Program FAQs

What are some specific issues that the course will address?

Political

Voter Data

Fundraising

Press/Media

Communications

Stakeholdering

Compliance

Leadership

Self Reflection

Thinking Mindsets

Capacity Building

Communication & Persuasion

Conflict & Negotiations

Policy

Metro Districts

Water

Energy

Economic Development

Affordable Housing

Budget and Taxation

What type of commitment is this course for an already busy person?

L3 is intentionally designed for people with full careers who want to be engaged in their community without stepping away from their professional responsibilities. The commitment is focused, practical, and respectful of your time.

Participants in L3 recognize that professional success carries civic responsibility. They believe leadership does not end at the workplace, and that strengthening a community requires understanding how local systems actually function. L3 provides that understanding, along with the perspective and relationships needed to engage locally with confidence and good strategy.

I’m not necessarily interested in running for office. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Throughout L3, we emphasize the distinction between advocacy and activism:

  • Activists often seek to raise awareness, shift culture, or apply public pressure to highlight an issue.

  • Advocates focus on influencing decision-makers, shaping outcomes, and navigating systems to achieve durable solutions.

L3 trains advocates.

Advocacy requires credibility, preparation, relationships, and an understanding of how power operates within institutions. While activism can help surface issues and short-term outcomes, advocacy is what turns ideas into policy, votes, and lasting impact. Participants will learn how to move ideas through systems, rather than just reacting to them.

What will this cost me in time and money?

The L3 class meets one Friday a month for six months/six total classes (January through June), and tuition is $1,200 with scholarship assistance available. For more details and to apply, click the button that corresponds with your region.

Meet the Team

  • Tom Lucero

    CO-FOUNDER

    Tom has over 30 years of public affairs experience.  He was elected to the Board of Regents at the University of Colorado for 12 years and has been actively involved in candidate and issue campaigns for three decades. 

  • Jenifer Freeman

    ADVISOR

    Jenifer Freeman is the Founder and CEO of Constellation Strategies, LLC. With almost 20 years of experience in politics, policy, and community engagement in Colorado and Rocky Mountain West, Jenifer brings a depth of expertise and relationships that drive results. Her practice combines politics, policy, communications, and community informing unique and creative strategies.

  • Steve O'Dorisio

    ADVISOR

    Steve O'Dorisio is a Colorado native, public servant, and educator who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of Adams County residents. With a strong foundation in education, he financed his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University through summer construction work and work-study programs. He later earned his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law while working full-time at a global management consulting firm.

Our Speakers

Hon. Senator Hank Brown

Hon. Terrance Carroll, Former Colorado House Speaker

Hon. Wade Troxell, Former Mayor of Fort Collins

Ryan Winger, Magellan Strategies

Sarah Andrews, Empower Strategies

Jeff Stahla, Northern Water

Darin Atteberry, former Ft. Collins City Manager

Tamra Ward, Taloma Partners

Sean Hawkins, Loveland DDA

Kait Schwartz, API Colorado

Brendan Campbell, Pinnacle Consulting Group

Saja Hindi, The Denver Post

Peter Lafari, Maiker Housing Partners 

Jason Sherrill, Landmark Homes

Sarah Crosthwaite, Town of Johnstown Economic Development

Jenna Weatherred, Holy Cross Energy

Chris Romer, Vail Valley Partnership

Javier Camacho, Platte River Power Authority

Brittani Jones, Williams

John Frank, Axios

Carla Perez, HDR Engineering

Heath Therrien, STV

Gregg Turnbull, Larimer County

Joshua Mantell, Bell Policy Center

Contact us

tom@leveraginglocalleaders.com
Loveland, Colorado

L3 is a 501(c)(3), so your donations are tax-deductible.