Mayor Yemi Mobolade is calling on Colorado Springs residents interested in being civic leaders to apply for an opportunity to learn firsthand with how their city government operates. The Mayor’s Civic Leaders Fellowship, designed to introduce future civic leaders in Colorado Springs to the inner workings of their local government with an emphasis on productive discourse in leadership, is accepting applications till Nov. 30.
The fellowship will provide the opportunity to engage directly with city leadership, helping solve problems and identify solutions. The fellowship uses the framework of productive dialogue to frame learning about key city issues, with topics ranging from public safety, public works, infrastructure, and economic development to urban planning and renewal.
“This program is near and dear to my leadership as the idea was birthed from my own experience with the Governor’s Fellowship and I was fortunate to help create it when I worked at the City as an employee,” said Mayor Yemi. “As Mayor, I am looking forward to enhancing this program to cultivate civic minded leaders and provide professional development opportunities to our city’s best and brightest. It is critical that we continue to foster leaders in our community who want to help make Colorado Springs the best place to live.”
The 2024 class will be comprised of 25 participants and be completed over the course of a year. Fellows are required to complete a minimum of 4 hours of City Engagement Opportunities. These range from serving at City-led events to working with City officials on projects. In addition to seminars, fellows will have opportunities to visit local non-profits, fire and police stations, military organizations, and various networking opportunities. This may be scheduled outside the hours of the seminar.
More information on the program and how to apply can be found at coloradosprings.gov/civicleadersfellowship.