Local Government Leadership Program
Empowering leaders to create positive, lasting change where it matters most - right at home.
A statewide leadership experience for public officials (municipal, county, and state officials, school board members, National Guard members, and regional councils of government) committed to serving their communities with vision and impact.
Applications for LGLP 2027 are OPEN! Applications accepted through November 13, 2026:
Time Left to Apply:
In partnership with the New Mexico Municipal League and New Mexico Counties, the Local Government Leadership Program equips public officials with the knowledge, connections, and practical skills to serve their communities with vision and impact.
The program is open to municipal, county, and state officials, school board members, National Guard members, and regional councils of government.
Through dynamic, real-world learning experiences, participants explore the complex challenges facing local communities, discover innovative solutions, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen collaboration across New Mexico.
The LGLP Experience
WHAT YOU'LL EXPLORE
The 2027 program consists of two 2.5-day sessions modeled after the Leadership New Mexico Core Program. Participants explore critical issues facing New Mexico while taking part in personal leadership skill-building workshops.
Explore the unique priorities, perspectives, and experiences of communities across the state.
Examine the complex issues affecting New Mexico and the systems connected to them.
Develop greater perspective, strengthen relationships, and grow as a leader.
Build trusted relationships with leaders across sectors, industries, and geographic regions.
Focus Areas
Understanding the issues that shape our state.
LGLP participants engage with some of the most important issues shaping New Mexico communities, while developing the personal leadership skills needed to navigate complex challenges.
LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Develop leadership skills, perspective, and self awareness through experiential learning and reflection.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & WORKFORCE
Explore New Mexico's economy, workforce, industries, and opportunities for economic growth.
EDUCATION
Examine the systems, challenges, and opportunities shaping education across New Mexico.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Gain insight into the health and human services systems serving communities throughout the state.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
Explore the natural resources, energy industries, and environmental issues that influence New Mexico's future.
GOVERNMENT, CRIME & JUSTICE
Develop a deeper understanding of government, public safety, crime, and justice across New Mexico.
Session content evolves annually to reflect emerging challenges and real time conditions across the state.
The Journey
Two sessions. Two communities. One statewide leadership experience.
📍 CLOVIS/PORTALES
- February 16 to 19, 2027
- Opening Retreat & Orientation
📍 CARLSBAD
- April 13 to 16, 2027
- Graduation Session
Each session combines issue-based learning, community experiences, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with fellow leaders from across New Mexico.
The Commitment & Who Should Apply
LGLP is an immersive experience designed for established leaders who are ready to be fully present, engaged, and invested in their communities and the future of New Mexico.
The program includes:
• Two immersive 2.5-day sessions in communities across Eastern New Mexico
• Experiential learning focused on issues affecting New Mexico communities
• Personal leadership skill-building throughout the program
• Meaningful opportunities to build relationships with leaders from across the state
LGLP is open to municipal, county, and state officials, school board members, National Guard members, and regional councils of government. The cohort is intentionally selected to bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, communities, and backgrounds.
TUITION: $750
Tuition covers all program costs, program materials, meals during sessions, and transportation during sessions.
Participants (or their sponsoring organizations) are responsible for travel and lodging expenses. Leadership New Mexico works with local hotels to secure discounted room blocks for each session.
Participants are required to stay at the designated host hotel for each session. While this is not simply a matter of convenience, it is an important part of the program experience. Many of the most meaningful conversations, networking opportunities, and relationships are built before breakfast, after dinner, and during informal time with classmates. Staying together helps ensure that everyone receives the full value and impact of the program.
WHAT LGLP PARTICIPANTS SAY
"Leadership New Mexico showed me Querencia in action - leaders turning their love of place into service so communities across our state can thrive."
"My experience with Leadership New Mexico taught me that leaders exist at every level and that you don’t have to hold the highest title in the room to make an impact. It also opened my eyes to just how interconnected New Mexico is and how willing people are to come together, support one another, and share their knowledge when it comes to helping our state succeed. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the people and communities that make New Mexico what it is and showed me how much we can accomplish when we work together."
"LGLP was an amazing opportunity to interact with community leaders, learn about different New Mexico business ventures, and gain a better understanding of dynamic ways to support our efforts to make our state great.”
READY TO LEAD WHERE IT MATTERS MOST?
BECOME AN LGLP SPONSOR
The 2027 Local Government Leadership Program is getting ready to bring leaders from across New Mexico together for an immersive leadership experience. As the program year gets underway, this space will recognize the organizations that invest in developing leaders who serve communities across our state.
Want to see your organization's logo here?
Contact Leadership New Mexico to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how your organization can support the 2027 LGLP cohort.