Local Government Leadership Academy 2027 Cohort
Local Government Leadership Academy 2027 Cohort
Registration Deadline: January 2, 2027
Format: Hybrid
Cost: $1,200)
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 14, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 1: Virtual Orientation
January 21, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 2: Virtual Conversation with LGLA Alumni
February 4, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 3: Relationships Session 1
February 18, 2027, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
in Stevens Point
Session 4: Relationships Session 2
March 4, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 5: Communications Session 1
March 18, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 6: Relationships Session 3
April 1, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m
Zoom
Session 7: Communications Session 2
April 15, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 8: Decision Making Session 1
April 29, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 9: Professional Challenge Check in Session
May 13, 2027, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
in Stevens Point
Session 10: Decision Making Session 2
May 27, 2027 (Noon-1:15 p.m.)
Zoom
Session 11: Visionary Leadership Session
June 10, 2027 (Noon-1:15 p.m.)
Zoom
Session 13: Vision Session 2
June 24, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 14: Vision Session 3
July 8, 2027, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 15: Vision Session 4
July 22, 2027, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Zoom
Session 15: Vision Session Wrap
August 12, 2027, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
in Stevens Point
Graduation* at 2027 WCA Annual Conference
September TBA, 2027
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. They will need to make up the missed content.
Will there be coursework in addition to the Zoom and In-Person 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.
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.