Course Syllabus

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 Course Description

This course covers the governance and professional management of local communities, with a particular focus on the forms, processes, and policies of cities, towns, and counties. Readings and case studies will focus on local government management, including leadership, collaboration, equity in public engagement, and the co-production of services, planning, and operations. Also covered will be the practices, skills, vocabulary, values, and ethics of professional local government management, enhanced by guest practitioners, discussions, and written assignments.

Local governance is multidisciplinary and covers more topics than can be covered in a one-semester course. I have opted for width and diversity rather than depth and specialization to expose you to various issues that may be useful in pursuing a career in local government.

Community Engaged Learning Component 

 As part of this semester's course, you will be asked to provide a recommendation for the Town of New Harmony, IN (population 683) on the creation of a town manager position.  In addition to producing a report, the expected deliverables include creating a comprehensive job description and a recruitment and hiring plan.   

 

Learning Outcomes and Competencies for the Community-Engaged Service Project

  1. Conduct applied, community-based research by designing, executing, and interpreting qualitative data from interviews and comparative case analysis to inform the community on how a town management position should be positioned.
  2. Develop evidence-based policy and management recommendations and professional-quality deliverables (e.g., position descriptions, recruitment strategies, funding models) grounded in research and best practices.
  3. Design and conduct stakeholder interviews to gather further insight into the local government management profession.
  4. Assess and propose sustainable funding and implementation strategies
    —including municipal budgets, grants, and intergovernmental partnerships—to support new administrative capacity for the Town of New Harmony.
  5. Produce a professional consultant-level report with clear deliverables (including a job description and recruitment profile).
  6. Work effectively in teams, manage complex projects, and reflect on personal and professional learning  

 Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand and explain the forms and functions of local government in the U.S. in the language of citizens and policymakers.
  2. Understand and explain the roles and responsibilities of professional local government managers.
  3. Understand and apply the principles of integrity and ethical reasoning in discretionary decision-making.
  4. Work professionally within the community and the political environment in which local government managers practice.
  5. Understand and explain the roles and relationships among key local and other elected and appointed officials in the policy formulation and implementation processes.
  6. Draft and review administrative policies and legislation.
  7. Understand the work of professional local government managers to decide whether to pursue this career.
  8. Communicate professionally in writing, work collaboratively, and make professional presentations.
  9. Participate knowledgeably in job interviews for entry-level professional positions in local government management or a related field.

 Course Requirements 

Required Text and Materials

Managing Local Government: An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers, 2nd Edition. Kimberly Nelson & Carl Stenberg. 2025. Sage.

SUGGESTED AND OPTIONAL:

Making it Work: The Essentials to Council-Manager Relations.  Duggan, K. and Conduff, M. ICMA 2016.

Technical Requirements

You will need the following to participate in this course:

  • Computer or tablet; 
  • Reliable internet connection;
  • Microphone;
  • Some way to make and post a simple video (e.g., using a webcam or a smartphone);
  • Access to Canvas using a supported web browser.

 Technical Support

For additional help with technical issues, consult:

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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