How can we strengthen the performance of mayors, councilors, and secretaries in a year of general elections? What are the limits and possibilities of the political game within the Brazilian federative dynamic? These were some of the questions that permeated the training course “Municipal Management and Elections 2026: Political-Institutional Balance in Local Mandates,” held by RenovaBR in partnership with the School of Government of the Organization of American States (OAS), on February 6 and 7, in São Paulo.
Aimed at leaders from the municipal legislative and executive branches—including councilors, secretaries, deputy mayors, and mayors—the training brought together representatives from different regions of the country from the RenovaBR Alumni community for two days of in-depth study on political-party articulation, public policy planning, negotiation, and institutional strengthening of municipalities. The in-person meeting marked the final stage of the continuing education course that began in 2025 with a series of online classes.
Learn more: RenovaBR Launches Continuing Education in Partnership with the OAS for Municipal Leaders – Renova BR
Held at Amcham Brazil (American Chamber of Commerce), the course was coordinated by political scientist Humberto Dantas and Silvério Zebral, Head of the Government Innovation Unit of the OAS. The aim was to connect theory and practice, offering concrete tools so that local leaders can exercise their mandates with institutional responsibility, even in contexts of political and electoral articulation.
The program featured the participation of public leaders who shared real-world experiences from their management and parliamentary work. On the first day, Representatives Marina Helou (SP) and Gisela Simona (MT) shared insights on building relationships in municipalities, while Eduardo Boigues, mayor of Itaquaquecetuba (SP), presented the local Executive's perspective on political coordination and expectations regarding institutional support in cities, alongside Elcio Batista.
The second day was dedicated to practical activities on negotiation strategies and a lecture by Sebastian Kraljvich, Secretary for Strengthening Democracy of the OAS, who addressed the challenges of democracy in the current context and the role of local leaders in its consolidation.
For Rodrigo Cobra, executive director of RenovaBR, the training reinforces the organization's commitment to the continuous qualification of those already holding public office. “In an election context, it is essential that municipal managers know how to reconcile the political game with good governance. The course prepares leaders to continue making responsible decisions and engaging in institutional coordination, without compromising the planning of municipal policies. This opportunity is part of RenovaBR's ongoing training, which understands that political renewal also involves improving practices and constantly updating them,” he states.
