2023 Fundamentals of Municipal Finance Credential

As communities continue to struggle with effects of the pandemic and meet an array of urgent needs, from affordable housing to infrastructure, sound municipal finance practices have never been more critical.

While an influx of federal funds is helping local governments serve their residents and invest for the future, these funds are limited, temporary, and often competitive. Communities need to build the capacity to spend federal money well, with equity, efficiency, and sustainability at the center of their decisions. Further, they need to be prepared to adequately and fairly generate their own revenue, especially when federal funding diminishes.

Whether you want to better understand public-private partnerships, debt and municipal securities, or leading land-based finance strategies to finance infrastructure projects, this five-day online program will give you the skills and insights you need as you advance your career in local government or community development.

Overview 

This program was created by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy’s Center for Municipal Finance in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. This course will include modules on the following topics:

• Urban Economics and Growth
• Intergovernmental Fiscal Frameworks, Revenues, Budgeting
• Capital Budgeting and Infrastructure Maintenance
• Debt/Municipal Securities
• Land Value Capture
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Financial Analysis for Land Use and Development Decision Making
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Municipal Finance

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate signed by both organizations. For planners maintaining their AICP credentials, this course provides 16 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits from the American Planning Association.

Course Format 

The live virtual programming will last approximately 3.75 hours each day, and the additional coursework—viewing prerecorded lectures and reading introductory materials—will require up to two additional hours each day.

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: $1,400
Private sector: $2,400