Online Learning — At Your Fingertips

Welcome to the League’s new home for online learning. Designed to empower municipal leaders like you, our platform offers on-demand courses that allow you to develop essential skills, deepen your expertise, and stay ahead in local government. If you’re looking for a quick refresher or a comprehensive learning path, we’ve got you covered.

Our diverse course offerings, covering topics from local government finance to ethics, lobbying, and more, are available 24/7 so you can access the training you need exactly when you need it. Whether it’s understanding complex financial principles or brushing up on legislative processes, our on-demand courses are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Each course is broken into bite-sized segments, allowing you to learn at your own pace and easily revisit content whenever you need a refresher.

Online learning content features flexible learning formats, including on-demand courses, tailored course packages, collaborative cohort-based programs, and soon a selection of in-depth certification tracks.

How to Get Started

Online learning icon step one: browse our courses.

Browse our courses

Explore our catalog of courses, designed specifically for local government leaders.

Online learning icon step two: choose your path.

Choose your path

Select individual courses or opt for our Launch Bundle of five courses to maximize your learning experience.

Online learning icon step three: get started.

Get started

Sign up and dive into content that’s available whenever you need it.

Start here

Available Courses

Please click on the plus button for a course description and more details. 

Course Description
Strong communities are built on ethical, accountable leadership. This course helps public officials navigate legal and ethical standards, improve communication, and lead with integrity—even in challenging situations. Explore real-world case studies and build the skills needed to foster public trust.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

 

Course Description
Understanding FOIA and OMA is critical to maintaining transparency and avoiding legal pitfalls. This course covers the core requirements of both laws, from understanding public records requests to conducting open meetings. You’ll gain the practical knowledge needed to comply with confidence and build public trust.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1.5 Elected Officials Academy Elective credits for completing this course.

Course Description
With Michigan’s first housing TIF now available, the time to act is now. This course shows you how to use TIF to boost housing, revitalize downtowns, and strengthen municipal budgets. Learn strategies for navigating TIF, building productive partnerships with developers, and applying best practices to deliver results in your community.

The on-demand format includes short videos, expert guidance, and practical tools—ready when you are, anytime, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Course Description
Make sure your community’s voice is heard! This course breaks down Michigan’s legislative process, advocacy tools, and strategies for building effective relationships with lawmakers. Learn how to influence policy, champion your community’s priorities, and work in tandem with the League to support local government on the state and federal level.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Advocacy credit for completing this course.

Course Description
Learn how to help microbusinesses thrive and strengthen your local economy. This course covers capacity-building partnerships, the Microbusiness Readiness Playbook, and practical ways to remove barriers to growth—equipping you to support entrepreneurship and economic health in your community.

The on-demand format features short videos, resources, and interactive activities you can learn at your own pace—anytime, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Course Description
Learn the structures and decision-making processes of Michigan’s local governments. This course covers the origins of local government, key roles, responsibilities, and the division of powers—plus insights from experienced officials on navigating common challenges. Whether you’re an elected official or staff, this course sets the foundation for understanding how local government functions.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Course Description
From budgeting basics to long-term financial planning, this course imparts officials with the tools to lead on fiscal strategy. Learn how to read financial statements, forecast responsibly, and communicate financial decisions with confidence. You’ll walk away better equipped to align fiscal resources with community goals.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Course Description
What does it take for a community to truly thrive? This course introduces the League’s framework for building places rooted in trust, belonging, and local leadership—the evolution of our placemaking work. Through real-life Michigan examples—including a grassroots project in Houghton—you’ll gain ideas and strategies to support stronger, more resilient communities.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Course Description
Explore how adaptive reuse and house hacking can help solve Michigan’s housing challenges. This course offers real-life examples, zoning and financing insights, and strategies to repurpose buildings or rethink homeownership models. You’ll leave with fresh ideas for expanding housing in your own community.

The on-demand format includes short videos, interactive quizzes and resources, so you can learn at your own pace—any time, anywhere.

You will receive 1 Elected Officials Academy Elective credit for completing this course.

Pricing

Single Course

$85 member / $135 non-member

Course Bundle: Starter Series

$345 member / $545 non-member for a curated selection of five courses, including:

  1. Intro to Local Government
  2. Strategic Insights for Local Government Finance
  3. Ethics, Civility, and Public Leadership
  4. Lobbying for Local Leaders
  5. Thriving Communities 101

FAQ

Log into your League Portal account at my.mml.org, select the courses you’d like to take, and proceed with payment. You’ll gain full access to our learning materials once registered. You will receive an email with your course details.

For future visits to our online learning site, you can click the My Learning navigation link in the League Portal for access.

To enroll someone else in a course or series of courses, log in to your League Portal account at my.mml.org and click “Online Learning.” Make your course selection and click the Register button. On the following page, select “Register a Colleague” and choose the person you’d like to enroll. Continue through the checkout process, adding more registrations as needed, and then proceed to payment. A course enrollment email will be sent to each registrant.

Note: Ensure that registrants have an active email address on their account before registering. Roster managers can check this information using the My Organization tab on the left navigation of their League Portal Account.

Once you sign up for a course, you’ll receive a course enrollment email with an access link. You can also log in to the League Portal at my.mml.org and access your courses from the “Online Learning” navigation link. You can start learning immediately!

Non-member government officials can still access our courses! Simply create an account at my.mml.org, select the courses you’d like to take, and proceed with payment. You’ll gain full access to our learning materials once registered.

Once you’ve enrolled in a course, you have one year to complete it. You can log in and complete the content at your own pace within that time frame, revisiting as often as you need.

Yes! Once you’ve completed a course, your EOA credit will be automatically applied to your transcript.