Description

Leading Economic Transformation is an applied learning cohort for public sector leaders from communities of all sizes and is intended to prepare them to navigate the evolving landscape of community economic development. It is offered in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers.

This peer-to-peer learning program is for city and county economic development leaders including administrators, clerks, and economic development staff who are involved in day-to-day operations. Economic development authority board members and elected officials are welcome to attend, though course content is focused toward staff roles and responsibilities as the program moves beyond basic economic development strategies to encourage systems thinking and deepen skills for leading. Participants should come with experience in their role and within their community, along with an interest in exploring new approaches.

Offered online, each session builds on the previous session's content and will enhance skills to navigate change through uncertain times, build a network of peers for ongoing support, strengthen individual confidence and ability to address unknown or uncomfortable issues, and deepen understanding around roles for local government leaders in initiating and leading economic transformation efforts.

Participants will be expected to spend 30 minutes of preparation (watching course videos and/or reading articles) every week prior to the sessions. Everyone will experience course instructors, peer learning in small groups, a case example, and have access to a course site with additional resources to deepen their learning. A certificate of completion is available to those who attend all six sessions and complete a Personal Action Plan.

The sessions will be virtual using Zoom on the following dates.
February 4 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Course Welcome and Overview
February 11 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Exploring Economic Transformation
February 18 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Navigating Complexity
February 25 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Adaptive Leadership Skills
March 4 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Systems Thinking for Community Change
March 11 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Course Reflection and Wrap-up 

Space is limited to 25 participants. There are no refunds for cancellation requests received after registration closes at 4:00 pm on January 23, 2026.

Registration fee: $225

Course Contacts

Jody Horntvedt
hornt001@umn.edu
218-689-0281

John Bennett
jbennet@umn.edu
218-726-6471

Becca Leys
leysx006@umn.edu
507-389-6979

Lisa Hinz
hinzx001@umn.edu
320-203-6050

Registration questions

Extension Learning Technologies
ext-reg@umn.edu

To register by phone

Paying online using our registration portal is secure, available 24 hours a day, and provides immediate enrollment. However, if you wish to register by phone, Extension registration professionals are here to help. Please contact us using one of the following methods. We will be in touch within three business days. Mention " Leading Economic Transformation" in your message.

• Request registration by phone: z.umn.edu/registrationhelp (preferred)
• or call the voicemail line to leave a message at (612) 626-5174. 

Help with online learning

https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/get-help-online-learning