Local Government Program - Faculty of Social Science
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Local Government Program
For more than 50 years, Western's LGP has been Canada’s leading graduate public administration program specializing in local government.
Local Government Program
For more than 50 years, Western's LGP has been Canada’s leading graduate public administration program specializing in local government.
Master of Public Administration / MPA
Graduate Diploma in Public Administration / GDPA
The On-Campus GDPA provides specialized education in local administration and policy analysis to working local government professionals. Learning is in person, at Western.
This includes the Online City of London GDPA stream.
The Local Government Program Announces New Director Zack Taylor
We extend our sincere appreciation to Joe Lyons for his dedication and leadership over the past nine years during his term as Director. His steady guidance helped the program navigate some changes and challenging periods.
Testimonials
"The program taught me to think more broadly and strategically about municipal governance, allowing me to step outside of my comfort zone and take on new portfolios with confidence." – Amy Humphries, MPA, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/City Clerk, City of Woodstock
"Even when I will still just a candidate for my MPA, the mere fact that I was in the program was a contributing factor to my selection for my current role. I cannot understate the importance of this degree for ascension to senior positions in municipal government." – Tyson Cragg, MPA, Executive Director, Transit Windsor
"My favourite memories were working with my colleagues in group projects. I learned so much from my peers – people who work in areas of local government that I do not typically interact with on a day-to-day basis." – Ian McVey, MPA, Manager of Sustainability, Regional Municipality of Durham
"If you’re interested in a career involving municipal government, this program will provide you with the building blocks you need. It can be a lot of work, but it’s a very rewarding experience." – Kirby Oudekerk, MPA, Division Manager, Wastewater Treatment Operations, City London
"The highlight of the program is the relationships forged. These connections not only expanded my professional network but also fostered a supportive community where shared experiences and insights flourished." – Kelly Sutton, GDPA, MPA, Manager, Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance Measures, City of Vaughan
"The MPA was what landed me a job in municipal government after graduation and even as my career took me outside the public sector, the lessons learned in the program have been just as applicable in the private and not-for-profit sectors." – Aren Plante, MPA, CLAC
"Working in a public library, we work closely with the municipality, and this program really complimented my Master of Library and InformaIon Studies (MLIS) degree. After completing the program, I better understand the municipal environment, and have been able to leverage this knowledge in my work at the library." – Sarah McIntyre, Division Manager (Acting), Client Services, Ottawa Public Library
LGP Bulletin Board
MPA Class PA9913 Represents Western with ImpactLab London Project
The Local Government Program Celebrated 50 Years in 2024
We are CAPPA Accredited
For the past 40 years, CAPPA has been the leading Canadian association for those with an interest in education and scholarship in public administration. It is an institutional membership organization with approximately 25 graduate and undergraduate program members across Canada all of which are involved in public administration teaching and research.
CAPPA is involved in a range of activities for students, academics and other groups.