»»ÆÞ¾ãÀÖ²¿

The Ultimate Program for Municipal Leaders.

With uncertain work environments on the rise, municipal professionals and leaders need to act fast to succeed in today’s rapidly changing cultural, economic and political climate. In this Masters Certificate, designed in cooperation with the Municipal Advisory Council of Municipal Executives, you’ll develop new leadership strategies that effectively leverage the talents of your staff to deliver a higher quality of care in your municipality.

Cultivate your political acuity with agile thinking and enhance your decision-making under various municipal pressures. Dive into the psychology of leadership and communicate persuasively to keep employees engaged through uncertainties in the public sector. This program features an interactive, peer-to-peer learning experience that takes advantage of case studies and the expertise of an advisory board composed of municipal executives. 

PREREQUISITE: Participants should have a minimum of three years of management experience.

---

 

Program Content

MODULE 1: Future Proofing Municipalities
(September 24 - 26, 2025)
Strategic agility requires municipal leaders to envision a road ahead and chart practical and innovative roads to get there. This module focuses on how leaders can enhance their strategic innovation, as well as use current trends and technological disruptions to their benefit. Tackle topics like: 

• Leadership agility and strategic mindset 

• SMART cities and technological disruption 

• Capstone

MODULE 2: Essentials of Municipal Leadership

(March 22 - 24, 2026 )

The most important parameters of strong and effective leadership start with the internal makeup, self-awareness and character of the leader. Led by nationally recognized experts in leadership psychology, this module serves as a foundation for the remainder of the program, providing a personalized and unique lens through which to advance your leadership journey. Explore topics like: 

• The art of transformative leadership 

• Managing Optics

MODULE 3: Strategic Municipal Leadership
(June 24 - 26, 2026)

Environmental awareness and response is a key component of effective and strategic leadership. This module builds on Module 1 by discussing advanced topics related specifically to strategic capacity, as experienced by Municipal Leaders. Venture into topics like: 

• Using Big Data for Patterning and Decision-Making 

• Coaching & Mentoring 

• Inter-municipal collaboration 

Capstone Project

Every year, Schulich Exec Ed will compile a list of important issues and challenges that the municipal sector currently faces. Each group will be asked to select one of the supplied topics. Through a detailed examination of the topic, using the contents of the program as a guide, groups will analyze the problem and propose perspectives and solutions.

Who Should Attend

Participants should have a minimum of three years of management experience. This program will benefit managers at all levels in the municipal sector including department manager, chief administration officer, chief financial officer, chief librarian, city manager, commissioner, director, fire chief, police chiefs and public health manager. Participants include:

• CAO / City Manager
• Treasurers and Clerks
• All Department Heads, Directors and Managers
• Fire, Police, Public Health and Library Executives
• High-potential staff who aspire to lead

 

This program is delivered in partnership with Schulich Executive Education Centre at York University.