Lead economic transformation in your city

Join an applied learning cohort for public sector leaders from communities of all sizes. The cohort is intended to prepare you to navigate the evolving landscape of community economic development. It is offered in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers.

The program moves beyond basic economic development strategies to encourage systems thinking and deepen skills for leading. You should come with experience in your role and within your community, along with an interest in exploring new approaches.

Offered online, each session builds on the previous session’s content and will:

• Enhance skills to navigate change through uncertain times.
• Build a network of peers for ongoing support.
• Strengthen individual confidence and ability to address unknown or uncomfortable issues.
• Deepen understanding around roles for local government leaders in initiating and leading economic transformation efforts.

What to expect:

You will be expected to spend 30 minutes of preparation (watching course videos and/or reading articles) every week prior to the sessions. Everyone will experience course instructors, peer learning in small groups, a case example, and have access to a course site with additional resources to deepen their learning. A certificate of completion is available to those who attend all six sessions and complete a Personal Action Plan.

Who should attend?

City and county leaders including administrators, clerks, economic development staff, elected officials, economic development authority board members, and others.

Dates & times:

Each session will build upon the previous week’s curriculum. It’s necessary to attend all sessions to earn your certificate of completion.

Sessions will be held virtually using Zoom on the following dates:

• Jan. 22 (9-11 a.m.): Course welcome and overview
• Jan. 29 (9-11 a.m.): Exploring economic transformation
• Feb. 5 (9-11 a.m.): Navigating complexity
• Feb. 12 (9-11 a.m.): Adaptive leadership skills
• Feb. 19 (9-11 a.m.): Systems thinking for community change
• Feb. 26 (9-11 a.m.): Course reflection and wrap-up

Fee

$225

Registration

Registration opens on Dec. 2.  

Learn more about this event

Accessibility

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities contact Jody Horntvedt two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Questions?

Contact: Jody Horntvedt, University of Minnesota Extension Educator
[email protected] or (218) 689-0281