Sunland Park officials recently completed the Municipal Officials Leadership Institute, a program hosted by the New Mexico Municipal League to strengthen local governance. Mayor Pro-Tempore and District 6 Councilor Raul Telles, District 3 Councilor Bertha Salmon, and District 4 Councilor Alberto Jaramillo participated in the two-day session held June 16-17.
The institute focuses on the practical mechanics of running a city. Attendees worked through training on municipal revenue sources, tax policy, and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act. The curriculum also provided instruction on Audit Act compliance, risk management, and the nuances of parliamentary procedure. By exploring these topics, councilors gain the tools needed to manage city operations and handle public policy with technical precision.
This training serves as the foundation for the Certified Municipal Official designation. To earn this status, participants must finish a two-part series of courses and fulfill elective credit requirements. The program promotes ongoing education for elected leaders across New Mexico, emphasizing a standardized approach to excellence in public service.