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.