12th Alameda County 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.

"The Alameda County Leadership Academy provided beneficial insight into our county's programs, operations and general management that all residents and voters should be aware of. I have a more educated perspective on issues that impact me as both an Alameda County resident and a public administrator - and feel like a more responsible citizen for participating in this program. I highly recommend it to others." - H. Hafer 9th Leadership Academy

"As a graduate of the Alameda County Leadership Academy, I have more faith and hope in my leadership skills than I ever had before." - C. McGaffeny 9th Leadership Academy

Each of the six classes of the Academy is held at different County locations. The Academy generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month for six months from 6:00 - 9:00 PM, and will begin October 3, 2012.

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.