In 2025, the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Public Leadership Institute rolled a new program designed for the many executives and community or organizational leaders who want to make an impact on public policy without running for office: The Civic Leaders Track.
Why Civic Leadership Matters
Central Florida, especially Orlando, is in the middle of big changes. The region is projected to keep growing steadily over the next 20 years, which brings both exciting opportunities and real challenges for economic growth, education systems, transportation needs, sustainability plans, and housing affordability. All of these issues grow more urgent as our population rises.
With so much change, civic leadership is essential. Communities benefit when people understand how government works, know how to advocate, and can bring their real‑world expertise into policy conversations.
Filling the Gap Between Engagement and Elected Office
For years, the Public Leadership Institute’s Political Track has helped prepare future candidates for elected office. While working with professionals across the region, it became clear that many want to get involved, influence decisions, and spark meaningful change, but don’t want to run for office.
Where do they go to gain knowledge of how policy is made? How do they build relationships with their representatives? How do they influence decisions when they’re not the one voting on them? These questions are exactly why the Civic Leaders Track was created.
A Program for Impact
The Civic Leaders Track mixes learning with hands‑on experience.
Participants get:
a closer look at how local and state governments work.
to explore how policy moves from an idea to reality.
to pick up practical advocacy skills.
The first cohort in 2025 included leaders from all over the region: business, nonprofits, health care, education, tech, and more. Their different backgrounds brought immense value to the program, and they walked away ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Inaugural Civic Leaders Track – 2025 Public Leadership Institute
What’s Next: Civic Leaders Track, Spring 2026
Thanks to the success of the first class, the Civic Leaders Track is returning in Spring 2026. This next cohort will keep pushing the program’s mission forward: empowering business-minded leaders and executives to play an informed, influential role in shaping Central Florida’s future.
Applications are open now and close on March 6.
If you know a leader ready to enhance their civic impact, or if you’re ready to take that step yourself, now is the time.