The ideal CLA applicant applies because they have a love for Charlotte and wants to be a part of problem solving in order to move our community forward. Past participants in the CLA have been residents who wanted to become community and/or neighborhood leaders, existing leaders who wanted to sharpen their skills, non-profit workers who wanted to better educate their constituents on how to work with government, and residents who want to have an understanding of what the City does. Many CLA applicants have an interest in applying for boards and commissions as well as public service.
Participants of the CLA will:
- Receive a personalized DISC Leadership Assessment
- Learn how to efficiently utilize their leadership style to positively impact their community
- Enhance their understanding of Charlotte history and decision making
- Develop relationships with other community leaders and leaders in local government
- Learn how to use data to articulate challenges and advocate for resources for their communities
- Get a behind the scenes look at how the City of Charlotte works and develop specialized knowledge about the departments and programs of the City of Charlotte
- Commit to using their leadership skills in the broader community to improve the quality of life for all Charlotteans.
Program graduates are strongly encouraged to apply to serve on City/County boards and commissions, and a designation for CLA graduates is included on the official boards and commissions applications. CLA graduates will also receive a certificate of completion from Housing & Neighborhood Services and an exclusive CLA lapel pin.
If this sounds good to you, you should apply.