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 face complex challenges, big decisions, public scrutiny, and a steep learning curve. Local Leadership Foundations is here to help: a practical introduction to leading on council from AMO, the expert voice of municipalities, and the Institute on Governance, public-sector education experts. It’s designed to give officials the best possible start to the term.
The Program
Local Leadership Foundations is a flexible learning journey, built as six focused modules you can fit around a busy schedule. Take the full series or just the ones you need, in any order.
Governing in Practice
An orientation to the councillor's role in Ontario today, and the habits that set up a strong term.
Making Decisions
How council decisions get made, and how to prepare for meetings and shape good outcomes.
Finance & Budgeting
A plain-language grounding in municipal finance and the trade-offs behind the big decisions.
Civility & Integrity
Building healthy dynamics with colleagues and staff, and keeping debate respectful under pressure.
Engaging Community
What community engagement really involves, from the residents you serve to municipality-wide consultation.
Leading Council
The added work of the chair, from running tough meetings to speaking for your municipality.
How each module works
Before the session. Each module begins with short videos and audio to take in on your own time, introducing the key content through candid interviews with councillors, mayors, and experts from across Ontario. It's years of on-the-ground municipal experience and insight, compiled in a way you can't find anywhere else.
The live session. Then you join our facilitators to discuss the key points and work through case studies together. Because it’s led by people who’ve held the role, you get a genuine political perspective you won’t find in a textbook, in a space built to be candid and supportive. Sessions are held virtually, so you can take part from anywhere.
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 is joined by experienced Ontario elected officials, whose firsthand experience shapes every module.
Pricing & Registration
Join us for the full Learning Series, or individual modules. All are delivered as live sessions you choose from a schedule. Registration opens soon; join the waitlist for earliest access.
Learning Series Best value
Sign up for the five core modules at once and earn a certificate on completion.
$1,000 / series
early-bird price, $1,200 standard
Individual Modules
Learn just what you need, when you need it.
$275 / module
early-bird price, $325 standard
Bursaries available! We're excited to offer AMO members a limited number of $150 bursaries to help with the cost of the program. Bursaries will be applied to the first 200 registrations of any kind, first come, first served. Made possible by sponsors Guardian Capital and PH&N Institutional, valued business partners of AMO Business Services and ONE Investment.
Registering for your incoming council? You can reserve seats now and assign names after the election. Also, save $100 per seat on the Learning Series, or $25 per module, on 5 or more seats from one municipality.
Prefer a local session? We can deliver all or part of Local Leadership Foundations just for your own or nearby councils. Contact us at education@amo.on.ca to talk through the options.
Common Questions
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.
Please note registration is limited to elected officials. Municipalities can purchase spaces for incoming council members and provide names after the election. Those standing for election can register once they assume office.
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 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.
Early bird pricing will be in effect through September 30th, 2026.
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.
