The LGLA Certificate Program is intended to support local elected officials to develop core leadership competencies. Curriculum development draws inspiration from the following set of core competencies and related characteristics of successful elected officials.

• Leadership: Accepts challenges willingly & gains the confidence of others by acting in a knowledgeable, consistent, & ethical manner.
• Understanding: Possesses a good understanding of local government systems, the public service context, the community’s historical context, and the multiple interests of citizens.
• Accountability: Accepts personal responsibility, assumes a team player role, and ensures appropriate corporate oversight of organizational operations and program delivery.
• Facilitation: Ensures an accurate definition of the key issues, uses an effective decision making process, and seeks common ground among stakeholders.
• Prioritization: Acknowledges opportunities and limitations, assesses available resources, and considers community needs and values before making difficult decisions.
• Big Picture Vision: Is open minded and objective, assesses implications and consequences, and values intergovernmental and interagency relationships.
• Stewardship: Recognizes the need for sustainability in organizational activities, processes, systems and programs, and seeks to establish a corporate legacy that respects community interests.
• Public Engagement: Respects the principles of good governance by listening to the ideas and concerns of citizens and engaging the public through established channels of consultation.

These core competencies were determined in a 2006 brainstorming session attended by the provincial government, partner agencies, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Executive and staff, and local government education sector representatives.

Competencies were shared with and confirmed through a Civic Leadership Questionnaire administered at UBCM’s Chief Elected Official Forum in May 2006, and with the full UBCM membership in June 2006.

(Core Competencies Report, p. 2-3, s. Initial LGLA Workshop & p. 5, s. Validation of Core
Competencies)