Participants in the first year of the Florida League of Cities (FLC) Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials report that FLC University’s continuing education activities did more than help them achieve certification; it helped them become better leaders.

In total, 131 elected city officials earned gold, silver or bronze status by registering for the program and earning points for attending FLC training events from July 2022 through July 2023. FLC staff provided status reports quarterly. Participants receive a certificate, recognition in Quality Cities (QC) magazine and at Annual Conference as well as a press release to use.

The program was well-received. As one anonymous commenter said, “Wisdom comes with instruction. I was very empowered.”

To find out what other participants thought of the certification program and the training, QC reviewed program evaluations and interviewed officials from across the state. Here is a sampling of their comments:

My involvement with the Florida League of Cities has been incredibly rewarding. It has certainly helped me to grow as an elected official, especially in advocating for my city and its residents. The certification program further pushes me to access all of the resources the League offers each year and demonstrates to the residents of Plantation that I am willing to go that extra mile to best serve our community.

Denise Appleby Horland, City of Plantation Councilmember

Through this program, I have access to valuable resources and training that will help me optimize my performance and keep me updated on meetings and events. By all elected officials investing in this program, across Florida, this will stimulate more vibrant and sustainable communications that benefit everyone.

Dan Saracki, Mayor of the City of Oldsmar

As a new City Council member, I am honored to be participating in the Florida League of Cities certificate program. I have learned so much from the classes offered to elected municipal officials. I look forward to maintaining the Gold Certificate of Excellence. This is a great opportunity and shows my citizens that I am dedicated in my leadership of our community

April Sutton, City Council Member for the City of Mary Esther

The [IEMO] training was presented with a tremendous amount of wisdom and knowledge from each instructor. I was greatly enlightened and empowered. It will definitely allow and help me serve my Town as an elected official in a very professional manner.

Mary Richardson, Vice Mayor of the Town of Dundee

For a list of all participants who earned certification, see the upcoming membership issue of QC magazine to be posted at qualitycities.com. Click here to learn more about the certification program. For any questions, contact Christen Barton, Administrative Assistant for FLC University, at cbarton@flcities.com or 407.367.3443.

IEMO Participants Praise Training

The Institute of Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) is a training program offered by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) University. It can be used toward certification through the League’s Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials. IEMO participants praise the information and guidance they’ve received:

  • Speakers were “highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts. Well worth the time and is beneficial to any elected municipal official.” – Jonah Powers, Councilman, City of Edgewater
  • IEMO is “a great overview of an elected official’s role and responsibility.” – Mark Anthony Spence, Commissioner, Lauderdale Lakes.

For more information about IEMO, click here.

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