What Local Government Management Association (LGMA) does

The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1919 and headquartered in Victoria, BC, serving approximately 188 local governments (municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations governments) across the province. Its core offering is a portfolio of professional development programs for local government managers, supervisors, and senior executives (particularly Chief Administrative Officers and Corporate Officers), including MATI Foundations training, annual conferences, in-person and online courses, on-demand learning delivered via a Moodle-based LMS, and certification. Supporting products include the BC Local Elections Manual, Exchange Magazine, six regional chapter networks, executive coaching, career transition counselling, pension consulting, and an Executive Compensation Toolkit.

Revenue is generated through organizational membership fees (paid by local governments on behalf of designated employees, calendar-year subscription), paid training and certification programs, manual and publication sales, annual conference registration and trade show, and partnership funding from the BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. The association is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director (Candace Witkowskyj) with a 22-person staff; it maintains long-standing strategic partnerships with CivicInfo BC (job board), Taituarā New Zealand (Overseas Exchange Program since 2007), Northern Development Initiative Trust, ICMA, and UBCM. Technology infrastructure is limited to the Moodle LMS and the LGMA MyAccount member portal; no AI/ML capability is evident in current offerings.

Name

Local Government Management Association (LGMA)

Legal name

Local Government Management Association of British Columbia

Website

https://lgma.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1919 that delivers training, certification, conferences, and resources to approximately 188 BC local governments and their managers, supervisors, and Chief Administrative Officers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Compliance, Certification & Continuing Education LMS (EDAFAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate) (EDAFAAAA), Vertical/Industry-Specific LMS (e.g., Healthcare, Safety, Aviation, Government) (EDAFAAAM)

Keywords

• Professional association services
• Local government training
• Public sector certification
• Professional development programs
• Membership association

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria, British Columbia

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Organizational membership seats purchased by local governments with employees designated as members. Membership runs calendar year January 1 to December 31, with renewal each year. First-time membership is $150 plus 5% GST.
2. Professional Development Programs and Training: Revenue from in-person programs, online training, MATI programs, on-demand programs, workshops, and certificate courses for local government professionals.
3. Publications and Manuals: Sale of BC Local Elections Manual ($400 electronic, $500 printed), and other resource manuals and publications.
4. Annual Conference: Revenue from the annual conference including registration fees and trade show participation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LGMA is a nonprofit professional association providing training, resources, networking, and member services to local government professionals across British Columbia. Core offerings include organizational membership, professional development programs (MATI Foundations, in-person training, online courses), the annual conference, resource manuals (BC Local Elections Manual, Corporate Officer Handbook, FOIPPA Toolkit, HR Toolkit), Exchange Magazine, the Local Government Internship Program, and member benefits such as executive coaching, career transition counseling, and pension consulting.

