How Can We Make Elected Officials Better at Their Job?

Mayor Ray Bourque of Broussard, who also serves as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA), is spearheading an initiative to mandate training and continuing education for Louisiana’s 306 municipal mayors. The goal is to raise the bar for local governance by ensuring mayors have essential skills and knowledge to manage their communities effectively. Currently, mayors only complete minimal requirements such as ethics and cybersecurity training. Bourque’s proposed legislative package, set for the upcoming March session, would require orientation for newly elected mayors and annual certification through continuing education.The program would cover core topics like finance, budgeting, auditing, human resources, economic development, and open meetings law. Specialized training, such as water system management, would be required for municipalities that own water systems, addressing issues like boil advisories and system failures. Bourque emphasizes that proactive education can prevent costly problems and improve long-term infrastructure planning.The initiative draws inspiration from existing requirements for police chiefs and other municipal roles, such as water operators and zoning board members, who already undergo mandatory training. Bourque stresses that the program will focus on best practices applicable to all municipalities, regardless of size, while allowing flexibility for specialized needs. He also highlights the importance of connecting mayors with state agencies and resources to help them navigate complex regulatory environments.As LMA approaches its 100th anniversary, Bourque sees this as the perfect time to implement reforms that strengthen leadership and build public trust. By equipping mayors with practical skills and contacts, the program aims to shift the focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive governance, ensuring municipalities succeed and meet the expectations of their residents.