Leadership Institutes
RESOURCES
DESCRIPTION
Several District Councils have established Centers for Regional Leadership. While each center has its own unique characteristics, the overall purpose of the centers is to foster development of a regional dialogue about land use issues among a multidisciplinary set of stakeholders that is based on respect for different perspectives and a shared understanding of the implications of land use and infrastructure on the region’s quality of life and economic competitiveness. Chosen through a competitive application process, approximately 30 mid-level professionals attend monthly daylong classes over a nine-month period that involve a mix of lectures, mobile tours, and other experiences. At the end of the year, the class members apply what they learned by participating in pro-bono Technical Assistance Panels. Over time, the District Council builds a network of alumni who understand and help advance the ULI mission.
ROLE OF DISTRICT COUNCIL
District Councils establish steering committees whose members work with staff to plan the curriculum, execute the media campaign to launch the center, and select each class of participants. Staff provides the planning, logistical, and administrative support for the program. These responsibilities required approximately 25 percent of the time of a full-time staff person. University students and interns can provide vital services at no charge.
PARTNERS
ULI sponsors the centers. A variety of partners are involved over the course of the year: universities, nonprofit housing authorities, the mayor’s office, companies of real estate developers, chambers of commerce.
ATTENDANCE
For each class, 30 to 40 leaders who represent in equal measure the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
BUDGET
$100,000. District Councils have charged tuition up to $20,000.