Local Government Leadership Academy 2026 Cohort
Local Government Leadership Academy 2026 Cohort
Registration Deadline: TBD
Format: Hybrid
Cost: $1,200 (financial assistance available)
Program Description
- Enhance your leadership skills and gain tools to address issues impacting your local government.
- Explore and find solutions to generate results.
- Engage with other local government leaders to shape the future of your community.
The Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) is a nine-month, cohort-based program and includes a blend of in-person workshops, virtual sessions, online self-study, and goal-setting to help local government leaders develop professionally while also contributing to the improved capacity of their local government. As leaders apply skills learned, they create intra-agency improvements (e.g. improved staff morale, strategic decision-making, and clarity of purpose) that will ultimately improve the overall functioning of local governments as organizations, and thus their capacity to provide quality services to Wisconsin communities.
LGLA serves:
- elected officials who understand the basics of their role and are ready to take on new leadership challenges.
- department heads, directors, and managers who are new to leadership roles, as well as those aspiring to or preparing for leadership roles.
- anyone interested in becoming a more effective leader in local government.
In LGLA, you will focus on four primary skills of being an effective local government leader: relationship-building, communication, decision-making, and vision.
Program Schedule
OPTIONAL Technology Check
January xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 1: Virtual Orientation
January xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 2: Virtual Conversation with LGLA Alumni
February xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 3: Relationships Session 1
February xx, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) – in Stevens Point
Session 4: Relationships Session 2
March xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 5: Relationships Session 3
March xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 6: Communications Session 1
April xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 7: Communications Session 2
April xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 8: Communications Session 3
May xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 9: Professional Challenge Check in Session
May xx, 2026 (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) – in Stevens Point
Session 10: Decision Making Session 1
May xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 11: Decision-making Session 2
June xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 12: Decision Making Session 3
June xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 13: Vision Session 1
July xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 14: Vision Session 2
July xx, 2026 (Noon-1:15 p.m.) – Zoom
Session 15: Vision Session 3
August xx, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) – in Stevens Point
Graduation* at 2026 WCA Annual Conference
September xx, 2026 – in Wisconsin Dells
*To graduate from LGLA, participants are expected to commit the time to fully participate in the program by attending all sessions and completing all assignments. The full commitment of each participant is critical to the success of the program and each class member’s experience.
Program Requirements & Expectations
How many sessions must I attend?
Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants who miss sessions should notify the LGLA facilitator. And they will need to make up the missed content.
Will there be coursework in addition to the Zoom sessions?
Participants are expected to engage in pre – and post-class reflections, exercises, and reading assignments.
How long will coursework take to complete?
The amount of time needed to complete pre-class work will vary. However, in most cases, it will take about one hour a week.
Assistance
LGLA cost of $1,200 includes instruction fees, learning materials, a professional portrait and meals during workshop hours. You are responsible for your own transportation and lodging costs, as well as meals not included as part of the workshops.
We have a limited number of scholarships available. These scholarships are prioritized for individuals whose local governments have limited or no professional development funds.
If you would like to be considered for financial support for the 2026 LGLA, please complete this brief survey before registering (link available when registration opens). We will contact you soon after you complete the survey about the availability of financial support. If you are experiencing hardship, please contact us directly at lgla@extension.wisc. edu.
Scholarships for Rural Local Government Leaders: Thanks to a generous gift from Patrick Thiele, we are able to support individuals from rural local governments in participating in LGLA.
Scholarships for Leaders from Underrepresented Groups: Extension provides scholarships to support participation in LGLA among people who identify as a member of a group historically underrepresented in local government. We are recruiting from these groups to facilitate change and improve representation among those making decisions and setting policy in local government. (Interpreter services and disability accommodations are available.)
Questions & Contact
Email Elizabeth McCrank, Community Leadership Specialist, at lgla@extension.wisc.edu with any questions.
Local Government Leadership Academy
Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Email Elizabeth McCrank, Community Leadership Specialist, at lgla@extension.wisc.edu with any questions.
