Leading Economic Transformation

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.

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.

The sessions will be virtual using Zoom on the following dates:

• February 4 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Course welcome and overview
• February 11 (12:30-2:30 p.m.):  Exploring economic transformation
• February 18 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Navigating complexity
• February 25 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Adaptive leadership skills
• March 4 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Systems thinking for community change
• March 11 (12:30-2:30 p.m.):  Course reflection and wrap-up