Event information
Date and time
Location
Online course
Contact
Becca Leys, University of Minnesota Extension educator
[email protected] or 612-756-9075
Leading for Economic Transformation
Leading for Economic Transformation is an applied learning cohort for public sector and nonprofit leaders working to shape the future of their local economies.
In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, traditional development strategies alone are often no longer adequate to address complex, interconnected community challenges. To complement foundational tools, this course moves beyond basic economic development strategies to encourage systems thinking and deepen adaptive leadership skills.
Offered online, each session builds on the last to help you:
- Enhance skills to navigate economic transitions and community change.
- Develop a network of peers for support and knowledge exchange.
- Strengthen confidence and ability to address complex community issues.
- Cultivate adaptive leadership skills for a more responsive, collaborative approach.
Participants 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, case scenarios, 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.
- January 20 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Launching your transformation journey
- January 27 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Communities as systems
- February 3 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Understanding complexity
- February 10 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Systems thinking for community transformation
- February 17 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Leading through complexity
- February 24 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Activating leadership for transformation
This course is offered in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers.This course is offered in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers.
Audience
The peer-to-peer learning program is designed for public sector and nonprofit staff, leaders, and decision-makers from communities of all sizes who help shape economic development. Whether you are new or experienced in your role, this program is ideal if you are actively working on initiatives that require navigating uncertainty, addressing complex community issues, and bringing partners together.
Cost
$225
Registration
Course number: EXT XCV.0086
Registration closes Friday, January 8, 2027, at 5 p.m. CST.
Accommodations
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, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Language
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.