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Meet the changemakers.
Build cross-sector connections.
Grow your leadership impact.
Registration is now open for the 2026-27 cohort! Complete the application by August 7 for consideration by the NCCLI screening committee.
The Nevada County Community Leadership Institute is where current and emerging leaders come together to connect, learn, and lead. From the arts and education to health, housing, and economic development—this unique program gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the people and projects shaping our region.
Local professionals from a variety of sectors speak at each session providing an inside look at current opportunities, issues and best practices. As leaders we are all required to embrace change, be flexible, resilient, and open to new possibilities to do our best work.
Each session is designed to provide opportunities to collaborate and connect with each other while growing in awareness and knowledge of issues and sectors in our community.
For more information, call Facilitator Lori Burkart Frank
Phone: 530-559-6664
Email: LoriLifecoach@sbcglobal.net
NCCLI (c/o Community Foundation of Nevada County)
505 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA 95959
Who is the program for?
A screening committee will select a maximum of 30 applicants who are:
- Current or prospective leaders in their employment and/or volunteer organization
- Newcomers seeking rapid integration into the community
- Strongly interested in and committed to local involvement
- Planning to remain active in business and community activities within Nevada County
- Able to commit the time required for the program.
The Investment
Tuition for the Nevada County Community Leadership Institute is $1150. Tuition for accepted program participants is due by September 7th.
Request Scholarship Assistance
Limited partial scholarships may be available. Applicants are encouraged to seek employer or organizational support before requesting scholarship assistance.
The time commitment is reasonable — only one day a month for nine months and the cost is much less than what you might pay for a university class or professional workshop. The return on these investments has been tremendous for both alumni and the community.
2026-27 Calendar
September 25th & 26th
Community Leadership & Local Media
A diverse group comes together to learn about themselves and others, develop new leadership tools, and discuss common leadership themes and traits. The role of local media and public opinion will be explored with a panel of experts.
October 23rd
Land Use & Environment
Acquire a unique perspective on this controversial subject through a discussion of legal issues, land use and planning regulations, and interact with a panel of diverse land use professionals.
November 20th
Local Government
Focus on the challenges and constraints of the budget development process as you explore the inner workings of local government and its impact on residents of our county.
January 22nd
Economic Development
Discover how the county and its economy have evolved over the decades, and explore the many facets of the engines that power the economy in Nevada County.
February 26th
Education
Learn about the educational spectrum in Nevada County from elementary and middle school to high school and community college.
March 26th
Arts & Culture
How do the arts impact the economic health of Nevada County? Presenters may include local artists, actors and musicians.
April 23rd
Health & Human Services
How healthy is Nevada County? Explore current health issues, resources and support services that deal with our community’s health.
May 21st
Criminal Justice
Experience the county’s criminal justice system — from the court room to the corridors of incarceration at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility.
June 25th
Community Foundation & Graduation
Explore what your Community Leadership looks like going forward.