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Program Overview
The California Professional Municipal Clerk (CPMC) Program is a comprehensive four-part training series designed to build knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity across all aspects of the clerk profession. Each level progressively advances from foundational concepts to specialized expertise, preparing participants to effectively serve as trusted leaders in local government.
CPMC 100
101: Local Government Overview
Provides an overview of the foundations of government, including the structure and function of local government, decision-making processes, and the legal and organizational principles that guide public administration, with emphasis on policy development, intergovernmental relations, and community participation.
102: Municipal Clerk Profession
Covers the history, roles, and responsibilities of the municipal clerk profession, with a focus on professionalism, core functions such as records management and contracts, and the legal and procedural requirements for conducting compliant public meetings.
103: Management Skills
History of organizations; models of contemporary organization; principles and practices of organizing, organization structure, function, and operation; theories and models of management and administration; management and leadership styles; managing personnel and/or financial resources; policymaking and implementation in organizations; organizational development and change.
104: Influencing Others
Explores personality and behavior, group dynamics, and the role of power and influence in organizations, with an emphasis on building effective workplace relationships, analyzing problems, and managing conflict.
105: Communication Skills
Develops effective communication skills for engaging colleagues and the public, including techniques for presentations, building confidence, managing difficult situations, and using language, tone, and body language to achieve positive outcomes.
106: Ethics and Personal Values
Examines ethics, values, and professional conduct in public service, focusing on building trust, navigating common ethical challenges, and applying legal standards to guide appropriate workplace behavior.
107: The Clerk’s Role in Emergency Crisis Management
Prepares clerks to respond to emergencies by understanding community risks, developing preparedness plans, and fulfilling key responsibilities in crisis situations, including maintaining critical records, supporting command structures, and applying best practices for effective response.
CPMC 200
201: Origins and Formation of Social and Political Systems
Provides an overview of the history, structure, and function of public organizations, including principles of public administration and the role of intergovernmental and regional systems.
202: Election Law and Procedures
Provides an overview of democratic election principles, including types of elections, legal and procedural requirements, and practical guidance for planning and administering local elections.
203: Local Government Finance
Covers the principles of local government finance, including revenue sources, fiscal management, and financial analysis, with a focus on evaluating trends and funding strategies in California.
204: Codification
Explores the codification process, including ordinance development, organization and maintenance of municipal codes, and considerations for implementation, costs, and delivery methods.
205: Technology in the Clerk's Office
Examines emerging technologies, identifying needs and funding opportunities while applying best practices to improve efficiency and service delivery.
206: Team/Group Decision Making
Develops decision-making and problem-solving skills to support effective teamwork, emphasizing strategies to overcome barriers and achieve timely, practical outcomes.
207: Communication Skills
Covers core communication principles, including interpersonal and organizational communication, public speaking, and business writing, with practical application to enhance professional effectiveness.
208: Organization Values and Ethics
Focuses on establishing and integrating organizational values, including defining behavioral standards, fostering a values-driven culture, and embedding those principles into policies, practices, and employee development.
209 The Clerk as the Professional
Explores the municipal clerk profession and standards of professionalism, focusing on required competencies, career development, and strategies to advance both the profession and individual growth.
CPMC 300
301: The Municipal Clerk as a Manager
Develops leadership and management skills, focusing on influencing policy, building relationships with administration, and effectively advocating within legislative and budget processes.
302: Meeting Administration
Covers the legislative meeting process, including agenda development, minutes preparation, and compliance with parliamentary procedures and the Brown Act.
303: Records Management
Provides guidance on developing and maintaining records management programs, including retention, indexing, and preparing for digital systems and document imaging.
304: Messaging to Public and Media
Explores effective communication strategies for engaging the public and media, including audience targeting, messaging, interviews, social media, and legal considerations such as privacy and ADA.
305: Supervising Employees
Focuses on supervisory skills, including employee management, team building, performance oversight, and handling workplace challenges.
306: General Law
Introduces key legal concepts relevant to clerks, including responding to inquiries, understanding court systems, and preparing for legal proceedings.
307: Negotiation and Assessment Skills
Builds negotiation and conflict management skills, including de-escalation techniques, interest-based bargaining, and navigating challenging interpersonal situations.
308: Communication: Writing Skills
Enhances professional writing skills for emails, reports, and other communications, emphasizing clarity, organization, and persuasive, error-free writing.
309: Ethics of Profession
Examines ethical responsibilities and challenges in the clerk profession, including compliance with laws and responding appropriately to ethical dilemmas.
310: Diversity in Organizations
Explores the role of diversity in organizational effectiveness, focusing on building inclusive teams and fostering a productive workplace culture.
CPMC 400
401: Professional Ethics
Examines ethical standards and decision-making in professional settings, with a focus on navigating political influences, managing judgment, and handling complex ethical challenges.
402: Political Reform Act
Provides an overview of the Political Reform Act, including conflict of interest laws, disclosure requirements, campaign filings, and the role of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
403: Initiative, Recall, and Referendum
Covers the legal framework and procedures for ballot measures, recalls, and referendums, including practical guidance for managing processes and addressing legal challenges.2
404: Mechanics of Elections
Explores the operational aspects of conducting municipal elections, including logistics, ballot processes, voter services, and compliance with election laws.
405: Election Technology and Systems
Reviews voting systems and election technologies, including certification, vote-by-mail processes, and emerging trends and challenges in election administration.
406: Public Speaking/Making Presentations
Develops presentation and public speaking skills, focusing on message development, audience engagement, and effective delivery techniques.
407: The Clerk as a Professional Model
Highlights the clerk’s role in promoting public trust and civic engagement, emphasizing ethical leadership, voter participation, and the clerk’s influence in democratic governance.
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