The Local Leadership Lab is a free, two-part practical skills training for new and returning local elected officials who want to govern effectively. Build skills, practice common scenarios, ask the questions you don’t always get to ask, and leave with a clear plan for how you want to govern. Participants will join their peers in a cohort style program designed to forge lasting relationships to connect working age leaders across communities. 

LOCAL LEADERSHIP LAB

Space is limited. Sign up now. Registration ends Friday, April 3rd and will be capped at 20 participants.

First Session: Saturday, April 25 @ 10am | Second Session: Saturday, May 2 @ 10am

Local offices don't come with an instruction manual. Yet from day one, you’re expected to understand municipal quirks, run meetings, navigate budgets, respond to constituents, and make high-stakes decisions in public.

This two-day intensive is designed for new and returning local elected officials who want to govern confidently and effectively. Participants build practical skills in meeting management, 91-A compliance, budget decision-making, and community-rooted leadership. You’ll leave with a clear governance plan tailored to your town.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU.

  • Practical governing skills – build the hard skills you’ll use immediately: run effective meetings, navigate agendas and Robert’s Rules, stay compliant with 91-A, understand municipal budgets, ask smarter questions of department heads, and communicate confidently with constituents.

  • A cohort of peers – you’ll join a small group of local elected officials navigating the same challenges. Build relationships, swap strategies, and stay connected beyond the program.

  • Access to experts and issue leaders - connect with policy experts and issue leaders who understand NH’s municipal landscape. 

  • Ongoing support and resources - gain tools, templates, and guidance you can rely on. Get access to a private Discord community to problem-solve in real time, plus opportunities for continued learning and issue deep-dives.

  • A clear governance plan – you won’t just leave with notes. You’ll leave with a practical, personalized plan for how you want to govern.

WHO’S IT FOR?

The 2026 Local Leadership Lab is designed for local officials who were elected in the 2025 and 2026 Town and City Elections.

Whether this is your first term or you’ve served before, the Lab is built for a range of experience levels. If you’re brand new and looking for clarity on where you fit into local government, you’ll gain the foundational skills you need to feel confident from day one. If you’re returning to office, you’ll sharpen your approach, strengthen your strategy, and refine how you lead.

This program is open to town and city officials; such as select board members, city councilors, aldermen, and other municipal officeholders. (State officials are not eligible – yet!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

I’m a returning elected official. Is this for me?

Yes. The Local Leadership Lab is built for both new and returning officials. If you’ve served before, this is a chance to sharpen your approach, strengthen your budget strategy, refine how you lead meetings, and be more intentional about your next term. 

I’ve already attended meetings, what will I actually gain?

You’ll practice real scenarios you’re likely to face, and deepen your understanding of meeting mechanics, RSA 91-A compliance, and municipal budgeting. You’ll also leave with a clear governance plan tailored to your town, plus access to ongoing peer support and resources.

I’m brand new and feel like I don’t know enough yet. Is that okay?

Absolutely. The Lab is designed to meet participants at different experience levels. If you’re new, you’ll gain foundational clarity on how local government operates and where your influence lives – in a supportive, practical environment.

Is this only for certain towns or cities?

No. The Lab is open to town and city officials across New Hampshire, including select board members, city councilors, aldermen, and other municipal officeholders.

How is this different from other municipal trainings?

The Local Leadership Lab focuses on practical skill-building, real-world situations, and peer connection – not just information. You won’t just learn how government works, you’ll practice navigating it and leave with a clear plan for how you want to lead.

What’s the time commitment?

The core program includes two in-person Saturday sessions, a brief 1:1 check-in prior to the first session, and optional ongoing engagement through our private Discord and future learning opportunities.

What if I don’t know other participants?

That’s part of the fun! The cohort model is designed to connect working-age leaders across communities and build relationships that last beyond the Lab.