County Leadership Curriculum
About
The County Leadership Curriculum is a program dedicated to enhancing the professional development and leadership skills of Counties officials and staff. Recognizing the evolving landscape of Counties governance, NACo’s curriculum is designed to reflect the continuous growth essential for effective leadership.
Structure and Tracks
The CLC offers a structured learning experience through three specialized tracks with training spanning over two years. Workshops are held at NACo’s Legislative Conference, Western Interstate Region conference and the Annual Conference. In order to successfully complete the program, attendees must attend a minimum of 16 workshops within a two-year period and must successfully complete Robert’s Rules 101 and 102, Financial Management 101 and 102 and 12 other workshops of their choice. Participants can satisfy the required number of workshops through in-person sessions or online sessions.
Track One
Governance and Operations
Dive into the nuts and bolts of county government through this track. These sessions provide officials with comprehensive insights into county government and its inner workings. This track equips participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of county operations. This track will explore the intricate parts of county government such as county budgets, parliamentary procedures, disaster preparedness and more.
Track Two
Personal Development
Explore the art of leadership with Track Two. Designed to elevate individual leadership capabilities through tailored topics to strengthen professional and leadership traits. Workshop topics include building consensus, mastering change management, facultative leadership and more to help strengthen create effective county leaders.
Track Three
Communication and Delivery
Acquire tools for effective public communication, a critical skill in modern governance. This track enhances participants' communication proficiency, allowing them to engage effectively with the public and navigate the challenges of communication in today's digital age. Session topics range from media relations, message development, social media usage and more.
In-Person Sessions
Annual Conference
Track One
- Robert's Rules 102 | Advancing Your Meeting Mastery for Effective Governance
- 111-113, 1st floor | 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | July 14
- Financial Management 101 | Unveiling the Essentials of County Budgeting and Financial Management for Elected Officials
- 122-123, 1st floor | 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | July 14
- Navigating Personal Safety: Keeping You and Your Sphere Safe
- 122-123, 1st floor | 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | July 13
Track Two
- Fostering Civility in Public Discourse Navigating Personal Safety: Keeping You and Your Sphere Safe
- 122-123, 1st floor | 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | July 14
Track Three
- Media Relations Mastery: Navigating Press Interactions
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m | July 15
Upcoming Workshops
Webinar Sessions
Track One
- Robert's Rules 101 | Rule the Room: Mastering Robert’s Rules for Effective Governance
- June 6, 2024, at 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET | Click here to register
- Financial Management 102 | Beyond the Balance Sheet: Advanced Strategies for County Budgeting and Financial Mastery
- County Chronicles | Unlocking the Roles that Shape County Government: County Planners
Track Three
- Mastering Crisis Communication: Strategies and Tactics for Effective Response
So, You’re Attending Your First NACo Conference?
NACo’s upcoming 2025 Legislative Conference will see a record number of attendees who are attending their first major NACo event. This webinar will be an introduction into all the conference has to offer: policy committee meetings, general sessions, receptions, navigating the hotel and more. Join us for this overview and to ask any questions you have before traveling to Washington, D.C.!
2025 NACo Legislative Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.
Connected and Protected: The Importance of Regional Cyber Tabletop Exercises
Join us for an interactive webinar on the importance of regional tabletop exercises in enhancing cybersecurity defenses for county governments. Learn how these exercises can help bridge connections between different local government agencies and departments, improve cybersecurity measures, and foster effective collaboration. Discover practical steps to initiate and conduct regional tabletop exercises, ensuring a coordinated and resilient response to potential cyber threats.
Saving Millions: How Counties Are Cutting Employee Health Plan Rx Costs with the NACo Public Promise PBM Coalition, a NACo Public Promise Insurance Webinar
Join us for an educational webinar on how NACo’s Public Promise Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Coalition is helping counties save millions on employee health plan prescription drug costs. Learn more about how Mecklenburg County, N.C. is projected to save $7-8 million by joining the NACo PBM coalition. This offering, through NACo’s Public Promise Insurance, in partnership with CVS Caremark, provides counties with powerful cost-savings and multi-year pricing guarantees to combat rising Rx costs.
Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium
Join us at NACo’s Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium, where county and parish leaders will engage in dynamic mobile workshops and collaborative sessions.
AI & The Workplace Transformation: How to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Well Being in the Public Sector
Join Grace White, Deputy Chief of System of Care Network at MHMR of Tarrant County, TX and Chris Yakscoe, Director & GM of AI at Netsmart, for a deep dive into the transformative power of automation and AI in the workplace. This session will explore how these technologies simplify daily tasks, reduce administrative burdens and improve staff well-being by fostering a healthier work environment. Learn from real-life examples of AI-driven tools that enhance recruitment, engagement and patient care while also supporting operational excellence. Key takeaways will include strategies for successful AI and automation initiatives to boost staff retention, reduce burnout and optimize workflows, with a look into future innovations in workforce management and patient care. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team and elevate your agency’s potential!
Questions?
For any questions or concerns about the program, please reach out to arathi@naco.org.