Local Government is a rapidly growing area of public sector employment including job opportunities with municipalities, counties, special districts, regional authorities and Councils of Governments. Through this concentration you will become well versed in the forces shaping the agendas of those jurisdictions and gain an understanding of government management and policy-making. There is special interest today in finding people who are competent in areas of budgeting, finance and human resources management. Through this concentration you can take courses in all of these areas.
The School of Public Affairs has a strong connection with local government associations including the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado City and County Managers Association, the Association of Colorado County Administrators and the Department of Local Affairs. SPA has alumni working in local government executive positions throughout the state, and offers students the opportunity to connect with local managers through professional development events and association meetings.
Graduates of the program receive the Certificate in Local Government Management. MPA students are required to successfully complete 36 credit hours for the MPA degree, with the certificate awarded to those who complete 15 of their 36 credit hours in courses offered and approved by the director of the Local Government Concentration. In addition, students in the concentration are expected to complete a capstone project where a local government is their client.
There are several faculty affiliated with this concentrate. Please click on the links next to their name to see their areas of interest:
• Professor Todd Ely
• Professor Benoy Jacob
• Professor Christine Martell
• Professor Allan Wallis
For more information, contact:
Dr. Allan Wallis, Local Government Concentration Director
& Associate Professor
University of Colorado Denver
School of Public Affairs
Phone: (303) 315-2829
Fax: (303) 315 - 2229
E-mail: Allan.Wallis@ucdenver.edu