Leading Economic Transformation

Join an applied learning cohort for public sector leaders from communities of all sizes. The cohort will help prepare you to navigate the evolving landscape of community economic development. You should come with experience in your role and within your community, and be interested in exploring new approaches.

The cohort program moves beyond basic economic development strategies to encourage systems thinking and deepen leadership skills. 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.

Extension offers the program in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers.

Course format and topics

You will be expected to spend 30 minutes of preparation (watching course videos and/or reading articles) every week before 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.

The sessions will be virtual using Zoom and cover the following topics:

• Session 1: Course welcome and overview
• Session 2: Exploring economic transformation
• Session 3: Navigating complexity
• Session 4: Adaptive leadership skills
• Session 5: Systems thinking for community change
• Session 6: Course reflection and wrap-up

Intended audience

This peer-to-peer learning program is for city and county economic development professionals who are involved in day-to-day operations, including leaders, administrators, clerks and staff. Economic development authority board members and elected officials are welcome to attend.