RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - A partnership between the state's Commerce Department and North Carolina universities aims to train local administrators in best practices for local development.

Courses for local officials will focus on grant writing and administration, budget and finance, and planning and economic development.

Information about the program as well as a copy of the application is available at nccommerce.com/rd.

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm June 15, 2015. Recipients will be announced by June 25, 2015.

Participating universities include the UNC School of Government, East Carolina University and Appalachian State University.