Professional positions in municipalities often have specialized job responsibilities without direct comparison in the private sector. The Municipal Association of South Carolina offers 11 affiliate associations for municipal staff to provide relevant and timely training tailored to these unique job functions.
The mission of each affiliate organization is to create a community of peers who learn through traditional face-to-face training, networking, and sharing best practices and experiences. The Municipal Association manages and programs the affiliates with guidance from a board of directors elected from each affiliate's membership.
Affiliate members receive discounted registration on training and access to a members-only listserve, a group email network for users to post questions and seek feedback from colleagues.
"The value of affiliate participation cannot be overstated," said Eric Budds, deputy executive director of the Association. "The nominal costs associated with affiliate membership and participation are easily offset by the benefit of having a more knowledgeable, work ready and confident employees, who know there is a network of peers available, willing and able to support their success."
During the past year, the affiliate groups serving municipal staffs conducted approximately 36 specialized training events with more than 2,200 municipal staff members and associate members participating.
Affiliate memberships run on a calendar-year schedule. Current members will receive a renewal notice the first week of January. All municipal officials and staff are eligible to join online or by contacting the Association's staff contact. Membership applications and renewals will be online beginning January 2.
Building Officials Association of South Carolina
BOASC focuses on the challenges of administering and enforcing building and related codes and offers education and networking through its annual meetings and listserve.
Municipal Court Administration Association of SC
MCAA offers training to court administrators, clerks of court, municipal judges and other employees involved in court administration.
Municipal Technology Association of SC
MTASC promotes the effective use of technology. Recent training sessions covered open data, cybersecurity when using third-party vendors, PCI requirements and drones in disaster recovery.
SC Association of Municipal Power Systems
SCAMPS focuses on legislative initiatives, mutual aid and provides training for elected officials, management staff and operational personnel.
SC Association of Stormwater Managers
SCASM offers quarterly training on stormwater management policies and best practices. Training regularly covers proposed changes to stormwater regulations and case studies of innovative practices.
SC Business Licensing Officials Association
BLOA promotes best practices for administering the local business and professional license tax through training sessions, networking and the Accreditation in Business Licensing and Masters in Business Licensing.
SC Community Development Association
CDA provides educational forums on economic and community development needs, best practices and successful case studies.
SC Municipal Attorneys Association
The MAA annual training addresses the needs of municipal attorneys and complies with the Supreme Court of South Carolina Commission on CLE and specialization requirements for continuing education credits.
SC Municipal Finance Officers, Clerks and Treasurers Association
Training programs cover unique member responsibilities, which include customer service, public records requests, parliamentary procedures and codification. MFOCTA sponsors the Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute with the Municipal Association and the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities.
SC Municipal Human Resources Association
MHRA training programs give members information and the opportunity to exchange ideas and stay current on state and federal labor law and court rulings.
SC Utility Billing Association
SCUBA trains members on utility billing, collections and customer service. Programs frequently focus on customer service skills, workplace safety, and best practices in utility billing and collections.