Available Training

Workshop at County Building 2

Spring 2026 LGW

Spring Local Gov't Workshop will occur on 
Thursday, May 28th 2026,
at Genesee Community College, Batavia NY
The event you’ve been waiting for is here! 
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Register at this link

The Local Government Workshops is one of G/FLRPC's signature initiatives, providing a forum for training and information sharing since 1996 for our 188 municipalities. Since that time, thousands of local government officials, board members, staff, and interested citizens have attended the workshops, held twice a year.

This year's event will host a wide variety of training opportunities. Please see session titles below. This workshop will provide training credit to planning and zoning board members for the duration of their attendance at the workshop. We are also working on getting AICP credit for certified planners attending as well. Those sessions will be noted on the schedule when it is released.

Schedule
Session Descriptions

Workshop Registration

  • $60 per person* until May 15th, 2026 at midnight
  • $70 per person* after May 15th until May 25th, when registration closes. 
  • *All service fees are being waived for registrants
  • Vendor/Exhibitor: $400 (includes 2 people, meals, a table and chairs) Please email Emily Royce eroyce@gflrpc.org for registration link.
  • Payment accepted is either at registration via credit card or to be invoiced once registration is completed by selecting the appropriate box.
  • AT REGISTRATION, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SELECT A SESSION FOR EACH TIME SLOT.  PLEASE MAKE YOUR BEST ASSUMPTION TO HELP US WITH PLANNING.  You can change your mind the day of the Workshop.

All registrations include continental breakfast, coffee, and lunch.
Sorry, no refunds after May15th, 2026


Who Should Attend
Municipal Board Members and Elected Officials ∙ Planning Board Members ∙ Zoning Board of Appeals Members ∙ County & Municipal Employees ∙ Enforcement Officers ∙Planners ∙ Public Works and Highway Departments ∙ Engineers and Architects ∙ Land Use Professionals ∙ Attorneys ∙ Consultants ∙ Municipal Commission and Review Board Members ∙ Municipal Committees and Advisory Board Members ∙ Concerned Citizens

For most municipalities the Local Government Workshop fulfills state law required training for local planning officials. A certificate of participation may be requested for the number of hours of attendance. 

 

 

 

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2026 MUNICIPAL BOOTCAMP TRAININGS

 

Session #3:

Getting it Together - The Basics of Running a Meeting and the Open Meetings Law

March 26, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

Motion this, second that…do we have a quorum? Does it matter? What are your obligations as a board member relative to public participation, and creating a strong public record? The operations of a public body can be complex at times, but a sound procedural playbook will help you navigate nearly any challenge. This session focuses on the basics of running a meeting, the review process, and New York’s Open Meetings Law.

 

Session #4:

Soaking Up the Sun - Solar and Battery Storage and the Local Review Process

April 23, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

New York State’s regulations, and specifically those that allocate local authority are constantly evolving. How can planning boards, zoning boards, and local development staff address the growing popularity of solar energy solutions, while protecting the quality of life of your community? This session focuses on best practices for local regulations regarding solar and battery storage projects, and how to navigate the state’s regulations on large scale alternative energy developments.

 

Session #5:

Water, Water Everywhere - The Impact of Wetlands on Development

May 28, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

Wetlands are among the most critical ecological assets in any community. New York State has taken a proactive stance on regulating development impacts that could threaten the environmental value of these key areas. Evolving regulations and best practices will drive review of projects with potential wetlands impacts. This session will overview the current regulatory landscape, and local government responsibilities related to development review.

 

Session #6:

Zoning Board Basics - Roles of the Zoning Board in Community Development

June 25, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

Area variances vs. use variances. Statutory tests. Public Hearings. There are so many nuts and bolts to zoning boards’ roles and responsibilities. In your time on the board, you’ll see a wide variety of projects, and be asked to take action in lots of different ways. This session focuses on the basics of the board’s role in the development process, and what you might expect when you take your seat.

 

Session #7:

Growing Intentionally - The Role of Local Leadership in Attracting Investment and Economic Development

July 23, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

A recent survey of nationwide developers and investors cited the local regulatory landscape as the number one risk when considering new investments. Communities must clearly define the types of development you are seeking, and shape your regulations to accelerate the development review process if you hope to attract investment. This session will focus on the role of planning and development review in positioning a community for economic development.

 

Session #8:

A Storm is Brewing - How Development Review Addresses Stormwater Management and Water Quality

September 24, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

Of the many threats to water quality in a community, stormwater runoff is among the highest risks. State and local regulations, and the review approach of planning/zoning boards and local staff can be your best defense for stormwater pollution. This session will overview existing regulations and best management practices, and provide local leaders with insights on how to best manage this growing challenge.

 

Session #9:

Funding Your Priorities - Developing and Managing Competitive Grant Applications

October 22, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

Local leaders should always be focused on maximizing resources for your community priorities. Federal and state grant programs are vast, and getting more diverse every year. From planning and community development initiatives to large-scale infrastructure projects, there’s a grant resource for almost any program or project imaginable. This session will focus on the role of planning and prioritization in grant success, elements of a successful application, and the joys of administering a grant once you win.

 

Session #10:

Santa's Naughty and Nice List - The Best and Worst of 2026

December 17, 2026 | 6pm-7pm

We’ll close out the year with a fun session on who got it really right and who might have missed the boat in 2026. We’ll provide case studies on the best examples of great development review, and a few pitfalls discovered by your neighbors that you should avoid going into the New Year.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Eric Hankin
eric.hankin@mrbgroup.com
(585) 340-3670

 

 

For more courses please check: https://dos.ny.gov/training-courses

Training Resources:

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