In partnership with the Colorado Municipal League, and the Presenting Sponsor Cirsa, the 2025 application for the Municipal Leadership Academy will open in April 2025. Please email us if you would like to be notified when registration opens - info@civicresults.org
What is the Municipal Leadership Academy?
The Municipal Leadership Academy is a dynamic professional development program designed for mayors, and city/town council members 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, and grow the relationships that drive effective, community-focused decision-making.
The MLA will empower municipal leaders to lead with impact through our specialized Leadership Academy. Tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities of municipal leadership, our program equips mayors and council members with essential skills and strategies to drive positive change in their communities.
Led by seasoned experts in governance and public administration, our academy offers practical workshops, insightful case studies, and personalized coaching to enhance leadership effectiveness. From navigating complex policy issues to fostering community engagement, our comprehensive curriculum addresses the diverse demands of modern municipal leadership.
Join us and elevate your local government leadership to new heights.
MLA offers 7 full-day sessions between August and March, participants will meet, in person, in varying locations around the Metro Denver area, and the State. In September, there is a two-day session on the western slope.
Cost: $2,500
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 5,000 population) and are awarded based on need and availability. We encourage anyone with interest to apply—cost should not be a barrier to participation.
Classes:
- Leadership and Good Governance
- Sustainability, Climate and Water (2-day trip to Winter Park and Grand Junction)
- Communications
- Economic Development
- Urban Plan Exercise
- Housing
- Public Safety and Project Presentations
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
