The Program/Professional Development Committee is planning an informative educational program for this year's fall conference to be held on Thursday, November 17 at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester.
As has become our practice, an ICMA University workshop entitled "Budgetopolis - Making Tough Budget Decisions" will be offered. Doug Bean, adjunct faculty; and Donna Warner, director, Local Elected Leaders Academy, UNC School of Government, Chapel Hill, North Carolina are the workshop leaders.
Budgetopolis is a board game designed by the University of North Chapel Hill School of Government to help public-Carolina (UNC) officials, citizens, and students gain a better understanding of the local government budgeting process. Divided into small groups that simulate an elected board, participants begin by agreeing on the most important values for their community. In rounds that present real-world budget challenges such as natural disasters and state-mandated cuts, players are given alternatives to consider for cutting services or programs and options for generating revenue.
Each group tries to make strategic decisions that balance finances with the long-term impact on the community as it works to maintain the community’s unique characteristics or values.
Budgetopolis simulates a municipal budget process and contains the budget items that municipalities control.
Addresses Practice Group 10 (Budgeting)
The program will also feature an interactive session teaching a techniques for effective strategic planning and goal-setting with your governing board. This session was a well-received and highly-rated offering by MMMA as a concurrent workshop at the January 2011 MMA Annual Meeting.
Kindly mark your calendars and plan to attend this excellent professional development program.