Product overview

The Local Government Management Association (LGMA) of BC operates as a professional association offering a unified portfolio of training programs, resources, and member services for local government professionals. The core offerings include the Annual Conference and MATI Foundations learning series for professional development, the Local Government Internship Program for emerging talent, and the Overseas Manager Exchange Program with New Zealand partners. Supporting resources include the BC Local Elections Manual, Exchange Magazine (quarterly publication), multiple manuals and toolkits (Corporate Officer Handbook, Records Management Manual, FOIPPA Toolkit), the Executive Compensation Toolkit, and member benefits such as Executive Coaching, Career Transition Counselling, and Pension Consulting Services. The LGMA also administers the BC Local Government Job Board in partnership with CivicInfo BC, manages member recognition awards, and provides responsible conduct resources developed jointly with UBCM. The LGMA MyAccount portal serves as the central platform for member registration and administration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LGMA Annual Conference Annual LGMA Conference bringing together local government professionals for educational sessions, networking, trade show, and member awards ceremony. Held in different BC locations annually with member and non-member registration rates.
• Local Government Internship Program 12-month paid internship program for new and recent post-secondary graduates to train and begin careers in BC local government, with mentorship and professional development placement in smaller communities. Six internship opportunities available each year, including one partnered with Northern Development Initiative Trust.
• Overseas Manager Exchange Program Two-week reciprocal exchange program with Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa (New Zealand) for leadership and development opportunities between BC and NZ local government managers. Participants attend the Taituarā Annual Conference and visit local governments in the partner country on alternating years.
• MATI Foundations Program Week-long residential or online learning program providing high-caliber education for local government officers with emphasis on professional development. Part of the Foundations of Local Government Learning Series.
• BC Local Elections Manual Comprehensive manual providing practical advice and best practices for administration of local government and school trustee elections in BC. Available as electronic version ($400 + GST) or printed version including electronic ($500 + GST).
• Exchange Magazine Quarterly publication covering topics relevant to local government professionals including case studies, expert insights, industry trends, wellness, business continuity, and professional development.
• Executive Compensation Toolkit Resource providing compensation information for senior non-elected local government officials including salary surveys, sample contracts, and a compensation calculator for member local governments.
• Executive Coaching Coaching services for emerging and seasoned local government professionals with a database of qualified coaches providing introductory sessions and continued coaching at member rates.
• Career Transition Counselling Service Confidential counselling service providing an initial 2-hour session for members facing involuntary termination to support career transition.
• Pension Consulting Service Partnership with Jerry Woytack providing personal pension and retirement planning counselling for eligible LGMA members.
• Manuals and Toolkits Collection of resource manuals including Corporate Officer Handbook, Records and Information Management Manual, Guide for Approving Officers, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) Toolkit, Human Resources Toolkit, and Board of Variance Manual — all tailored to BC local government requirements.
• BC Local Government Job Board Partnership with CivicInfo BC providing job posting service to connect BC local governments with talented professionals. CivicInfo BC manages the job board platform while LGMA co-sponsors the initiative.
• ICMA Coaching Program Partnership with International City/County Management Association (ICMA) offering 1-1 coaching, personalized support, webinars, speed coaching, career resources, and talent development tools to LGMA members.
• Coaching Essentials Online Course New online coaching essentials training course for local government professionals delivered in partnership with Cinga Leadership & Learning, with expert facilitators bringing over 20 years of leadership development experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors.
• Scholarships Multiple scholarship programs including BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship, Board of Examiners Scholarships, Distinguished Members Legacy Fund, Grant Anderson Commemorative Scholarship, and Ken Dobell Public Service Education Fund Scholarship.
• Member Recognition Awards Awards program recognizing member achievements including Distinguished Member, Distinguished Partner, Professional Service awards, Long Service pins, Most Impactful New Professional, President's Award, Life Membership Award, and Innovation awards.
• Responsible Conduct Resources Joint LGMA-UBCM resources including Model Code of Conduct, Companion Guide, and online course for local elected officials on responsible conduct principles, developed through the Joint Working Group on Responsible Conduct.
• Temporary Employee Database Database of individuals with local government experience available for short-term employment assignments to cover staff shortages at BC local governments.
• Approving Officers Training Virtual workshop providing practical training on subdivision application evaluation, legal updates, and peer networking for BC Approving Officers.
• Advanced Elections Workshops Online workshops preparing BC local government employees for the 2026 General Local Government Elections with collaboration from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Elections BC. Priced at $385 + GST for members and $440 + GST for non-members as a virtual workshop.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 105 years of service supporting excellence in BC local government
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa (New Zealand)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Partnership since 2007 for the Overseas Manager Exchange Program. LGMA members exchange with NZ local government professionals, attending the Taituarā Annual Conference and visiting local governments. Exchange partners take turns hosting each other annually.
• CivicInfo BCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Long-standing partnership since 2001 for the BC Local Government Job Board. CivicInfo BC manages the job board platform while LGMA co-sponsors the initiative to help BC local governments advertise jobs and find talented professionals.
• Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver the Northern internship position within the Local Government Internship Program. NDIT provides additional funding including $10,000 for housing support. Northern position applicants apply through NDIT website following their requirements and timelines.
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer LGMA members access to the ICMA Coaching Program. Provides 1-1 coaching, personalized support, webinars, career resources, and talent development tools. LGMA is looking for BC-based coaches to support informal coaching sessions.
• Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustaining Education Alliance (SEA) recognizes the longstanding relationship between LGMA and MFA in advancing sustainability of BC local governments through education and professional development.
• Lidstone, Travis & CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Partner providing legal expertise and support to LGMA programs and members.
• Young Anderson Barristers & SolicitorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Partner and Ex Officio member of Approving Officers Advisory Committee. Provides legal expertise for local government matters.
• Cinga Leadership & LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with LGMA to deliver the Coaching Essentials Online Course. Expert facilitators Kathy Andrews and Cara McColman provide leadership development training.
• Cinga Leadership & LearningminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExpert facilitators Kathy Andrews (Managing Director) and Cara McColman (Senior Learning Partner) bring over 20 years experience each in leadership development across private, public, and non-profit sectors.
• Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit designed to raise awareness of local government careers and encourage younger Canadians to consider municipal careers.
• Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit to promote local government careers.
• Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick (AMANB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit to promote local government careers.
• Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators Association (ARMAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit to promote local government careers.
• Local Government Administrators of Alberta (LGAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit to promote local government careers.
• Association of Municipal Clerks Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Making Life Happen campaign and toolkit to promote local government careers.
• British Columbia Ministry of Housing and Municipal AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing financial support for Local Government Internship Program and other initiatives. Collaborates on responsible conduct framework for local government elected officials.
• Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Working Group on Responsible Conduct to develop resources for local government elected officials including model codes of conduct, companion guides, and online education courses.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators Association (ARMAA): ARMAA addresses rural municipal administrators in Alberta with a similar chapter-based professional development model and is a co-partner with LGMA on the Making Life Happen awareness campaign.
• Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick (AMANB): AMANB is the New Brunswick counterpart for senior local government administrators, operating the same professional development, training, and recognition model as LGMA in BC.
• Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA): OMAA plays the same role for Ontario municipal administrators as LGMA does for BC, including professional development, conferences, and a Making Life Happen partnership with LGMA.
• Taituarā - Local Government Professionals Aotearoa (New Zealand): Taituarā is the New Zealand equivalent of LGMA, running the reciprocal Overseas Manager Exchange Program since 2007 and operating a comparable professional association model for local government managers.
• Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA): CAMA is the national peer association for senior local government administrators across Canada, delivering training, conferences, and awards to a comparable CAO membership profile that LGMA serves at the provincial level.
• Association of Municipal Clerks Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO): AMCTO serves Ontario municipal clerks and corporate officers with training, FOI resources, and certification that closely parallels LGMA's Corporate Officer handbook and FOIPPA toolkit offerings.
• Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM): UBCM is the BC-wide association of municipal governments and elected officials, directly overlapping with LGMA on policy advocacy, training, and member services for the exact same BC local government customer base.
• Local Government Administrators of Alberta (LGAA): LGAA serves Alberta municipal administrators with comparable training, conferences, and professional recognition programs and is a partner with LGMA on the Making Life Happen campaign.

Broad incumbents

• International City/County Management Association (ICMA): ICMA is the broader North American incumbent for local government management, with which LGMA partners to deliver its Coaching Program; ICMA offers overlapping coaching, training, and credentialing for a wider US/international audience.

Others

• CivicInfo BC: CivicInfo BC is the long-standing infrastructure partner that co-publishes the BC Local Government Job Board for LGMA, providing the careers platform serving the same LGMA member audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lgmabc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Local Government Management Association (LGMA)