Custom Workshops

VLCT MAC staff members are available to deliver on-site workshops to municipal officials in their own offices across the state. Workshops usually last around two hours and can be delivered in place of a local board or commission’s regularly scheduled meeting. Neighboring municipalities can also join together to schedule one workshop for both boards.

 On-site workshops cost $800, though VLCT PACIF members are eligible for a reduced rate of $400 for many of the topics listed below (except for land use). PACIF members may also be eligible for a PACIF scholarship, which can cover the cost of the training. Please call PACIF Loss Control at 800-649-7915, or visit www.vlct.org/rms/pacif/pacif-scholarships/ for more information on the program.

 In addition, MAC can develop custom workshops upon request. To discuss or schedule a workshop, please contact Abigail Friedman or call 800-649-7915.

 On-site Workshops for Municipal Officials

• Improving the Relationship between Independent Officers and the Selectboard
• Roles and Responsibilities of Town Officers
• Conducting Effective Selectboard Meetings
• Conducting Effective Tax Appeal Hearings
• A Field Guide to the Open Meeting Law
• How to Write a Good Hearing Decision
• The Role of the Manager and the Role of the Selectboard
• An Orientation to Local Government for New Selectboard Members
• Leadership and Management Roles of the Selectboard
• Developing and Managing the Town Budget
• Financial Management, Internal Controls, Fraud Risk Assessment
• Inter-local Agreements
• Municipal Charter Adoption and Amendment

On-site Workshops for Municipal Land Use Boards

• Capital Planning and Budgeting
• Conducting Effective Meetings and Hearings
• The Effective Land Use Board
• Effective Zoning Enforcement
• Field Guide to Adopting and Amending the Town Plan and Bylaws
• How to Interpret Development Plans
• How to Make and Write an Effective Land Use Decision
• Managing Conflicts of Interest in Local Land Use Decisions
• Major Types of Development Review
• Adopting Local Act 250 Review
• Is a Development Review Board Right for Our Town?
• Should Our Town Adopt On the Record Review?
• Should Our Town Adopt Zoning?
• Understanding Homeowners’ Associations