Foley City Councilman Richard Dayton has been named a certified municipal official by the Alabama League of Municipalities.

Dayton received the designation after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the league.

Dayton is a member of the 28th graduating class of certified municipal officials. Class members will be

officially recognized for their accomplishment during graduation ceremonies in Orange Beach on Nov. 8.

He was one of 39 municipal leaders earning the 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 councilmembers 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.