Pragmatic Mountain Region Leaders Encouraged to Engage in Local Politics

The Vail Valley Partnership, in collaboration with the Summit and Glenwood Springs Chambers, proudly announces its collaboration with Leveraging Local Leaders (L3), a program dedicated to recruiting and training a diverse group of pragmatic leaders for civic involvement that is now accepting applications in the Central Mountain region for its 2025 class. The program teaches participants about the fundamentals of campaigning, civic and governmental processes, community and policy issues, and the essentials of good governance.

“Local governments are the foundation of our communities and the bench for higher office. We’re excited to collaborate with L3 as it provides a nonpartisan platform for leaders who want to make a positive impact in Eagle County and the Central Mountain Region,” said Chris Romer, President/CEO of the Vail Valley Partnership. “In a time of increasing political division, it’s more important than ever to approach local government with a focus on collaboration and pragmatic solutions. L3 creates a space for those committed to finding solutions to the most significant challenges we face in our communities,” added Vail Valley Partnership Board Chair Michael Brown.

L3 is a nonpartisan six-month program that prepares future leaders for the challenges of running a campaign, governing effectively, and engaging in civic leadership successfully. For one day each month, participants learn from the brightest and most seasoned professionals and experts in Colorado, equipping them to either run for office or to engage government at all levels with confidence from Day One. The resulting alumni and mentor network generates lasting relationships for cross-party and multidisciplinary collaboration to drive results through any role at every level of service.

“In recent years we have witnessed more polarization in our political and civic institutions, and we recognized a need and an opportunity to restore collaborative civic leadership to Colorado,” said Tom Lucero, Co-Founder of L3. “Colorado long-stood as a place where policymakers worked with community champions, business leaders, and each other to solve problems. L3’s mission is to make it so again with allies like the Vail Valley Partnership and Glenwood Springs and Eagle Chambers.”

Since its founding in 2021, L3 has partnered with organizations like the Vail Valley Partnership to expand its reach and strengthen local leadership. In 2025 and beyond, L3 seeks to expand its programming into communities across Colorado to provide a pathway for nonpartisan and solutions-focused citizens to serve their communities in civic leadership.

“I highly recommend the L3 course to anyone with a passion for their community,

whether or not they are planning to run for office. The information on key issues, policy, and campaign strategies were invaluable,” said Alyssa Wells, a 2024 L3 graduate. “The classroom discussions were fantastic, but what I found most beneficial was the opportunity to engage with fellow classmates from different political perspectives. This diversity led to meaningful discussions and helped me develop a more comprehensive understanding of our community. Not only did I gain practical knowledge from the program, but I also gained lifelong connections and a deeper sense of purpose for our region.”

Applications for the 2025 Central Mountains class are now open. Ideal candidates should possess curiosity about differing points of view, adopt a collaborative holistic approach to solutions, and elevate political discourse through civil engagement. Unlike other candidate training programs, candidates from any political affiliation may apply.

Interested participants can learn more and apply at leveraginglocalleaders.com. Applications are due by November 15, 2024. Candidates will be selected by December 6, 2024. Contact info@leveraginglocalleaders.com with questions.

About Vail Valley Partnership

Vail Valley Partnership, a 501c(6) nonprofit organization, has been engaged in the community from the early days of Vail, starting in 1964 as the Vail Resort Association.

Vail Valley Partnership is the regional community development organization, dedicated to the economic vitality of the Vail Valley. We support local businesses. We unite key stakeholders. We lead collaborative efforts throughout the community.

With a membership of 800 organizations that spans the Vail Valley and beyond and which represents 80% of the local workforce, Vail Valley Partnership is dedicated to ensuring local business success and fostering regional economic vitality by offering local business tools & resources, promoting the Vail Valley to destination guests, and initiating economic development efforts.

About Leveraging Local Leaders (L3)

Founded in 2021, Leveraging Local Leaders (L3) seeks to identify and recruit a diverse and promising group of leaders to run for office or otherwise engage meaningfully in civics. We provide expert training and mentorship on campaigning, public policy issues, the processes of government, and the fundamentals of good governance to ensure prepare the next generation of leaders to run and govern well.

The six-month program meets one day monthly. Crucially, L3 is open to candidates of any political affiliation who are committed to collaborative pragmatic solutions through the pursuit of understanding, adherence to civil discourse, and dedication to shared goals in service to their communities. To date, L3 has trained 38 people in four cohorts between 2021 and 2024. Numerous graduates are in the pipeline to run for office, with five having been elected and four having led successful citizen initiatives. Visit leveraginglocalleaders.com for more information.