Leveraging Local Leaders
Leadership. Discourse. Solutions.
You can make a difference. L3 shows you how!
Now accepting applications. Applications are Due by December 15. Class announced January 6, 2024
2024 Class Schedule (All classes from 8-3):
January 19
February 23
March 29
April 26
May 24
June 28
If you enjoyed history and social studies in high school, or political science and history in college, then L3 is your tribe for community involvement.
Colorado politics is trending toward more decision-making at the local level. While the state is still very much involved, many decisions about your city and county fall under “local control.” Simply put, your city council and county commissioners have a lot of power over major issues like affordable housing, economic development, water, energy, and transportation.
Most people are shocked to learn there is no “credential” barrier to entry in politics. All it takes is a willingness to learn how local government works and a desire to get involved.
It’s time for engaged citizens like you to make a difference.
Leveraging Local Leaders (L3) seeks to identify and recruit a diverse and promising group of leaders from northern Colorado to run for office or otherwise engage meaningfully in local politics. We provide expert training and mentorship on how to run for office, while educating on top public policy issues to ensure citizens are prepared to run and govern well.
This is a six-month program, one Friday a month from January through June, where students learn how to run a local campaign while also learning about the major public policy issues facing Northern Colorado.
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We equip.
We equip community leaders with the tools and skills to influence and impact local public policy and politics.
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We provide.
We provide participants an in-depth understanding of the diverse business issues affecting northern Colorado and the industries that make up Northern Colorado’s economy.
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We cultivate.
We cultivate a collaborative environment that fosters new ideas and open-minded public policy discussions that can bridge the partisan divide in order to advance pro-business policies.
Remove barriers to entry.
By providing scholarships and free childcare, we eliminate barriers to entry that may otherwise prevent a more diverse class of business-friendly leaders from participating in government.
Build a network.
We aim to establish a robust network of pro-business advocates and political mentors across Northern Colorado.
Train.
We train current and future candidates with a comprehensive program that seamlessly integrates action-based campaign training, leadership development, and public policy education.
L3 was extremely useful as an independent candidate trying to learn the ropes before I ran for city council. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering running for public office for the first time!
- Vi Wickam
I would recommend everyone who has the ability to take the L3 course to do so, whether you are set on running for office or not. As a potential candidate, the information on issues and policy, along with specific topics relating to campaigning, are invaluable. As a citizen in northern Colorado, regardless of your political aspirations, this course will give you better insight into things that directly affect our community and quality of life at the moment and in the future. Having knowledge about water, power, housing, etc., is the first step into understanding the complexity of life in northern Colorado. This enables us to make better decisions as individuals, community members, voters, activists, and leaders (political or otherwise). Beyond the information presented, through the interaction with fellow classmates of varying political affiliations or leanings, beliefs, and interests, I found that we have common values and goals to see our community thrive. The diversity in our class led to questions, discussions, and understanding of the bigger picture and of our community as a whole, not just the limited view of one person or demographic. I learned a lot in this course, but I also gained friendships, wisdom, and an increased passion for my community and the desire to see it prosper.
-Solitaire Svoboda
L3 will help you understand major local issues AND how to run a successful campaign. I hope dozens of people in NOCO take advantage of this. Great leaders needed!
- Kathi Wright
L3 is an amazing program to elevate local leaders. The most amazing conversations are facilitated by the non-partisan nature of the information and presenters. Not only did we get to hear from all sides, but we also got to ask questions in a safe environment that was free from judgment because everybody was operating from the same or similar base of knowledge and desire to help our community. Even if you never intend to run for office, this program will improve your ability to engage with and improve your community from the very first day.
- Nick Armstrong
FAQs.
What is the average age range for your students?
The graduating class in the first year was comprised of four women and three men, ranging in age from 35 to 61. The age range for subsequent classes has been similarly broad.
What communities are represented?
Our students have represented Loveland, Greeley, Johnstown, Fort Collins, and Larimer County.
What parties are represented?
Both major political parties are represented, as well as unaffiliated.
What types of students participate in the program and what have they learned?
Students have included recently elected officials, first-time candidates, political activist, and others considering local office in the future. Even the most “experienced” candidates have said they gained new campaign and public policy information.
