Local Government Academy

The Local Government Academy (LGA) is an academy that delivers tailor-made, practice-oriented and impact-driven learning programs in the fields of urbanism and local governance.

Operating under the Marmara Municipalities Union, LGA is structured as a holistic learning ecosystem that goes beyond knowledge transfer by centering the current and future needs of local governments and cities, as well as the skills they need to develop.

Reaching more than 16,000 people annually, LGA designs tailor-made learning programs for practitioners and decision-makers working in municipalities. The Academy’s core approach builds on evidence- and impact-oriented, transdisciplinary, equitable and inclusive learning principles.

How Does LGA Approach Learning?

Learning from Data: Insights and Impact

LGA places data, research, and monitoring–evaluation processes at the center of learning design, shaping its programs with evidence-informed insights.

Learning from Each Other: Partners and Peers

LGA strengthens peer learning through Mentor and experience-sharing programs. It brings together different units, actors, and areas of expertise within learning programs, and co-designs tailored programs in collaboration with field experts and partner institutions.

Learning by Doing: Practice and Pilots

LGA designs learning programs that directly engage with the city, translate into practice, and are supported by pilots and hands-on workshops.

In Which Areas Does LGA Develop Learning Programs?

LGA’s learning framework complements knowledge transfer on legal basics in local governance with a strong focus on skill development. Within this framework, learning is addressed under three main and interrelated skill sets: individual, institutional, and urban. These skill sets are not independent; rather, they are complementary areas of competence that enhance the ability of local governments to deliver effective, inclusive, and sustainable services.

LGA’s programs are supported by the “Support” component, which guides municipalities in accessing funding and grant opportunities to develop these skills.

Legal Basics: Programs focused on general legislation, legal responsibilities, and standards
Individual Skills: Programs designed to strengthen cognitive, psychosocial, and professional skills of municipal staff, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management
Institutional Skills: Programs aimed at enhancing organizational processes and management systems, including strategic planning, performance, financial and resource management, and governance
Urban Skills: Programs focused on municipal service domains such as planning, environment, mobility, disaster risk management, infrastructure, and social services
Support: Programs and guidance related to grants, funds, and project opportunities

How Does LGA Design Its Learning Programs?

LGA’s learning programs are developed through two complementary program structures:

One-to-One programs tailored to the specific needs of member municipalities
Open-to-All programs designed for all municipalities and diverse urban actors, where participants are selected through an application process to ensure the transfer of learning into municipal practice

Through this approach, LGA reaches participants who can apply what they learn within their municipalities and contribute to meaningful change.

The design process is guided by co-creation with partners and experts, and the programs are structured through complementary learning modules. These modules include theoretical frameworks, workshops and group work, good practice and experience sharing, networking sessions, field visits, and hands-on applications.

In this way, learning is not limited to knowledge transfer; it deepens through practice, experience, and collaboration, ultimately finding concrete expression within cities and municipal services.