Empowering District Governance: UASD Training Opportunities for 2025

Effective governance is a cornerstone of public service. For Utah’s special and local service districts, staying current with legal requirements and best practices is essential for building trust and delivering value to the communities they serve. The Utah Association of Special Districts (UASD) provides a wide range of training opportunities to help board members, records officers, and district staff meet statutory obligations, improve their knowledge, and operate with greater efficiency and transparency.

Open Meetings Act Training (Annual Requirement)
All board members of public entities in Utah are legally required to complete annual training in the Open and Public Meetings Act (OPMA). UASD supports compliance through a variety of accessible options:

In-person workshops, including sessions at the UASD Annual Convention

Online training provided by the Utah State Auditor’s Office, complete with an embedded quiz to verify understanding

Customized sessions facilitated by district legal counsel or coordinated with UASD staff

This annual training ensures board members are familiar with the rules governing public meetings, enabling them to operate openly and with accountability to the public.

Board Member Training and Certification (Once per Term)
Utah law also requires that newly appointed or elected board members complete additional training within the first year of their term. This one-time requirement includes instruction on:

Roles and responsibilities of public officials

Budgeting, financial management, and audits

Ethics and legal compliance

Board members can fulfill this requirement through several avenues. These include attending live sessions at the Annual Convention, participating in online training offered by the State Auditor’s Office, or completing a self-study using UASD’s “Little Manual,” followed by submission of a comprehension test via mail, fax, or email.

By completing this training, board members are better prepared to make informed decisions and lead their districts responsibly.

Records Officer Training and Certification
Records officers must complete annual training in accordance with the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). UASD offers targeted resources and instruction to help records officers understand their obligations, manage public records efficiently, and comply with access and retention laws. These training opportunities are especially important for ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust in how records are handled.

Procurement Support and Guidance
Procurement laws can be complex, but UASD offers several tools to simplify the process for districts. These include:

Commentary from legal expert Fred Finlinson on procurement-related criminal code, ethics, and employee conduct

A customizable procurement rules template to help districts build their own compliant policies

Links to procurement resources from the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services, including cooperative contract options and purchasing guidelines

These materials help district staff and officials navigate procurement requirements while maintaining ethical standards and avoiding legal risks.

UASD Code of Ethical Conduct
At the core of UASD’s mission is a commitment to ethical public service. Each member is expected to follow a Code of Ethical Conduct that emphasizes:

Honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all official duties

Respect for public resources, district colleagues, and the communities they serve

Legal compliance, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and full transparency

Truthful, civil communication with the public and media

By upholding this code, district officials demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical leadership and public accountability.

UASD Annual Convention
The UASD Annual Convention is a flagship event that brings together public officials from across Utah’s special and local service districts. The convention serves as a one-stop opportunity for required training, networking, and professional development. Key features include:

Training sessions on the first day that cover OPMA, new board member certification, GRAMA, personnel requirements, Truth-in-Taxation procedures, and more

A second day of general sessions and breakout workshops on topics such as procurement, ethics, cybersecurity, legislative updates, grant access, emergency planning, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence in public service

Evening networking events, including a welcome reception and awards banquet

The convention is structured to accommodate both those who need to fulfill specific training requirements and those who seek broader knowledge and collaboration. Options include full two-day registration or single-day participation focused on statutory training.

Voluntary Professional Development
In addition to mandatory training, UASD encourages ongoing learning through optional programs and workshops. These cover areas such as:

Leadership development

Strategic planning and risk management

Internal controls and fraud prevention

Personnel and human resources best practices

These optional opportunities are designed to help district officials expand their skills and adapt to changing demands in public administration.

The Importance of Training
UASD’s training programs are more than just regulatory checklists. They play a vital role in helping districts:

Meet legal requirements outlined in statutes such as Utah Code 17B-1-312 and 52-4-103

Operate with efficiency and integrity in areas like budgeting, procurement, and ethics

Build a stronger connection with peer organizations through shared learning and experience

Reinforce public trust by demonstrating a clear commitment to accountability and transparency

Training also empowers district leaders to respond to emerging challenges, from cybersecurity threats to evolving public expectations.

Getting Started
To begin, board members and staff should:

Determine which trainings they are required to complete

Select the most convenient method of completion, whether online, in person, or through printed materials

Explore optional sessions for additional development

Contact UASD with any questions about training requirements or registration

For more information about upcoming training sessions, convention details, or compliance assistance, visit www.uasd.org/training.

Committed to Better Governance
UASD’s mission is to support Utah’s special and local service districts through education, collaboration, and advocacy. By providing accessible, high-quality training resources, UASD helps ensure that each district is well-equipped to serve its community with professionalism and purpose.