Welcome to the Texas CPM
Program
Elevating Public Service for Lasting Impact
The CPM Program
Each track is designed to meet the standards established by the National CPM Consortium.
Get Started
Find information and get started with your local program.
If you are a public or nonprofit manager aspiring to better serve the public interest, our program provides a comprehensive course of study that will prepare you to apply foundational theory and best practices to solve practical problems facing your organization, city, and community.
Designed for working professionals, you will sharpen your ethical values, technical competencies and managerial skills under the auspices of experienced professors, skilled practitioners, and community leaders. In addition, you will network with, and learn from, peers and professionals throughout Texas.
The program consists of seven courses, or “tracks,” offered in-person at numerous locations throughout Texas, as well as virtually. It is accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium, and you will earn the Certified Public Manager® credential recognized across the country as a designation of excellence.
Our program is housed in the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University. We partner with universities located throughout Texas to extend our reach into as many communities as possible.
Texas CPM News & Events
Save the date of Thursday October 29, 2026, (4:30 pm – 5:30 pm) in Trauth Huffman Hall (room 308) for an in-person book talk by Dr. Ricardo Sanchez Mendez
The book title is: “EL SERVICIO EXTERIOR MEXICANO EN EL SIGLO XXI” (THE MEXICAN FOREIGN SERVICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY)
The Center for International Studies, the Political Science Department and Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service and the CENTEX Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) are announcing an In-Person Book Talk by Dr. Ricardo Sanchez Mendez which is scheduled for Thursday October 29th, 2026. (4:30 pm – 5:30 pm) in Trauth Huffman Hall (Room THH 308) on the Texas State University Campus in San Marcos, Texas.
Click here for more information about Ricardo Sanchez, Mendez, his book talk, a description of his new book and to register to receive a Zoom invitation if you wish to view the book talk via Zoom.
CenTex ASPA and Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service Announces an In-Person Symposium Scheduled for Friday October 23, 2026. (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) on the Texas State University Campus in Round Rock, Texas
Save the date of Friday October 23, 2026. Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service will sponsor a free in-person Symposium that will be live-streamed and recorded. The Symposium title is: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND PUBLIC POLICY
Click here for more information and a detailed schedule of the Symposium Program.
Click here to register for the Symposium. (please register by 10/08/2026)
European Group in Public Administration (EGPA) Conference in Rome, Italy August 27, 2026
Texas State University Professor Dr. Howard Balanff and Dr. Aziza Zemrani presented a paper entitled “A Review of the First Steps Taken to Build and Maintain an International Certified Public Manager Program in Morocco”. The authors of the paper were Professors Aziza Zemrani, Mohamed Makkaoui, ASPA Executive Director Bill Shields & ASPA Staff Member Caitlyn Shrewsbury.
The paper was presented at the European Group in Public Administration (EGPA) Conference in Rome, Italy on August 26, 2026.
Click here to open a link to the paper that was delivered at the EGPA Conference in Rome, Italy.
Click here to open a link to pictures from the presentation of the CPM Paper at the EGPA Conference.
“The 10 Traits of Good Government Award” NAPA Podcast
Alan Bojorquez, President & CEO of the Bojorquez Law Firm & Dr. Howard Balanoff, were invited by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to do a national podcast on “The 10 Traits of Good Government Award”.
Click on the link below to open the YouTube Channel that broadcasted the NAPA podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84PG7B2ltI&t=120s
Click here to open a link to “The 10 Traits of Good Government Award”
Announcing the Balanoff Good Government Award
The Texas Certified Public Manager Program is honored to announce the launch of the Balanoff Good Governance Award. This award is named after Dr. Howard Balanoff and Marilyn Balanoff to honor their work and dedication to public service in Texas and beyond.
This award honors municipalities that inspire trust through solid, values-driven public service. It is presented by the Texas CPM Program, the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University, and the CenTex Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, and is proudly sponsored by Bojorquez Law Firm, PC and City Hall Essentials, LLC.
Click here to find more information about the award and nomination form. Please share the award and encourage your cities to apply.
City Hall Essentials Training Events
Our partners at City Hall Essentials, LLC offer many webinars and always add more! Registration is complimentary for CPM students and alumni.
Click here for more information.
Some of Our CPM Graduates
What Our Students Say
Over the past months, each module introduced new knowledge and strengthened what I had already learned. I found myself genuinely looking forward to every session, especially the opportunity to hear others share their experiences and insights, which added significant value to my own learning. This experience has been both transformative and affirming, reinforcing my commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
The Texas CPM program is a valuable program that provides great insight into the inter-workings of government. This program is a must for those seeking to further their career in government positions.
The Texas CPM program was outstanding providing a variety of course instruction in dealing with executive level issues and decisions. The networking relationships that I attained in this program were amazing!
After taking time off to raise a family, I decided to return to the workforce. To support this transition, I enrolled in the CPM Program, which proved to be transformative for both my career and personal growth. Through interactive discussions and collaborative projects, I had the opportunity to connect with peers from various public service roles to share experiences, solve problems, and learn from each other. I highly recommend the program.
The Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) program strengthened my leadership skills, fostered meaningful professional relationships, and highlighted the value of mentorship and continuous learning in public service. The program provided me with practical tools to enhance organizational effectiveness and further develop my ability to serve the public good.
By far, the best professional development experience I’ve had. Dr. Miha Vindis, Rachel Scarborough, and the brilliantly curated program gave me tools, strategies, and knowledge to employ almost immediately in my personal and professional life.
Participating in the CPM program was an incredibly valuable experience that provided me with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and new perspectives that I have already begun applying in my role. The experience has strengthened my confidence as a leader and better prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities that come with my new role.
I have recommended the program to my city leadership, and my city manager began Track 1 in the last few weeks.
The best benefits of the Texas Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program were making life-long friends and the fact that I applied my capstone research project to effectively change the hiring process in the City of Wharton, Texas.
Completing the Certified Public Manager program enhanced my leadership skills and provided tools to improve organizational efficiency. This benefited both me and my organization and led to my selection by the City Council as Interim City Manager.
I might not have superpowers, but the CPM program enhanced my abilities to use my skills and ability to help the public in ways I never knew I could.
I felt our cohort allowed each to contribute and provide real life examples that we were able to address and experience as well.
My CPM experience was both challenging and rewarding. Through this program, I met many new people, formed lasting friendships, and gained valuable knowledge and skills that contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Join the over 2600 participants in Texas that have completed the Texas CPM® Program since it began in July 1995.
Texas Certified Public Manager® Program
Elevating Public Service for Lasting Impact
William P. Hobby Center for Public Service
Department of Political Science
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
cpmtexas@txstate.edu
(512) 245-3453