Local Government Fundamentals

Chapel Hill, NC
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October 1, 2025

NOTE: Because our February course was moved on-line, we are excited to have an in-person offering October 1, 2025.

Are you new to working in local government? Have you transitioned into a new position? If so, this course may be right for you. Local Government Fundamentals covers the fundamental laws and concepts pertinent to county and municipal government. The goal of this course is to help those who work in local government feel more confident in their understanding of how local governments function at a fundamental level.

The course includes six sessions that cover the following areas:

Local Government Authority, Purpose, and Structure
Local Government in Action: Ordinances, Resolutions, and Policies
Open Meeting & Public Records
Introduction to the Local Government Budget & Fiscal Control Act
Local Government Contracting
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

This course is appropriate for employees with 0-5 years of experience in local government and/or newly elected public officials.

*This course is also offered on-demand HERE.

Scholarship Information

Civic Local Foundation Scholarship

Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)

Visit the Civic Foundation for more information and to submit an application

Chapel Hill, NC
Dates
October 1

LocationSchool of Government
400 South Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
View Scholarship Information
Civic Local Foundation Scholarship
Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:
March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)
Visit the Civic Foundation for more information and to submit an application
View Hotel Information
HOTELS, DIRECTIONS, PARKING: https://www.sog.unc.edu/about/visitor-information

All course materials and other logistical details are provided in Canvas, a learning management system and will be communicated closer to the start date.

Previous Agenda, from February 18th, 2025 can be found HERE

For all registration questions, resetting passwords, or login issues please contact:

Dale Zuckert

Assistant Registrar

919.966.4414

registration@sog.unc.edu

For questions regarding course details, including location, schedule, materials, and continuing education credits, please contact:

Bryan Matthews

Program Manager

bmmatthews@sog.unc.edu

Lead Faculty

Rebecca L. Fisher-Gabbard

Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government

rfisher@sog.unc.edu