New training opportunities look to provide elected officials and administrators with tools to navigate stress, conflict, and challenging situations
Over the last year, RMA and ABmunis have worked together to reimagine the municipal Peer Network program. Originally launched in 2004, the Peer Network was designed to connect municipal elected officials and administrators with experienced peers who could provide advice, support conflict resolution efforts, share practical perspectives on local challenges, and foster stronger relationships across Alberta’s municipal sector. Building on the success of that program, RMA and ABmunis partnered with New Era Learning to review and enhance the initiative, with support from the Local Government Administration Association of Alberta (LGAA) and the Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association (ARMAA).
The result is two new training programs: Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times and Resilient Administration in Challenging Times.
Event Description
The two course offerings focus on increasing awareness of the pressures inherent in municipal leadership roles, exploring common sources of stress and conflict, and equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
ABmunis and RMA are offering these introductory sessions to showcase the programs and provide participants with an opportunity to experience their practical tools and approaches firsthand.
Beyond these initial sessions, the long-term vision is to make the programs’ resources available for local delivery across Alberta. The initiative includes participant materials, facilitator supports, and train-the-trainer resources that can help municipalities and regional partners deliver the training within their own communities and organizations.
What to Expect
By the end of the sessions, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish between internal and external stressors associated with municipal roles and assess their impact on personal well-being and council effectiveness.
- Identify early warning signs of emotional overload and burnout in themselves and others.
- Recognize common sources of conflict and early indicators among staff, council members, members of the public, and other stakeholders.
- Use structured conversation techniques to navigate difficult and high-pressure discussions effectively
- Apply practical strategies to provide appropriate peer support while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
This training is designed as a safe space for learning, dialogue, and peer support. Participants are encouraged to come with an open mind and a willingness to share their experiences and perspectives.
Training Opportunities
ABmunis and RMA are jointly offering these free training opportunities to support municipal elected officials and administrators across Alberta. Participants are encouraged to register through the link associated with the specific session they wish to attend, regardless of whether they are members of ABmunis or RMA.
Resilient Administration in Challenging Times
- Date: October 20, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Alberta Municipalities (8616 51 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB)
- Target Audience: Municipal Administrators
- Available Space: 24 participants
- For more information and to register, visit www.abmunis.ca/events
Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times
- Date: October 21, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Rural Municipalities of Alberta (2510 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, AB)
- Target Audience: Municipal Elected Officials
- Available Space: 24 participants
How to Register
To register for Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times, please email TammyR@rmalberta.com with the following information. Registration is open to eligible municipal elected officials from all Alberta municipalities, regardless of whether they are members of ABmunis or RMA:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Title
- Municipality
- Any dietary restrictions
Registration will remain open until October 9, 2026.
Please note: Due to limited space, registrations are restricted to one participant per municipality. RMA will confirm your registration or advise if the registration has been put on the waitlist. Municipalities wishing to register additional participants may submit their information as outlined above. If spaces remain available after registration closes, additional participants will be considered in the order their registrations were received.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.