As a teacher in Statistics and Economics at University, I can teach council staff how to conduct and interpret statistical and economic analysis.
I have taught a number of short courses in economics; conducting statistical analysis in R; conducting and interpreting regression analysis; identifying sources of data.. These have been taught to graduates in the Commonwealth Public Service (Department of Social Security; Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities; and the Department of Industry).
I would normally teach basic Economics in a 2 day course, and for local councils include topics on regional economics like location quotients; shift-share analysis; and input/output analysis. I can also teach Statistics in R in a 2 day course. R is a free statistical analysis program that council staff can download and use for their own work.
These courses can have as many people as you need, and are a set price for the 2 day course with you supplying rooms and computers. The R statistical package is free, and will be provided to staff before the course.