Local Government Fundamentals

Learn about different local government structures and discover how local government authority is granted by and limited by the state. Gain insights into how the structure and authority influence local laws, service delivery, and decision making. Review minimum standards of for public employee conduct and understand how managing ethically involves exceeding minimum standards. This course counts toward the Public Works Supervisory Academy (PWSA) and the Public Works Management Institute certificates.

• Public works supervisors who wish to sharpen their skills
• Supervisors and managers who are new to the field of public works
• Public works employees who wish to prepare for advancement
• Public works engineers who are new to supervision and management

Powers of Local Government

Dillon's Rule

Powers of the different classes of local government

The ever shrinking Home Rule powers Comparing the Forms of Local Government in Wisconsin

Board of Trustees

Strong Mayor–Weak Council

Weak Mayor–Strong Council

Professional Manager or Administrator

Elected County Executive Intergovernmental Cooperation in Wisconsin

Benefits and constraints of cooperation

Forms of arrangements between governments

Examples and resources Ethics in Public Works

Wisconsin state law

Professional ethics contrasted to other rules of conduct

Public Works Codes of Ethics

Discussion of case studies

Bryan Gadow

City Administrator for City of Middleton, Bryan is a management professional with strategic planning experience; proven leadership qualities in the areas of communication, project management, policy analysis, community development, and intergovernmental relations.

Benjamin Jordan

Benjamin J. Jordan, PE is a program director with Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the transportation sector. He has over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and public works. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and a Master of Public Affairs degree with a Certificate in Public Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.