Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley City Councilman Richard Dayton has been received the designated of advanced certified municipal official by the Alabama League of Municipalities.

Dayton received the high honor after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the league to achieve the CMO designation and then an additional 40 hours for the advanced certification.

Dayton is a member of the 25th graduating class of advanced certified municipal officials. Class members were recognized for their accomplishment during graduation ceremonies in Orange Beach on Nov. 8. He was one of 35 municipal leaders earning the advanced CMO designation. 

The training program for elected municipal officials was created in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its Executive Committee, to complete the cycle of training for municipal officials and employees. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials. The Executive Committee instituted a series of one-day continuing education programs designed for mayors and council members who voluntarily wish to receive formal training in municipal government. 

Because of his attendance at statewide and regional educational conferences, Dayton has received formal classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts of interest, the state ethics law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning, annexation, municipal regulatory powers, municipal revenues and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development. 

“Alabama’s municipalities are the foundation of our state’s economy,” ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said. “Vibrant communities depend on knowledgeable and engaged leadership, which is exactly what the CMO program encourages through training on the finer points of municipal government. Earning the certified municipal official designation further showcases the commitment of community leaders to be better informed, more effective municipal officials.” 

The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has since served as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 450 municipalities. This voluntary membership program brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service – which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The primary purpose of the league is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state. 

Dayton is serving his first term as a Foley City Council member. He was elected as the District 3 representative in August 2020.