Shape Tomorrow's Delta County
Apply to Join LEAD Delta
From our deep canyons to our mountain peaks, the future of this region is built by connected leaders. Join a 10-month journey designed to turn your leadership into lasting impact for Delta County.
Applications for the 2026 Cohort are due by July 20th.
Leadership Development
Gain essential skills to lead with confidence and drive community initiatives.
Community Engagement
Connect with local leaders and participate in impactful community projects.
Program Overview
Great communities aren’t built by accident—they’re crafted by leaders who show up for one another. LEAD Delta is a 10-month experience where emerging and established voices from every sector trade isolation for collaboration.
Throughout the journey, you will Lead with intention by rooting your growth in real-world application, Educate yourself on the unique systems that move our region, Advance collaborative solutions for our local challenges, and Develop the high-stakes skills and relationships that turn individual effort into community impact.
Through dynamic sessions, regional field trips, and a final Capstone Project, you’ll join a network of people who understand the weight of community responsibility. Because the impact you make on Delta County? It becomes something bigger than any of us could create alone.
Participant Commitments
Attend the kick-off retreat in September
Participate in monthly sessions every third Friday
Cover the $850 tuition
Complete a Capstone Project by May
Contribute to group discussions and activities
Meet all program requirements
Commit to personal and professional growth
Provide feedback for program improvement
Promote the program within your networks
Demonstrate leadership in your community
Participate in program evaluations
Celebrate your achievements at the graduation ceremony
Application Process
To join the LEAD Delta program, please complete our online application by July 20, 2026.
Applicants will be selected and notified by August 15th.
Apply Now and secure your place in this prestigious program.
Program Schedule
Session 1. Kick-off Retreat - Agriculture, Land, and Water Use & Civic Education
Leadership Topic: Self-awareness & Conflict Resolution
This session grounds us in the literal roots of our community, exploring the vital systems of land and water while building the personal foundation of self-aware leadership.
Sept. 18-19, 2026
Session 2 - Local, State & Federal Government & Decision Making
Leadership Topic: Civic Leadership & Engagement
Participants will pull back the curtain on how government really works – from taxes to special district – and discover how to take their seat at the table.
Oct. 23, 2026
Session 3. Economic Development & Small Business Ecosystem
Leadership Topic: Collaborative Leadership
We’ll explore the heartbeat of our local economy and learn how to foster growth through relationships that turn into real-world collaborations.
Nov. 20, 2026
Session 4. Tourism, Recreation & Quality of Life, Public Lands
Leadership Topic: Ethical Leadership
This day focuses on the stewardship of our natural beauty and the ethical considerations of balancing growth with preservation.
Dec. 18, 2026
Session 5. Infrastructure, Housing & Transportation
Leadership Topic: Systems Thinking
We’ll look at the “hidden” systems that keep our community running and learn to see the region as an interconnected whole.
Jan. 22, 2027
Session 6. Education & Workforce Development
Leadership Topic: Change Management
Focusing on the future of our youth and workers, we’ll learn how to lead through the evolving landscape of industry and education.
Feb. 19, 2027
Session 7. Healthcare & Public Health Systems
Leadership Topic: Inclusive Leadership
This session explores how to care for every member of our community, ensuring that leadership is as diverse and inclusive as the people we serve.
Mar. 19, 2027
Session 8. Public Safety & Emergency Response
Leadership Topic: Crisis Leadership
When things are at their most difficult, we need leaders who can navigate the unknown without a clear roadmap.
April 23, 2027
Session 9. Nonprofit Sector & Volunteerism, Community Engagement
Leadership Topic: Adaptive Leadership
We’ll explore the power of the social sector and learn how to adapt our leadership to meet the evolving needs of our neighbors.
May 21, 2027
Session 10. Sustainable Rural Development & Civic Innovation
Leadership Topic: Partnership Building
Our final session focuses on building the lasting bridges that will support Delta County for decades to come.
June 18, 2027
Common Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the LEAD Delta program.
What is the cost of the program?
The program fee is $850, which includes all sessions, materials, and meals.
What is the time commitment required?
The program runs one Friday per month from September to May, with a kick-off overnight retreat in September.
Who should apply for this program?
Emerging and established leaders in Delta County who are eager to enhance their leadership skills and community impact.
Are there scholarships available?
Not yet! We are pursuing sponsors who will provide scholarships to residents whose organizations will not pay the $850 registration.
Join the LEAD Delta Program Today!
Unlock your potential as a community leader with the LEAD Delta program. This transformative 10-month journey offers invaluable leadership training, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact in Delta County. Don’t miss your opportunity to grow and lead. Apply now!
