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Training Program for Emerging Leaders Application:
Denver Cohort 2026-2027

2026-2027 Denver Emerging Leader's Application Form

With support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Denver Regional Office, the NADO Research Foundation is pleased to announce the application process for the next Training Program for Emerging Leaders (Emerging Leaders) cohort.

The Emerging Leaders program provides EDD staff members with the education and skills required to lead a high-performing EDD. Cohort participants are offered a unique opportunity to learn about successful community and economic development approaches of other EDDs in the ten-state (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) region through on-site workshops and web-based training. Additionally, the program is an opportunity to create a peer network across the Denver Regional Office service area that can add value to EDD activities long after the training program is finished.

We are inviting interested staff of EDDs to apply for the 2026-02027 Cohort of the TPEL. Applications are due October 29, 2026 and the training will take place November 2026 - March 2027.
1.First Name:(Required.)
2.Last Name:(Required.)
3.Job Title:(Required.)
4.Organization:(Required.)
5.Email Address:(Required.)
6.Why are you applying to the program? Please explain, briefly, what you hope to get out of the program. How will it benefit your current position?  Career goals?(Required.)
7.How will your EDD benefit from your participation in this program?(Required.)
8.What is your experience creating & implementing a CEDS process? Please explain what your role has been in your current (or previous) EDD's CEDS process.(Required.)
9.How would you describe a high-performing EDD?  What makes an EDD a success? How would you describe a poor-performing EDD?(Required.)
10.How do you define economic development?(Required.)
11.Does your organization's Executive Director support your interest in the Emerging Leaders program? If you are the Executive Director, does your Board support your interest in the program?(Required.)
12.Is your organization committed to covering some of the travel costs associated with the program as outlined in the instructions?(Required.)
13.Please send your resume and a letter of commitment from your Organization's Executive Director (or Board chair if you are the Executive Director) to jmorgan@nado.org.(Required.)
14.The sites visits and conferences are as follows (plus a possible day before or after to accommodate travel):

Site Visit 1
Montana/North Dakota
November 30-December 3, 2026

Site Visit 2
Location TBD
January 25-28, 2027

NADO Washington Conference & Site Visit 3
Arlington, VA + Central Shenandoah & Northern Shenandoah PDC (VA)
March 8-12, 2027

Attendance at all four of these events is required of selected Emerging Leaders. Please confirm if selected you will be able to attend all of these scheduled events.(Required.)