, limiting staff development and overall management capacity.

Response

The Cornell Local Government Program has partnered with two statewide associations of municipal clerks to develop a comprehensive training program for the field. This certification program involves over 100 hours of training in key skill and personal development topics. The total curriculum involves three years of training involving both traditional and distance education components. A planning committee of peers oversees the development and modification of the curriculum. The program requires students to develop a "Learning Action Plan" for applying knowledge and insight to municipal problems and office management in context.

Impact

Annually, all student participants report on the implementation of their learning action plans. Students have reported changes in budget practices, capital planning, staff organization and management, communication skills, and management practices as a result of this training.

Funding Sources

• Federal Formula Funds - Research (e.g., Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health)
• State or Municipal (e.g., NYSDAM)
• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)

Collaborators

• New York State Town Clerks Association
• New York State Assocition of City and Village Clerks
• Association of Towns of the State of New York
• General Code Publishers, Inc.
• Browns River, Inc.
• Department of Communiciations (staff participation)
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations (staff participation)

Key Personnel

• Michael Hattery, Institute Director, Cornell University