2021 Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance – Online

Events in Detroit, Stockton, Flint, and Puerto Rico highlight the severe challenges related to fiscal systems that support public services and the continued stress they face given local governments’ shrinking revenue streams. COVID-19 has only exacerbated this problem. 

Whether you want to better understand public-private partnerships, debt and municipal securities, or leading land-based finance strategies, this Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance will teach you to think like a finance professional as you advance your career in urban planning, real estate, community development, or economic development.

Overview

Created by Harris Public Policy’s Center for Municipal Finance and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, this program provides a thorough foundation in municipal finance with a focus on urban planning and economic development. This course will include modules on the following topics:

• Urban Economics and Growth
• Intergovernmental Fiscal Frameworks, Revenues, Budgeting
• Capital Budgeting/Accounting and Infrastructure Maintenance
• Debt/Municipal Securities 
• Land-Based Finance/Land Value Capture
• Public-Private Partnerships 
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Financial Analysis for Land Use and Development Decision Making

Participants will learn how to effectively apply tools of financial analysis to make strategic decisions and gain an improved understanding of the interplay among finance, urban economics, and public policy as it relates to urban planning and economic development.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Municipal Finance. 

Course Format

Students will be given access to watch pre-recorded lectures and review resources on the Canvas platform several weeks before the live course starts. The total time expected to complete the pre-recordings and readings is 4 to 5 hours. This is just an estimate, as every person learns at their own speed. The live virtual programming will last approximately 2.5 hours each day from April 5 to April 9 and will give students the opportunity to go deeper into the subject matter and have discussions with fellow students and the faculty. 

Who Should Attend

Urban planners who work in both the private and public sectors as well as individuals in the economic development, community development, and land development industries.

Cost

Nonprofit and public sector: $1,200
Private sector: $2,250