Leadership Programs

In response to the Municipal Member Survey completed by the OALA in 2023, members indicated a desire to develop a list of potential professional development opportunities specific to members working at, and/or with municipalities.

The results from the member survey indicated the following high priority areas for the OALA to consider delivering specific training to Municipal landscape architects covering the following:

1. Information about the value of landscape architects to provide to management and/or council
2. Leadership training
3. Communication training to engage with Council or the public
4. Other training / professional development

The following list highlights a sample of programs, courses, and certifications that members can pursue to develop their leadership skills. It is not exhaustive, and members are encouraged to share additional recommendations by emailing [email protected].

Members who have participated in any of the trainings listed below are invited to share their experiences by emailing [email protected].

While the OALA does not accredit or endorse the programs listed, participation in offerings such as these is eligible for mandatory continuing education credits.

Accredited Municipal Professional (AMP) – AMCTO

Program Purpose: Recognize applied municipal knowledge and provide a professional credential for early-career professionals.

Eligibility:

• AMCTO membership in good standing
• 3+ years in a non-management municipal role
• Completion of the Municipal Administration Program (MAP) or equivalent

Curriculum:

1. Municipal Operations
2. Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
3. Service Delivery
4. Managing Work
5. Communication

Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership – Schulich ExecEd

Program Purpose: Build strategic leadership capabilities for municipal managers and executives.

Eligibility: 3+ years of municipal management experience

Program Duration: 9 days over 5 months (Online + coursework)

Curriculum:

1. Essential Skills for Municipal Managers
2. Achieving Operational Excellence
3. Public Sector Advancements

Key Outcomes:

• Strategic thinking & leadership agility
• Change management & innovation strategies
• Improved mentoring and coaching
• Enhanced political navigation skills

Delivery Format: Online with synchronous and asynchronous sessions

Project Management Certifications – PMI

Purpose: Professionalize project oversight in municipal infrastructure, planning, and capital development.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Eligibility:

• 4-year degree + 36 months project experience, or
• High school + 60 months project experience
• 35 hours PM education or CAPM certification

Exam Domains:

1. People – Leadership and team dynamics
2. Process – Technical project execution
3. Business Environment – Strategic alignment

Learning Outcomes:

• Manage projects and portfolios with global best practices
• Apply agile, hybrid, and predictive methodologies
• Align project outcomes with municipal strategies

Program Start Dates / Duration: Exams available year-round; preparation time varies (avg. 2–6 months)

Delivery Format: Self-study and instructor-led options available; exam delivered online or in-person

Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

Eligibility:

• 8 years of professional experience
• Secondary degree: 10,500 hours portfolio management
• Four-year degree: 6,000 hours portfolio management

Evaluation: Panel review + examination

Focus Areas:

• Strategic alignment of projects
• Governance of municipal capital programs
• Multi-project oversight

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate applied knowledge of municipal operations
• Communicate effectively in a local government context
• Support strategic service delivery

Program Start Dates / Duration: Rolling admissions; self-paced completion within 6 months

Toastmasters International

Program Purpose:  Toastmasters’ education programs are designed to help you fine-tune your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through regular practice. In a safe and supportive club environment, you will learn at your own pace, utilizing a curriculum that has helped millions meet their goals.

Delivery Format: Location and meeting times vary by club. Find a club in your area

Parks and Recreation Management Certificate - Parks and Recreation Ontario and Parks and Schulich School of Business

Program Purpose: The Parks and Recreation Management Certificate (PRMC) is designed for managers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The program focuses on the three pillars for successful leadership in any organization: communication, strategic management, and political acuity. It introduces participants to key concepts and theories in each of the core areas, supported by research and practical case studies.

Program Delivery and Duration: 6 half-days. 3 modules. Delivered online.

Curriculum:

• Module 1 Municipal Strategic Management
• Module 2 Communicating with Impact
• Module 3 Political Acuity and Organizational Savvy

Learning Outcomes: 

Participants will leave the program with a greater understanding of how to:

• Be productive and effective leaders by applying newly acquired skills
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of municipal stakeholders, from customers to staff and elected officials
• Conduct service delivery and strategic planning at the program, department and agency level
• Navigate the political landscape locally and municipally to enhance actions and outcomes