Mayors Institute

Gain practical tools that you can apply to the real-life challenges you face as mayor. Mayors Institute is a high-level learning experience, designed exclusively for Indiana mayors, that we introduced back in 2009. In 2016, we kicked off a new partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) at Ball State University that’s helped to make the program better than ever before.

By participating in the Institute, mayors will gain practical tools that can be applied to the real-life challenges public officials face on a daily basis.  During this day and a half program guest speakers and Aim staff will present an agenda of highly substantive sessions that will lead mayors through unique leadership and problem-solving exercises with their colleagues from across the state.  Featuring many opportunities for the sharing of innovative, effective strategies to run city government, Mayors Institute sessions are timely, relevant and essential.

 Aim and ICI will host Mayors Institute, October 2-3, in Indianapolis.  All Hoosier mayors are invited to participate in the Mayors Institute to achieve certification in this exciting city leadership program. Complete details and registration information are available in the registration brochure. Call the Aim office at 317-237-6200 if you have any questions.

Contact Us

Jennifer Simmons
Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]
317-237-6200 x 240

Lesley Mosier
Chief Administrative & Development Officer
[email protected]
317-237-6200 x 223

Mayors Earn Certification in Aim/Ball State Continuing Education Program

Earlier this month during a two-day session of Aim/Ball State Mayors Institute, Aim CEO Matt Greller and Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) at Ball State Executive Director David Terrell awarded certificates to seven Hoosier mayors who attained a bronze, silver, or gold level Mayors Institute certification.

David Terrell said, “Providing a forum for mayors to connect with one another while seeking solutions to common challenges is a big part of Mayors Institute. I am always thrilled to award these certificates and applaud mayors who are investing in their communities by investing in their education.”

The following certificates were presented:

Gold
Bob Courtney, Madison
Scott Long, Wabash
Dan Rickord, Decatur
Richard Strick, Huntington

Silver
Matt Nicholson, Seymour
Bill Rock, Gas City

Bronze
Matt Nicholson, Seymour
Gregg Sprunger, Berne

“I would not be surprised if most city residents don’t think of their mayors as students. The reality is, I see a common thread among mayors, they are hungry to learn. Laws change, technology evolves, research advances, and mayors seeking the latest information should be the expectation, not the exception,” said Greller.

Bronze, silver, and gold certifications are handed out annually during a session of Mayors Institute. Wabash Mayor Scott Long was presented with the group’s highest certification level, City Leadership Executive, during the Aim Ideas Summit in August. This certification achievement is always presented during Aim’s annual gathering.

A partnership between the Indiana Community Institute (ICI) at Ball State and Aim, designed to offer advanced continuing education exclusively for Indiana’s mayors, began in 2016. Each year, the two entities collaborate to provide high-level information on topics such as quality of place, human capital, research of relevance to municipalities, public safety, education, cyber security, human resources and much more. For more information on Mayors Institute, please visit aimindiana.org/mayors-institute/.

SOURCE: Press Release, October 9, 2023

Participation and Recognition in City Leadership

All Indiana mayors are strongly encouraged to attend at least two Mayors Institute sessions each year.  Aim and the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University will award a Certificate of Achievement in three levels.  Achievement will be measured by participation and attendance at the Mayors Institute sessions. Additionally, mayors who have already reached Indiana City Leadership Ambassador status are now eligible for a brand-new level:  Indiana City Leadership Executive.

Certificates of Achievement

Gold

Certificate as an Indiana City Leadership Ambassador
  • Attend 10 two-day sessions
  • Press release and article distributed to local media
  • Certificate presented at city council meeting if desired

Silver

Certificate in Advanced City Leadership

  • Attend 6 two-day sessions
  • Press release and article distributed to local media

Bronze

Certificate in City Leadership

  • Attend 4 two-day sessions
  • Press release and article distributed to local media

Becoming an Indiana City Leadership Executive

Once you’ve earned a Gold Certification and have been designated as an Indiana City Leadership Ambassador, you’re then eligible to earn the Indiana City Leadership Executive designation by fulfilling all the requirements in Part A below, along with one of the requirements in Part B.
  
Part A
  1. Completing six additional Mayors Institute programs, and
  2. Delivering a substantive topic presentation on a panel at one Mayors Institute program
Part B
  1. Delivering one substantive topic presentation related to Part A, No. 2 at an appropriate venue in their city such as a council meeting, service organization meeting, or economic development organization; or,
  2. Delivering one substantive topic presentation at an Aim statewide meeting; or
  3. Delivering one substantive topic presentation at a national meeting of municipal officials such as the National League of Cities or U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting Indiana City Leadership Executive Certification Form
Members