FW: Leveraging GIS for Rural Growth & Development

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Pannell, Donald

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Feb 12, 2026, 8:46:28 AMFeb 12
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Please see the upcoming training opportunities from MTAS in the email below. There are links for more information and to register for each event.

 

In service,

 

Donald Pannell, M.S., EFO
Fire Management Consultant
UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service

Municipal Technical Advisory Service logo

7777 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 3, Box 14
Memphis, Tennessee 38120

donald....@tennessee.edu
(901) 233-1434 Mobile | (865) 974-0411 Office
mtas.tennessee.edu

 

From: MTAS <mt...@tennessee.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 4:31 PM
Subject: Leveraging GIS for Rural Growth & Development

 

Municipal Technical Advisory Service- Institute for Public Service

 

TRAINING NEWS

 

Our weekly email includes announcements for upcoming training within the next 30-45 days. However, you can register in advance for any of our upcoming trainings!

 

 

Leveraging GIS for Rural Growth & Development  

 

Elected Officials Special Topic Series

 

March 5 

6:00-7:30 p.m. ET

Free Webinar | Zoom 

 

Rural communities in Tennessee are growing and changing fast, and that makes planning things like roads, utilities, and land use more complicated. This session shows how GIS (smart digital maps) helps leaders make better decisions for growth and development.

 

You'll learn:

 

  • How GIS works and why it’s like a “super map” for communities
  • How maps help plan utilities, roads, zoning, and future growth
  • How to use GIS insights to make smarter development decisions

 

REGISTER

 

Leadership & Management

 

Municipal Leadership Program

 

Are you ready to strengthen your leadership skills?

 

Registration: $385

Imagine being able to communicate effectively, confidently influence people, and drive performance within your team. The MTAS Municipal Leadership Program is designed to equip leaders at all levels with knowledge, tools, and strategies to excel in their roles.

You'll learn:

 

  • How to adapt your communication to different work styles.
  • How to help your team stay focused, motivated, and perform better.
  • How to influence others in positive, respectful ways.

 

REGISTER

 

Municipal Innovation

 

Need Help Thinking Differently About Everyday Municipal Challenges?

 

February 18

1-3 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

This session helps you learn how to think in new ways so you can solve problems better. You’ll learn that innovation doesn’t have to be big, radical ideas—sometimes simple ideas make the biggest difference.

 

You’ll learn:

 

  • What helps new ideas grow.
  • How to be more creative and solve problems in smarter ways.
  • Easy tools to help you think differently.

Matt Hensley  Training Consultant  MTAS

 

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

 

REGISTER

 

Keys to Civility: Character + Emotional Intelligence 

 

When Pressure Rises, Are You Showing Up with Civility?

 

February 18

3:30-5 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

This session teaches how to stay calm, kind, and respectful, especially when things get stressful. You’ll explore emotional intelligence and learn how to show good character in everyday conversations.

 

You’ll learn:

 

  • How emotional intelligence helps you act professionally and respectfully.
  • Simple ways to stay calm and respond thoughtfully.
  • Tools to help create a more positive, helpful workplace.

Matt Hensley  Training Consultant  MTAS

 

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

 

REGISTER

 

Assessing Your HR Function 

 

Are Your HR Practices on Track?

 

February 17

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET 

Zoom

 

Registration: $60

 

If you handle HR tasks but aren’t an HR expert, this session is for you. You’ll learn what good HR basics look like and how to check whether your city is meeting them.

 

You’ll learn:

 

  • How to compare your HR practices to basic standards.
  • How to find problems and decide what to fix first.
  • Tools to improve fairness, consistency, and support for employees.

John Grubbs  HR Consultant  MTAS

 

John Grubbs

HR Consultant

MTAS

 

REGISTER

 

 

Municipal Moneyball: Finding Hidden Savings in City Operations

 

What Hidden Inefficiencies Could Transform Your Budget?

 

1:30-2:30 p.m. ET

Free Webinar | Zoom

 

Municipal budgets are tight and inefficiencies quietly waste money without anyone noticing. This series teaches you how to find those hidden costs so you can save money without raising taxes, cutting services, or reducing staff.

 

Inspired by a city leader who eliminated waste equal to more than 25% of the entire operating budget with zero service impact, the 2026 IMPACT Series will walk you through the exact method he used to uncover hidden savings. Throughout the four sessions, you’ll learn how to apply the same approach in your own organization to uncover real dollars, strengthen operations, and reinvest in what matters most.

 

You’ll learn:

CAPT Doug Kibbey  U.S. Navy (Ret.)

 

CAPT Doug Kibbey

U.S. Navy (Ret.)

 

  • How to look closely at your processes, find waste, and calculate real savings.
  • How to find quick wins and long‑term improvements.
  • How to get people on board and keep the improvements going.
  • How to use the money you save to support your city’s biggest needs.

 

March 5 – Securing the Buy-In You Need to Make Improvements Stick

June 4 – Finding Your First and Easiest Hidden Savings

September 24 – Tackling the Major Inefficiencies Draining Your Budget

December 3 – Using the Savings to Fund Your Top Priorities

 

REGISTER

 

 

Our Training Calendar lists upcoming training within 120 days. You can also search or browse all upcoming training in K@TE and register at any time!

 

Contact Us

 

 

Hyperlinks above will display an Emma link since that is the mailing server we use, the links are valid. If you have any concerns please call the MTAS mainline at 865-974-0411.

 

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