Building the Next Generation of Civic Leadership

The Orlando Economic Partnership’s Public Leadership Institute rolled out 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.

Thanks to the success of the first class, and the support of Massey Services, Inc., 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.

Why Civic Leadership Matters

The Orlando region is in the middle of a steady growth period over the next 20 years, with a current projection of 3 million residents by just 2030. Although this population expansion will benefit the regions global profile and innovation potential, it will also bring real challenges for workforce development, economic growth, education systems, transportation needs, and housing affordability.

Communities benefit when people understand how government works, know how to advocate, and can bring their real‑world expertise into policy conversations.

The Orlando Economic Partnership’s Orlando 2045 regional vision highlights three strategic priorities that require strong civic leadership to guide the region’s growth: narrowing the talent gap, enhancing transit and infrastructure, and embracing modern urbanism.

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.