LKM

TOPEKA – Several local government leaders were honored for their efforts and successful completion of various levels of the Municipal Training Institute (MTI), a program of the League of Kansas Municipalities.

Created in 1999 to provide educational opportunities for elected officials and appointed officials, the goal of the institute is to provide an interactive curriculum of specialized instruction that will develop the knowledge and enhance the leadership abilities of those who serve the cities of Kansas.

This year alone, over 280 local government officials have attended training through the MTI program.

These trainings offer officials valuable information on planning and zoning, municipal finance, personnel management, KOMA/KORA regulations, civility, and ethics.

There are three levels of achievement in the Institute. This year, the League honored officials in each level.

Level 1:
Becky Berger, City Manager, City of Atchison
Jami Downing, City Clerk, City of Stafford
Diana Garten, Finance Director, City of Pratt
Lou Leone, City Administrator, City of Kiowa*

Level 2:
David McDaniel, Mayor, City of Ellis
Lou Leone, City Administrator, City of Kiowa*
Michael Ort, City Administrator, City of Jetmore

Level 3: **
Kendal Francis, City Manager (in transition)
Tim Vandall, City Administrator, City of Lansing

* Lou Leone, City of Kiowa City Administrator completed both Level 1 and Level 2 quickly and was honored for both levels in 2018.

** Fewer than than 15 individuals in Kansas have completed the necessary steps to complete Level 3 for the Municipal Training Institute.

Established by municipal officials in 1910, the League of Kansas Municipalities is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of representing Kansas’ cities. The League works for its member cities through advocacy, legal advice, education and other services.