Master Academy for Civic & Public Affairs

Latest Technology in Municipalities

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

What could the right technology make possible in your clerk’s office? Join us for a practical, engaging tour of seven technology areas reshaping the everyday work of cities, towns, and villages. No sales pitch—just a clear look at what’s changing, what’s genuinely useful, and what your municipality could do next.

Then, move from possibilities to purchasing with practical tips for choosing a vendor: what to look for, what questions to ask, and what warning signs to watch for once you have the green light to buy. Bring your questions and leave with ideas to help you make informed technology decisions that serve your staff and your community.

Designed for municipal clerks, elected officials, department heads, and front-line staff, this interactive session will help you explore your options, ask better questions, and take your next steps with confidence.

Instructor: Jay Rosenfield and Anne Uecker, Clerkbase

Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical Strategies for Clerks and Treasurers

1:30-4:30 p.m.

This interactive, three-hour workshop helps municipal clerks handle difficult conversations with residents, elected officials, and coworkers. Through real-life examples and activities, participants will practice listening, giving helpful feedback, calming tense situations, and handling disagreements with professionalism and confidence.  

Instructor: Traci Van Prooyen, EdD, CPTD, EMDR International Association

Empowering Leaders in Public Service

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Empowering Leaders in Public Service is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed for municipal clerks and treasurers who aspire to enhance their leadership capabilities. This course explores essential leadership theories, practical techniques, and case studies tailored for the public service context. Participants will gain valuable insights into servant, adaptive, and ethical leadership styles, discover tools to empower their teams, and learn strategies for addressing complex challenges. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change within their communities.

Instructors: Christopher Ledvina, Business Development Specialist, UW-Green Bay

Navigating Challenging Board Dynamics

1:30-4:30 p.m.

This workshop equips participants with practical tools for navigating both everyday and challenging conversations with board members by focusing on core communication techniques that support clarity, understanding, and effective information-sharing. As one component of the session, participants will be introduced to the DiSC framework as a way to better understand differing communication styles and adjust their approach when working with individuals who think, communicate, or make decisions differently. Emphasizing real-world application, the session moves beyond theory to provide actionable strategies participants can apply immediately in their professional roles.

Instructor: Cory Plasch, President and CEO, CP2 Consulting