Municipal borrowing can involve complex legal and financial work, but the governing decisions remain municipal decisions. This course helps municipal leaders understand why debt is being considered, what the municipality is committing to repay, how the transaction will be completed, and what responsibilities continue after closing. The course follows the life of a borrowing, from planning the project and choosing the debt structure through issuance and post-closing obligations. Each phase helps learners interpret the information presented, examine the assumptions behind recommendations, and recognize when closer review or outside expertise is needed. This on-demand course can be started at any time and completed at each learner’s own pace. The League of Wisconsin Municipalities gratefully acknowledges Ehlers for its collaboration in developing this course.

This course gives employees practical tools to recognize conflict early, respond calmly, communicate clearly, and work toward constructive resolution. Learners will explore common causes of conflict, strategies for de-escalating tense situations, and techniques for moving difficult conversations forward.

Welcome to the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Learning Lab. This course will guide you through everything you need to know to access our professional development resources and register for events. Whether you're looking for on-demand courses, virtual webinars, or in-person training, the Learning Lab makes it simple to find, access, and register for content designed specifically for Wisconsin municipal employees

Effective governance is not just about what decisions are made, but how those decisions move through the room. The Local Government Basics series is a comprehensive, seven-module training designed for municipal leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders who want to lead with clarity, consistency, and confidence. Each module can be taken on its own or as part of the full series, with a focus on practical application in real municipal settings. This module, Parliamentary Procedure, equips participants with the tools and structure needed to run efficient, fair, and legally sound meetings. Grounded in Robert’s Rules of Order and tailored to Wisconsin municipal practice, this module walks through how motions are made, debated, amended, and decided. Participants will also explore the role of the presiding officer, how to manage public comment and participation, and how to navigate common challenges that arise during meetings.

Strong local government depends not only on sound decisions, but on how those decisions are made. The Local Government Basics series is a comprehensive, seven-module training designed for municipal leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders who want to lead with confidence, clarity, and credibility in Wisconsin’s local government environment. Each module can stand alone or build toward a full, cohesive learning experience grounded in real-world application. In our second module, Open Meetings Law, focuses on one of the most critical legal frameworks guiding municipal governance in Wisconsin. Participants will learn the purpose and requirements of the Open Meetings Law, including how to properly notice meetings, manage agendas, ensure public access, and navigate closed sessions. The module emphasizes practical application, helping you avoid common pitfalls while maintaining transparency and public trust.

Strong local government starts with a clear understanding of how it is built and where its authority comes from. The Local Government Basics series is a comprehensive, seven-module training designed for municipal leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders who want to lead with confidence, clarity, and credibility in Wisconsin’s unique local government landscape. Whether you take a single module or complete the full series, each experience is designed to be practical, accessible, and immediately applicable to your role.

Using interactive materials and compelling stories, this comprehensive course covers how employees and managers can build and maintain a respectful workplace that’s free of harassment and discrimination.   First, you’ll learn what a respectful workplace looks like, how to distinguish between harassment and discrimination, and what anti-discrimination laws are in place. Then, we’ll dig into what sexual harassment is, how you can prevent it, and what you can do to combat inappropriate behavior as both an employee and a manager.   While this course is designed to comply with the most state regulations for sexual harassment prevention training, please reference the regulations that apply to your municipality to ensure compliance.

As a municipal leader, your primary responsibility is the safety of your workforce and the community they serve. From DPW crews and park staff to emergency responders and facility managers, city employees often encounter situations where the risk of exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs) is a reality. This course is specifically designed to move beyond basic compliance. We will focus on the unique operational environments of Wisconsin municipalities, addressing the legal requirements under DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services) and providing practical strategies to mitigate risk in public spaces. By the end of this training, you will be equipped to foster a culture of safety that protects your team and ensures your municipality remains compliant with state standards. What We Will Cover: Defining the Risk: Identifying common BBPs like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV within a municipal context. Wisconsin Regulatory Standards: Understanding the specific DSPS requirements that govern public sector employees in our state. Exposure Control Plans: How to implement and maintain an effective plan tailored to your department's specific needs. Response & Reporting: Streamlining the steps your staff must take following a potential exposure incident to ensure their health and your municipality’s legal protection.

Public-facing municipal work can be demanding, especially when tensions run high. This course offers practical, easy-to-use strategies to help clerks and municipal staff manage difficult interactions, reduce conflict, and maintain a calm, professional presence. This course focuses on communication tools, boundary-setting, and safe redirection techniques grounded in Wisconsin’s municipal context.

Back pain is one of the most common—and preventable—injuries in the workplace. In local government, where employees lift, bend, reach, and sit for long periods, the risk of strain and injury can be especially high. But with the right awareness and habits, you can protect your back and stay strong on and off the job. This course will guide you through practical strategies to prevent back injuries before they happen. You’ll learn how to recognize risk factors, use proper lifting and movement techniques, and make small adjustments that have a big impact on long-term health and safety.

Getting along with colleagues isn’t always easy. This is all the more true in local government, where teams often balance competing priorities, tight budgets, and public expectations. But navigating conflict effectively is possible—and it can even strengthen your workplace relationships. This course will guide you through strategies to address and resolve conflict in constructive ways. You’ll explore why disagreement isn’t always negative, how to have productive conversations about tough issues, and when to seek support—particularly if progress stalls or a situation becomes unhealthy.

What do most effective municipal teams have in common? Clear, confident communication. Whether you’re responding to a resident, collaborating across departments, or presenting to your governing body, strong communication skills are the foundation of professional success in local government. In this course, you’ll learn why effective communication matters in a municipal setting, explore common barriers to understanding, and practice strategies to strengthen how you listen, speak, and write—building trust and teamwork across your organization.