L3 begins to recruit leadership class of 2023

Leveraging Local Leaders has begun accepting applications for its 2023 class.

L3 is a program run in partnership with BizWest. It was founded to recruit and train a pool of leaders in Northern Colorado to run for local office or engage in local politics to solve community problems. The program seeks candidates interested in finding solutions and elevating local politics through civil discourse. 

“I highly recommend the L3 course, whether or not you intend to run for office. Information on issues, policy, and campaign strategies is invaluable for anyone interested in policy discussions,” said Alana McGough, a 2022 graduate of L3. “While the classroom topics were great, interacting with classmates of varying political affiliations, beliefs and interests was most beneficial. The diversity in our class led to questions, discussions, and an understanding of the bigger picture of our community as a whole, not just the limited view of one person or demographic.” 

L3 is a six-month program that meets one day per month. The class curriculum is Campaign 101, ensuring participants know how to run an effective campaign; the second part of each session covers policy and governance so that participants are prepared to govern as soon as they assume office.

“We partnered on this endeavor because local governments are critical to our local economies and creating a space where pragmatic leaders who want to find solutions to some of our greatest challenges have a pathway and the support to run for local office,” Jeff Nuttall, publisher of BizWest, said in a written statement. “With the ever-increasing political divide, approaching local government from a nonpartisan perspective is important for how our region looks in the future.”

This year, L3 has added additional partners: the Fort Collins and Loveland chambers of commerce.

“The Fort Collins Area Chamber knows the value of strong pragmatic local leaders in communities across Northern Colorado,” said Ann Hutchison, chamber CEO. “It’s important to have a nonpartisan program that works to recruit and train these leaders. We need officials who understand the issues facing Northern Colorado before they begin. L3 is preparing the next generation of leaders to keep Northern Colorado prospering.”

Applications can be made at www.leveraginglocalleaders.com.

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