FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2026
CONTACT: Heidi Williams | heidi@civicresults.org | (720) 923-7780
Civic Results Celebrates Graduation of the 2025/2026 Municipal Leadership Academy Cohort
Denver, CO — Civic Results is proud to announce the 2026/2027 cohort of the Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA)—a statewide leadership program designed to support and strengthen municipal leaders through in-depth training, peer exchange, and collaborative problem-solving.
Now in its third full year, the MLA provides Colorado’s elected municipal officials with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of good governance, build cross-community relationships, and explore key policy areas such as economic development, housing, communications, public safety, and sustainability.
At a time when local government is more important than ever, municipal leaders are on the front lines of policymaking that directly impacts the daily lives of Coloradans. Whether it’s shaping housing solutions, responding to emergencies, or fostering economic resilience, local elected officials have the power to effect meaningful change—quickly and collaboratively. The Municipal Leadership Academy equips them with the tools, training, and network to lead with vision and impact.
The 2026-27 cohort is our largest yet. This year’s diverse and dynamic cohort includes 23 elected officials from communities across Colorado:
- Alecia Brown, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Lone Tree
- Benjamin Byer, Mayor, Town of Crestone
- Catherine Moya, Trustee, Town of Lochbuie
- Christine Sweetland, Mayor, City of Centennial
- Dennis McDaniel Jr, Council Member, City of Las Animas
- Flor Alvidrez, Council Member, City of Denver
- Jennifer Schultz, Trustee, Town of Moffat
- John Alge, Council Member, City of Thornton
- John Bell, Trustee, Town of Green Mountain Falls
- Joshua Rivero, Mayor, Town of Parker
- Katie Bowers, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Delta
- Kelly Owens, Mayor, Town of Breckenridge
- Kori Salazar, Council Member, City of Castle Pines
- Laura Kronick, Council Member, Town of Monument
- Rich Kondo, Council Member, City of Northglenn
- Rick Somerson, Council Member, City of Englewood
- Ryan Debner, Council Member, Town of Mountain View
- Ryan Roth, Council Member, City of Greeley
- Shannon Lukeman-Hiromasa, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Northglenn
- Sheyanne Bossert, Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Fairplay
- Sofia Moore, Trustee, Town of Wellington
- Susan Wood, Council Member, City of Wheat Ridge
- Suzanne Riefstahl, Council Member, Town of Keystone
Participants will attend eight sessions from August 2026 to March 2027, rotating across locations statewide to reflect Colorado’s geographic and cultural diversity. The program is designed and facilitated by Civic Results, in partnership with the Colorado Municipal League, CIRSA, subject matter experts, and professional trainers.
“We’re excited to welcome this exceptional group of local leaders into the Municipal Leadership Academy,” said Heidi Williams, President & CEO of Civic Results and Executive Director of the Metro Mayors Caucus. “These local elected officials are stepping up to not only lead in their own communities, but to collaborate with peers from across the state to tackle the complex challenges Colorado faces.”
To learn more, please visit the Civic Results website.
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About Civic Results
Civic Results is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps local governments and partners work together to solve tough regional challenges. We build trust, lead collaboration, and make things happen where others get stuck.
