9th Alameda County Leadership Academy
"All presentations were well organized and communicated, and the amount of experience, education, and caring of all these leaders was impressive. I have more faith and hope in positive change and improvement… in Alameda County." Graduate from 7th Leadership Academy
The Alameda County Leadership Academy was founded in 2001 by County Administrator, Susan S. Muranishi, with the full support of the Board of Supervisors.
The Leadership Academy is a free six session interactive forum for people who live, work, or own a business in Alameda County. Up to 45 applicants are accepted for each Academy. Through presentations from top county leaders, small group and mock public policy exercises, the Leadership Academy provides an excellent opportunity for the community to increase their knowledge of local government. Participants learn about the wide range of services provided by Alameda County, our mission and strategic visioning initiative, and our budget development process in an environment where they can practice leadership and communication skills such as public speaking and role playing while acquiring knowledge on how to increase their civic involvement.
Each of the six classes of the Academy is held at different County locations. The Academy meets on the first Wednesday for six months from 6:00 - 9:00 PM, and will begin October 7, 2009. The application deadline is August 28, 2009.
Previous sessions have included information on the following:
- Overview of County government/Budget development/Strategic Visioning
- Health Care Services Agency Overview/Programs
- Role of the various public protection departments (Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender, Fire & Probation) through a case study
- Social Services Agency Overview/Programs
- Registrar of Voters
- Sustainability Programs
The program is facilitated by staff from the County Administrator's Office and each class is hosted by different County agencies or departments. At each session, management staff, department heads, or elected officials make presentations and facilitate group discussions regarding the role and programs offered by the hosting departments as well as incorporate role playing and group exercises so that participants can apply what they have learned.