Municipal Leadership Academy
We are not currently accepting applications for MLA. The application for the 2027/28 cohort of the Municipal Leadership Academy will be available in February of 2027.
If you have any questions please reach out to MLA Program Manager, Maggie Graves, maggie@civicresults.org.
Current and Past Participants of MLA -
What is the Municipal Leadership Academy?
The Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA) is a dynamic professional development program designed for new mayors, and city/town council members from across Colorado. Through engaging workshops, peer learning, and expert-led sessions; participants build practical skills in governance, leadership, and collaboration. The Academy provides a unique space to explore pressing local issues, exchange ideas with fellow leaders from across the state, and grow the relationships that drive effective and community-focused decision-making.
Led by experts in governance and public administration, our academy offers practical workshops, insightful case studies and group discussions to provide clarity on best practices around local governance. From navigating complex policy issues to fostering community engagement, our comprehensive curriculum addresses the diverse demands of municipal leadership.
Join us and elevate your local government leadership to new heights.
MLA offers 8 full-day sessions between August and March, participants will meet, in person, in varying locations around the Metro Denver area, and the State. Generally, the sessions are one Friday per month. September is the only exception, there is a two-day session on the western slope.
Full Tuition Cost: $2,500
Tuition Covers - All sessions, one hotel night stay per session, all meals during session days and a bus ride for the Grand Junction overnight
To ensure access for communities of all sizes, scholarships are available to help cover participation costs for the Municipal Leadership Academy. These funds are intended for leaders from small or under-resourced municipalities (under 7,000 population) and are awarded based on need and availability. We encourage anyone with interest to apply—cost should not be a barrier to participation.
2024/2025 MLA Participant Testimonials:
"Former Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams has put together a unique and valuable program, and not just for new Mayors. Having been involved with my town government for decades I gained new knowledge from the MLA. The quality of the presenters covering many aspects of our responsibilities was truly a treasure that were relevant to all of our communities.
Add to that the new relationships formed with our fellow mayors (including Heidi) gives us a valuable network of friends when looking for advice".
Mayor Earle Bidez; Minturn
"As Mayor, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Mayors Leadership Academy – an experience that was both impactful and educational. We explored key topics like economic development, water, communication, and regional challenges.
Just as valuable was the chance to connect with mayors from across Colorado. The relationships we built and the insights we shared reminded me that, while each community is unique, we’re all working toward the same goal: strong, thriving cities.
I’m grateful for this experience and excited to bring what I’ve learned back to Lone Tree".
Mayor Marissa Harmon; Lone Tree
“As a newly elected mayor, the Mayors Leadership Academy was a great opportunity to not only understand some of our state’s most pressing issues in a more substantive way, but also to get to know many colleagues from across the state. I really appreciated the lessons, the solutions and-most importantly-the sense of camaraderie the program provided”.
Mayor Lauren Simpson; Arvada
"Attending the Mayors Leadership Academy was a transformative experience. As a rural mayor, I’m grateful Civic Results included Southeast Colorado in this impactful program. The sessions offered practical strategies on governance, community engagement, and economic development, all directly applicable to my work in Springfield. Just as valuable were the connections I made with fellow mayors—building a network of support and shared purpose. Thank you to Heidi Williams, Maggie Graves, and the Civic Results team for empowering leaders like me to better serve our communities".
Mayor Tyler Gibson; Springfield
