AMO’s Local Leadership Foundations is a new learning program for Ontario's municipal elected officials.
As the next municipal term begins, Ontario’s elected officials will quickly face complex challenges, big decisions, public scrutiny, and a steep learning curve. AMO’s Local Leadership Foundations is here to help. It’s a practical introduction to the role of leading on council from AMO, the expert voice of municipalities, and Institute on Governance, public sector education experts, designed to give municipal elected officials the best possible start to the new term.
The Program
Local Leadership Foundations is offered in six modules (five for all officials, and one for heads of council), each on a key theme of local leadership:
- Governing in Practice — understanding the real work of council, your role and responsibilities, in the context of Ontario today
- Making Decisions — navigating the decision-making process in the many key areas of your responsibility, and the complex scope of municipal services
- Finance & Budgeting — what goes into financial decisions, municipal budgeting, and trade-offs
- Civility & Integrity — understanding and navigating council dynamics, council-staff relations, ethics and trust
- Engaging Community — public engagement and approaches to public service
- Plus a sixth module, Leading Council, specific to heads of council roles.
Each module is delivered virtually, where you’ll learn about the key aspects of your role including working through real case studies with peers. All modules include access to video/podcast content featuring the voices and experiences of elected officials and governance experts from across Ontario and beyond to supplement your learning and skill development.
You’ll have the option to take advantage of signing up for a course package that include the five core modules or individual modules.
Who’s Leading It
AMO’s Local Leadership Foundations is developed and facilitated in partnership with Dr. Kate Graham: award-winning professor of local governance, consultant to municipal governments across Canada, former municipal public servant, and host of the popular No Second Chances podcast about women in senior political roles. Dr. Graham brings deep expertise in local government and a talent for turning complex material into learning that sticks.
She will be joined throughout development and delivery of the program by experienced Ontario elected officials to be announced soon! Each module will reflect the municipal political experience and perspective giving you the opportunity to put theory directly into real-time practice.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for Ontario's municipal elected officials: the people making the decisions at the council table.
Whether you're newly elected in October 2026, a returning councillor looking for a strong reset at the start of a new term, or a head of council, this program is built for you.
What will participants learn?
This program builds a strong foundation in what you need to know and do to lead effectively as part of a municipal council including:
- How local government works. What municipalities are, how they're structured, and how they fit into the bigger picture. The legal and ethical foundations and requirements that define your role.
- How councils work. Procedures, decision-making, working effectively with staff, and how to get things done at the council table.
- Foundations of good governance. Role clarity, civility, strategic thinking, and what it takes to serve your community well alongside council colleagues, staff and the public
Updated outlines for the six-module structure are coming soon.
There is no job description for municipally elected leaders! There's lots to learn in local government, and much is learned on the job. This program gives you the foundation to hit the ground running and sets you up to keep building your knowledge and skills throughout the term.
What makes this program different?
Local Leadership Foundations builds on your local council onboarding activities by leveraging the unique, province-wide position, scope, and expertise of AMO and IOG:
- Tailored to Ontario realities, right now: Speaks to rural, urban, and northern realities, upper and lower tier dynamics, and the issues shaping municipal governance today.
- Practical and engaging: Brings the theory to life through extensive interviews with officials and experts, plus the opportunity to work through real case studies together with peers and practitioners.
- Elected officials focus: Developed for and with elected officials across the province to reflect the realities and complexity of their roles.
- Connect and build your network: Work together with peers from across the province in an environment where you can engage openly on real questions, challenges, and experiences.
When does the program start?
The program will launch following the October 2026 election.
How much does it cost?
Pricing details will be announced when registration opens. We recognize cost can be a barrier and are preparing the model with this in mind. A limited number of bursaries will be available to AMO members on a first-come, first-served basis; join the waitlist for early access and to stay informed.
How will early registration work?
Once registration opens, municipalities and elected officials will be able to purchase seats in scheduled sessions through the AMO website. You will be able to purchase either the 5-session learning series or individual sessions.
Join the waitlist to receive the registration link first and for first access to bursary opportunities.
Is there a certificate?
Yes! Those who complete the five core modules will receive a Local Leadership Foundations Certificate recognizing their commitment to well-informed and responsible local leadership.
Who is behind the program?
This program is a partnership between:
- The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the trusted voice of Ontario's 444 municipalities, and
- The Institute on Governance (IoG), a national leader in governance, decision-making, and public sector training.
Together these two organizations bring together deep municipal insight, expertise on leadership and governance, and a specialty in practical, applied learning.
Where can I direct questions and suggestions?
Please share comments or questions with the AMO Education team at education@amo.on.ca.
