Strengthen your skills, strengthen your community
January 5, 2026Upcoming training opportunities for municipal and utility leaders
For municipal leaders, staying up to date on evolving regulations and technology is essential. It enables informed decision-making that best serves their communities.
Upcoming workshops, conferences and webinars focus on real issues facing cities and municipal utilities. Topics include practical guidance, timely challenges, and lessons learned from other communities.
These sessions are built for city officials and utility leaders. They offer clear information and real takeaways that can be put to use back home.
Annual Report Workshops
🗓️ January 14, 15, or 21, 2026 (date/time varies depending on utility size/revenue)
💻 Online (interactive workshop)
🏛️ South Dakota Municipal League
🎯 Finance officers, clerks, auditors and treasurers
These online workshop focus on preparing annual financial reports for cities. Sessions are grouped by utility size and revenue to ensure the information is relevant and useful. Participants will learn from experts through a hands-on, virtual format that covers year-end reporting requirements, expectations, and practical tips.
👉 Takeaway: Better reporting leads to cleaner audits and clearer financial conversations with your council and community.
⚡ Cost: FREE | Register by January 14
Utility Operations Conference
🗓️ January 20-22, 2026
📍 Ankeny, Iowa
🏛️ Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities
🎯 Utility managers, operators, and field staff
This multi-day conference offers practical training for municipal utility professionals. Sessions cover operations, safety, funding, system resilience, and emerging issues facing utilities. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with peers and connect with industry vendors.
👉 Takeaway: Practical training and shared experiences help utilities operate safely, efficiently and reliably.
⚡ Register by January 12
From Hassle to Habit: What Municipal Leaders Miss About Cybersecurity
🗓️ January 21, 2026 | 2-3 p.m. ET
💻 Online (webinar)
🎯 Elected officials, city administrators, and department leaders
Cybersecurity threats continue to grow, but this webinar shows that protection does not have to be complicated or expensive. Municipal leaders will learn common risks, basic safeguards, and how to make cybersecurity part of everyday operations – not just a one-time effort.
👉 Takeaway: Simple steps can significantly reduce risk and help cities prepare before a cyber incident occurs.
⚡ Cost: FREE | Register by January 20
Governance in Action: The View from a Commissioner’s Chair
🗓️ January 23, 2026 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CT
📍 St. Cloud, Minnesota
🏛️ Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association
🎯 Utility commissioners, board members, and city leaders
This one-day, in-person workshop focuses on the role and responsibilities of utility commissioners. Sessions cover governance basics, legal authority, and the difference between policy and operations. Participants will also hear real-world examples and learn how effective boards work with city councils and staff.
👉 Takeaway: Strong governance helps utilities make clear decisions and work more effectively with city leadership.
⚡ Register by January 9