In local government, navigating heated public meetings and resolving internal team disputes are daily realities. The ability to manage these moments helps you and your team to create impactful change in your community. Instead of just getting through the day, what if you could transform these challenges into opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and stronger community trust?

This fall, the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership is offering two distinct professional certificate programs designed to provide the practical skills you need to do just that.

Whether you’re looking for a deep-dive into public engagement strategy or a focused workshop on conflict resolution, these programs are built for the real-world demands of your job.

Micro Certificate in Conflict Resolution: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Conflict is a natural part of local government—whether within your team, across departments, or with the public. Instead of avoiding it, learn how to turn it into a catalyst for positive change. This Micro Certificate will be led by Nate Peterson, who is the former Executive Director of the Conflict Resolution Institute located in Ventura County. 

This interactive three-hour course provides local government professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate conflict effectively. You’ll gain practical tools to manage disagreements constructively and foster a more productive workplace and community environment.

Through this certificate program, you will:

  • Identify your natural approach to conflict and learn how to adapt for better outcomes.
  • Master proven techniques to de-escalate and resolve disputes constructively.
  • Understand why conflict exists and how to address its root causes productively.

Don’t let conflict hold your organization back—learn how to use it to drive progress!

  • Date/Time: September 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
  • Cost: $275
  • Registration: Click Here to Register

A group discount is available for organizations sending 3 or more participants to either program. Please inquire for more details – davenport.institute@pepperdine.edu 

Professional Certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government

This comprehensive 6-week program is designed for mid-career professionals ready to lead a truly engaged organization. Each week is led by a different Davenport Institute trainer who is a practitioner in the field—people who currently work, or have worked, in local government. Through their expertise you will gain a deep understanding of the context, purpose, and best practices for involving residents in the decisions that affect their lives—positioning yourself as a civic leader committed to strengthening local democracy.

This isn’t just all talk. In your application, you will identify a real-world public engagement project you’re working on. Over the six weeks, you’ll receive guidance to develop a personalized engagement strategy. The program is highly interactive, with live sessions that facilitate open dialogue and peer learning, concluding with a Public Engagement Summit where you will workshop your action plan.

You will leave this program ready to:

  • Lead a successful engagement process by partnering with stakeholders from the start.
  • Gain practical tools to establish or build on a culture of public engagement in your organization.
  • Position yourself as a civic leader committed to strengthening local democracy. 

Space is limited to ensure a highly interactive cohort. Apply today to secure your spot. 

  • Dates/Times: October 7 – November 11, 2025 (Tuesdays, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time)
  • Cost: $1,195
  • Application: Click Here to Apply

A group discount is available for organizations sending 3 or more participants to either program. Please inquire for more details- davenport.institute@pepperdine.edu 

About the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership 

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, based at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in promoting healthy public engagement to strengthen local democracy. Through its work as a trainer, advisor, and convener, the Institute supports local government professionals, emerging community leaders, and public policy students by offering both academic insight and hands-on guidance. Its mission is to advance public engagement and civic education that fosters productive interaction between communities and local government.