Introduction

Leadership development programs are frequently cited as one of the main drivers in building capacity within a community (Chaskin et al., 2001; Emery et al., 2007; Kirk and Shutte, 2004; Lamm et al., 2017). Previous research has indicated those who take on leadership roles in a community tend to have a strong “sense of community” are actively engaged, and are committed to building a resilient community (Pigg et al., 2015; Loomis and Wright, 2018; Gubbay and McKendry, 2022).

Local leadership development training programs in Washoe County, Nevada, in collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno Extension, have been a part of Washoe County’s organizational structure since 1997. The first leadership training program developed in partnership with the county and Extension, launched in 1997 for training and capacity building for Citizen Advisory Board members (CABs). Over the years, various leadership training programs for Washoe County boards, committees and commissions have evolved from the late 1990s through the 2000s, culminating with the Washoe County Engaged Leadership Academy in 2011. However, due to budget shortfalls and an assessment from the county’s Community Engagement Revitalization Program (CIRP) in 2012-2013, Leadership development programs within Washoe County were put on hiatus until county funding became available.

In late 2021 and early 2022, Washoe County wanted to restart a leadership development program targeted for adult residents of the county who are not currently in leadership positions. The goals of the program are both educational and motivational: To educate residents on the services provided by Washoe County employees for the general public, and to help residents develop skills and build capacity to take on potential leadership roles. It is anticipated based on previous research that participation in a leadership program will motivate and inspire residents to become more involved in their community and step into potential leadership roles either within the County, a non-profit, or within their neighborhood associations. Participation in the Washoe County Leadership Academy Program was advertised across Washoe County through local radio public service announcements (PSAs), posted on the Washoe County webpage, and widely disseminated through various local social media channels. Application for participation required interested residents to submit an online application, answer a few questions regarding interest, demographics, and county commission district. Over 100 Washoe County residents submitted applications. Participation in the program was free to attendees and fully funded by the Washoe County Commission.

Selection for participation in the program was competitive and limited to 33 spots. A committee from the Washoe County Manager’s Office selected participants for the program. Criteria for selection included ensuring diversity of attendees. Diversity involved equal representation from each of the five commission districts; and diversity of age, experience, demographics and interest in participation. Additional requirements for participation were adults (age 18 and over), and a commitment (both from participants and their employer) to attend at least six of the eight (75%) of the sessions. The program ran for eight months, one day a month, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to attendance, participants were required to complete a group project that put their leadership skills into practice. Washoe County Leadership Academy was piloted in September 2022 and ran through April 2023, with an initial cohort of 33 individuals across the five commission districts.

This program evaluation is a summary of participant responses and feedback of the Washoe County Leadership Academy from their participation in the pilot year. The evaluation had both closed-ended questions and open-ended questions for the intended purpose of gathering suggestions for ways to improve the program for future leadership development programs. The evaluation was designed by Extension, with feedback, suggestions and guidance from the Washoe County Manager’s Office.

For the complete report use the link below to download the PDF version, which includes methods, results, conclusions and recommendations.