Course objective:

To equip participants with the knowledge and skills to manage municipal revenue streams effectively, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance with regulations.

Course content

Module 1: Introduction to Municipal Revenue Management

• Objective: Understand the fundamentals of revenue management in a municipal context.
• Content:
  • Definition and importance of revenue management.
  • Key legislation governing municipal revenue.
  • Roles and responsibilities of municipal officials in revenue management.
  • Overview of municipal revenue sources (e.g., property rates, service charges, grants).

Module 2: Revenue Planning and Budgeting

• Objective: Learn to develop and implement effective revenue plans.
• Content:
  • Principles of revenue forecasting and budgeting.
  • Aligning revenue planning with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
  • Techniques for estimating revenue collections.
  • Monitoring and adjusting revenue projections.

Module 3: Billing and Revenue Collection

• Objective: Understand the processes and challenges in municipal billing and revenue collection.
• Content:
  • Effective billing systems and practices.
  • Customer relationship management in municipal services.
  • Strategies for improving revenue collection rates.
  • Addressing challenges such as non-payment and revenue leakages.

Module 4: Compliance and Risk Management

• Objective: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while managing risks.
• Content:
  • Regulatory frameworks affecting municipal revenue.
  • Implementing effective internal controls for revenue management.
  • Identifying and mitigating risks in revenue collection.
  • Auditing and reporting revenue management performance.

Module 5: Innovation and Technology in Revenue Management

• Objective: Explore innovative tools and technologies to enhance revenue management.
• Content:
  • Digital solutions for billing and collection.
  • Using data analytics for revenue insights.
  • Smart metering and its impact on revenue collection.
  • Case studies of successful municipal revenue innovations.

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement

• Objective: Build strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance revenue management.
• Content:
  • Engaging citizens and communities on revenue-related matters.
  • Building partnerships with private entities for enhanced revenue streams.
  • Transparency and accountability in revenue communication.
  • Addressing conflicts and fostering trust in revenue collection processes.

Assessment and Practical Application

• Objective: Test knowledge and apply skills in real-world scenarios.
• Activities:
  • Case studies and role-playing exercises.
  • Designing a revenue management improvement plan for a municipality.
  • Group presentations on innovative revenue solutions.