The proposed competencies are intended to guide MPA/MPP programs with specializations in local government management or similar titles. Program directors may use this framework as a guide in completing Standard 5.3, Mission-specific Elective Competencies.

These competencies are not part of the NASPAA Standards adopted by the membership in October 2009. These competencies, developed in consultation with ICMA’s Advisory Board on Graduate Education, were selected because they are qualities generally associated with public administrators in local government.