You've won your election. Now comes the real work of learning to govern. 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 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.

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. 

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 or a returning councillor looking for a strong reset at the start of a new term, this program is built for you. 

We're also exploring dedicated programming for heads of council with unique responsibilities. Stay tuned for more on that. 

Local Leadership Foundations will be a premier learning experience: 

• Practical, not theoretical: Designed around the real situations and decisions elected officials face in their first year.
• Outstanding presenters and team: Developed and delivered by AMO, IOG, and experienced municipal leaders and governance experts who know the roles inside and out. 
• 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.

The program will launch following the October 2026 election, with in-person and virtual options strongly considered. Registration opens this summer. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know as soon as details are confirmed.

Pricing details will be announced when registration opens. 

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. 

As a practical, credible foundation that supports strong governance and effective councils, it's a welcome addition to any municipality's council onboarding plans. We're all working toward well-prepared councils that serve their communities well.