Training opportunities: Resilient leadership and administration

Over the last year, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) have worked together to reimagine the municipal Peer Network program. 

Originally launched in 2004, the Peer Network was designed to provide municipal elected officials and administrators with access to experienced peers who could share advice and guidance, support conflict resolution efforts, offer practical perspectives on local challenges, and promote relationship-building across the municipal sector. Building on the success of that program, ABmunis and RMA partnered with New Era Learning to review and enhance the initiative, with support from the Local Government Administration Association of Alberta (LGAA) and the Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators' Association (ARMAA). 

The result is two new training programs: Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times and Resilient Administration in Challenging Times. 

Why this Training Matters  

Building on lessons learned through the Peer Network program, Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times and Resilient Administration in Challenging Times are two distinct training programs designed specifically for municipal elected officials and municipal administrators, respectively. 

The programs focus on building awareness of the pressures inherent in municipal leadership and administration, exploring common sources of stress and conflict, and developing practical skills to navigate challenging situations. Participants will leave with tools, techniques, and resources to strengthen resilience, manage difficult conversations, support others effectively, and foster healthier municipal working relationships. 

In addition to these introductory training sessions, the program has been designed to support broader access across Alberta's municipal sector. Resource materials, facilitator supports, and train-the-trainer tools have been developed to enable future local delivery, helping municipalities build resilience and conflict management capacity closer to home. 

Training Opportunities 

ABmunis and RMA are jointly offering these free training opportunities to support municipal elected officials and administrators across Alberta. Participants are encouraged to register through the link associated with the specific session they wish to attend, regardless of whether they are members of ABmunis or RMA. To support participation from as many municipalities as possible, registration is initially limited to one participant per municipality for each session. Additional registrations may be submitted and will be placed on a waitlist. Please note that submitting a registration request does not guarantee a spot in the session. Registration is only confirmed once a confirmation email has been sent by ABmunis. 

Resilient Administration in Challenging Times  

• Date: October 20, 2026  
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  
• Location: Alberta Municipalities (8616 51 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB) 
• Target Audience: Municipal Administrators 
• Available Space: 24 participants  
• For more information and to register, visit www.abmunis.ca/events  

Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times  

• Date: October 21, 2026  
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  
• Location: Rural Municipalities of Alberta (2510 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, AB) 
• Target Audience: Municipal Elected Officials 
• Available Space: 24 participants  
• For more information and to register, visit [enter info from RMA] 

Space is limited and registration is free – register today!