Program Coursework

What is contained in the program?


Effective May 2, 2016, the Credentialed Government Leader curriculum is revised as follows.

There are five (5) core skill areas that need to be satisfied in order to become a CGL. They are as follows:
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Effective Communication: Written and Verbal
  • Creative and Critical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Relationships with Elected/Appointed Leadership
  • Project Management
In addition to the core skill areas, candidates shall complete three (3) electives from the following list. Candidates shall work with their mentor to identify three elective areas to broaden the candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities. For example, a candidate that works regularly with Economic Development should seek elective coursework in other categories.

  • Creating a Culture of Success
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Public Information, Media Relations and Mass Communications
  • Civic Engagement
  • Legislative Program Management
  • Innovation in Local Government
  • Public Infrastructure Planning
  • Sustainability
  • Recreation Program Management
  • Negotiating
  • Labor Relations
  • Strategic Planning and Management
  • Performance Measurement
  • Economic Development
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Managing Financial Resources
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace
  • Risk Management and Liability
  • Technology in Local Government
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (NEWLY ADDED in 2020)
Subject Matter Expert Course- Candidates may propose one elective course in a single subject area not listed above. The CGL Committee will determine whether the proposed course and subject area meets the intent of the program.

Participants enrolled before the May 2, 2016 effective date must complete core coursework in Effective Communication and Project Management and one from each of the following:

  1. Creating a Culture of Success OR Organizational Leadership
  2. Managing Resources: Human and Capital OR Interpersonal Relationship with Elected/Appointed Leadership
  3. Objective Thinking OR Creative and Critical Thinking
Please contact Molly Rattigan at molly.rattigan@countyofnapa.org or (707) 253-4112 with questions.

All coursework must be pre-approved by the CGL oversight committee. Job exchanges or like experience for one month or more shall qualify as one elective. You can also submit a proposed course to the CGL Committee for approval.

Program Schedule

The CGL program is largely completed at a pace determined by the applicant and their mentor. The applicant will have two (2) years to complete the credentialing requirements. Check the CGL Coursework calendar to the right for upcoming opportunities.