Correctly interpret the Open Meeting Act, Freedom of Information Act, and related state laws. Find out what Illinois law has to say about balancing the public's right to information with the individual's right to privacy. If you're involved with a public entity or if you represent the media, you need to know the ins and outs of state public records and open meeting laws. Join us for this seminar and you will get updates on recent developments...

Objectives »» Review and explain the important provisions of the Freedom of Information Act »»Gain understanding and familiarity with The Open Meetings Act »» Grasp the implications of ethical leadership and actions in government »» Gain familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order Description Are you, as a public official, concerned with what you must and must not do under Freedom of Informati...

Objectives »»Become familiar with essential general concepts in local governmental budgeting with a particular emphasis on Illinois »»Understand the basic components of governmental fund accounting »»Learn the fundamentals of governmental procurement Description Debits, credits, revenues, and expenses -- it must be budget season again. This workshop is designed to provide participants with working knowledge...

Objectives »»Understand the roles and responsibilities of elected versus appointed officials »»Become acquainted with the different structures of local government, including the origins and scope of statutory authority »»Learn about the mandatory functions and statutory obligations of local government »»Address public policy decision-making as it relates to operations of the organization and expe...

Objectives »» Become knowledgeable about a conceptual model for evaluating and diagnosing governing board effectiveness »» Discuss case studies of highly functional and effective and highly dysfunctional governing boards »» Gain familiarity with tools for improving and sustaining the effectiveness of governing boards Description This workshop uses original research, case studies, and group discussion to focu...

Objectives »» Understand what globalization is and how it affects local communities »»Examine specific demographic, economic, and development trends in northern Illinois that are associated with globalization »» Learn about strategies being used by civic leaders to position their communities for success in an increasingly competitive and connected world Description The purpose of the workshop is to better un...

Objectives »» Learn new skills using various online tools to assist in decision-making processes »» Gain an understanding of the limitations of public data sources Description Government leaders and decision-makers are pressured to make “evidence-based” decisions, but what does that mean? With seemingly endless sources of data available and limitless interpretations, how do we know which data sources to trus...

Objectives »» Learn how to identify different types of crises and the specific challenges they present »» Understand how to develop and implement a crisis communications plan »» Know what it takes to be an effective spokesperson for your organization Description Institutional reputations take years to build – and can be undone in minutes if leaders are not prepared to manage crises. This workshop uses...

Objectives »» Manage your workforce without fear of litigation »»Identify opportunities for savings in capital projects »»Identify grant opportunities to offset capital expenses »»Use intergovernmental cooperation to reduce capital expenditures and share scarce human and capital resources Description This multi-disciplinary seminar will present ideas, from the perspectives of lawyers, managers an...

Benefits Save money by avoiding costly mistakes in storm water management. From recent litigation to changing permitting standards, failing to stay on top of current issues related to storm water regulation is risky. In this seminar, you will get answers to all your questions, such as: What new case and policy decisions impact my practices? What are the latest trends in the water quality arena? Here is your chance to learn - in just one day -...