The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) will host the next installment of the Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program on May 8 & 9, 2026, bringing public sector professionals from across the state to the Auraria Campus and on Zoom for Public Engagement and Communication, a cornerstone course in Colorado’s premier public management certificate. This course is taught in a live, hybrid format by two experienced local government executives who bring a balance of academic knowledge and practical expertise to the classroom.

The two‑day session will focus on important competencies needed in government today: working with elected officials and boards, establishing working relationships with key partners and effective group facilitation. As governments at all levels continue to navigate staff shortages, heightened public scrutiny, and increasingly complex policy environments, training programs like CPM are essential for developing leadership capacity within agencies.

“The teachers, the information, everything about my CPM experience has been wonderful.” said Katie Hyde , Finance Manager in parks and recreation. “I know it's easier to require in-person attendance but the hybrid really works and feels very inclusive."

Experienced Practitioners Leading the Classroom

This CPM session will be led by two well-known local government executives whose careers reflect the real‑world challenges participants face in public service leadership.

Clint Kinney, Town Manager of Snowmass Village, brings more than two decades of municipal management experience to the classroom. He has served as town manager since 2014 and previously held the role of city manager for Fruita, Colorado, from 2002 to 2014. Earlier in his career, Kinney worked in the Durango City Manager’s Office, gaining experience across communities of varying size and complexity. He is known for his practical, grounded approach to executive leadership, elected official relations, and organizational management.

Jon Peacock is a Colorado local government executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in county and municipal government. He currently serves as Town Manager for Winter Park, Colorado, following a 15‑year tenure as County Manager for Pitkin County. Throughout his career, Peacock has led complex, high‑visibility initiatives including airport redevelopment planning, major infrastructure investments, open space conservation, workforce housing expansion, childcare initiatives, and innovative healthcare collaborations such as the Valley Health Alliance. He also served as County Administrator for Mesa County, where he worked closely with elected officials and community stakeholders on strategic planning, fiscal management, and organizational development.

Together, Kinney and Peacock bring deep experience navigating political environments, building productive relationships with governing bodies, and communicating effectively with the public. Their combined expertise supports the course’s focus on public engagement, media relations, and leadership communication in today’s government landscape.

Statewide Reach Continues to Expand

The May course will be delivered in a live, fully hybrid format, in-person on the CU Denver Auraria Campus and live on Zoom.

“We're excited about the improvements we've made to our classroom technology and instructor support over the past few years, which has allowed us to deliver quality content and an engaging learning experience to more participants across the state,” said Ellen Patterson, External Engagement and Professional Learning Senior Professional at the School of Public Affairs. “We love that our participants can network with others from a variety of public sector backgrounds despite their busy lives and regardless of where they live.”

In addition to its Denver-based, hybrid courses, SPA has delivered CPM regional, in-person cohorts in Durango, Vail/Glenwood Springs, and the Roaring Fork Valley, further expanding access across the state. Future regional cohorts are explored based on community interest and demand.

A Nationally Recognized Credential for Public Professionals

CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs offers Colorado's only Certified Public Manager® program, part of a national network of accredited, management programs designed for the public sector. The CPM curriculum covers a broad range of topics essential to government management, including:

• Human resources
• Administrative law
• Finance and budgeting
• Ethics
• Public engagement
• Strategic planning
• Emergency and disaster management
• Innovation in the public sector

Participants in the full certificate program complete 300 hours of coursework and a student-designed capstone project, which applies classroom learning to a real-world challenge within their home agency.

Training Designed for Today's Government Workforce

The CPM program is specifically tailored for:

• Mid-level government managers
• Senior leaders seeking a refreshed perspective
• Professionals transitioning into public service
• Emerging leaders preparing for management roles

Participants in past and current cohorts have represented city, county, state, and federal government, as well as special districts and local nonprofits across a wide range of fields including parks and recreation, elections, budget/finance, community planning, fire, public works, fleet and facilities, public health and more. Mixing these perspectives creates a classroom environment where learning extends beyond faculty instruction to include peer experience, problem‑solving, and shared understanding of Colorado's public-sector landscape.

Prepare for What’s Next: Leadership Training for Public Professionals

With public agencies facing increasing workforce and leadership pressures, the Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program offers timely, practical training for public sector professionals including tools and strategies they can immediately apply in their roles while building a strong peer network across the state.

Those interested are encouraged to explore the CPM Program course offerings and application process. The next course in the program, Fostering & Managing Organizational Innovation, will take place July 10-11, 2026. Learn more about the program and how to apply: publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/CPM