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Members of the Selma City Council received of Municipalities last week.

Councilwomen Lesia James, Councilwoman Christie Thomas, and Council President Billy Young received Certified Municipal Officer certificates.

The Economic Development Academy team of Mayor James Perkins, James, Young, Councilman Clay Carmichael, Planning and Development Director Danielle Wooten, SRA Community Advocate Susan Youngblood, and Craig Field Industrial Authority ED Jim Corrigan also received a certificate.

Young said he enjoyed the process.

“I am very grateful that I had an opportunity to participate in the Alabama League of Municipalities Certified Municipal Officers Program and the Economic Development Academy,” Young said. “The information provided in both of these programs has provided me with knowledge and information that will allow me to better serve the people of Selma.”

James said the training will improve her skills as a councilwoman to serve the Queen City.

“It was amazing to enhance my knowledge of public service and also the ability to get first-hand experience,” James said. “As a leader, you must continue your education in order to become effective in all aspects.”

Young said he will expand his training.

‘My training will not stop with these two programs,” Young said. “I plan of pursuing the Advanced Municipal Officer Training in the very near future. Serving as an elected municipal officer requires a vast amount of knowledge and I believe in order to effectively serve, one must be adequality trained. To sum it up, I am thankful to serve my beloved Selma as a trained public servant. and I will continue to acquire knowledge and resources for our great City.’’

Thomas said she gained a lot of knowledge during the session.

“It’s a great accomplishment and one that any certified official should be proud to receive,” Thomas said. “I encourage all municipal officials to take part in any training that the league offers. It is always good to be refreshed on municipalities laws or any updates that can be pertinent to your decision-making for the city that you represent.”