Leadership La Plata

Apply to Leadership La Plata - Class of 2025/2026
Applications are now open!

LLP Alum Contributions/Dues

"Leaders may be "born," but they're much more effective when "trained."
Leadership La Plata is the skills training and broad-based community education arm of the Durango Chamber of Commerce.
It's mission is to build a group of informed leaders who are committed to broadening their knowledge of La Plata County, refining & developing their leadership skills, and utilizing them for the benefit of our diverse community.

Each year, a diverse group of dynamic and talented individuals is selected to be part of Leadership La Plata (LLP). Since its founding in 1988, LLP has graduated more than 400 concerned citizens, and counts among its alumni business leaders, government officials, nonprofit directors, active private citizens and more – all committed to making a difference in La Plata County.

As an all-volunteer organization, Leadership La Plata relies on the support of the community to provide both monetary and in-kind donations to continue the legacy of leadership and enhancement of our county.

Participants in LLP are selected through a written application and personal interview procedure organized by the Selection Committee, made up of LLP graduates. Every effort is made to build a dynamic and economically, socially and occupationally diverse class of individuals who will contribute his or her unique attributes, background and expertise to the whole. Recruitment traditionally begins in April, and LLP hosts free informational receptions to allow prospective candidates to meet current class members and alumni and learn more about the program.

LLP class participation is a 2-year commitment. Year 1 starts with a three-day, September retreat, followed by eight all-day sessions on the second Friday of the month, October-May. An all-day Visioning session is held the third Friday in May; this is also graduation day! Leadership skill development is integrated as a key component of every session in the LLP curriculum. The eight-session topics are: Arts & Culture, Business, Diversity/Regional Issues, Education, Environment, Government, Health & Human Services, and Public Safety/Criminal Justice. Year 2 consists of two-member teams planning and coordinating a Friday session for next year’s LLP class.
Applications were due May 31st by 11:59pm and are now closed. Thank you to all who applied. We received a tremendous amount of very qualified applications and we are very grateful. To all who applied, we will be in touch to schedule interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will interviews occur for LLP? In-person interviews will be held in June and final class selection & notifications will be mid-July.
What is tuition for the LLP 9-month program? Tuition is $850 with opportunities for scholarships which can be requested
What are the requirements to apply? Applicants must be 25 years + and have resided in La Plata County for at least a year OR worked in La Plata County for at least 5 years. If selected, applicants must commit to the LLP weekend retreat & 9 full-days class schedule. Your supervisor/employer also must agree to your participation & allowing the necessary time off to spend with LLP.
What are the Dates of Classes?
Leadership La Plata Class Schedule for 2025/2026
May 31 at 11:59 pm Applications are due for the 2025/2026 Class
Sept 12-14, 2025 Class Retreat (all day)
Monthly Class Meetings are the 2nd Friday of the month (October - May)
May 15, 2026 Class Graduation
What questions are asked in the LLP Application?
1. List & explain involvement with any pertinent civic, community, business, cultural or professional organizations in which you've participated (including any elected/appointed offices, awards, recognitions, etc)
2. Identify & briefly discuss challenges/opportunities that are critical to the future of La Plata County. How would you handle each one?
3. How do you feel LLP might help establish yourself or grow as a leader in La Plata County?
4. Describe the single most important thing you've done for your community.
5. How do you believe the community will benefit from your participation in LLP?
6. What do you perceive as your leadership challenges?
7. What does being a responsible citizen mean to you?
8. What interested you about LLP & what do you hope to gain from your experience?
Do I need to submit references? Two individuals must provide letters of reference for you, which should be uploaded in the LLP online application. It is suggested, but not required, that at least one reference be a Leadership La Plata graduate. For a list of alumni, visit this page.
Send Application Questions to Melisa Jackson-Palmer.

Leadership La Plata Class Schedule for 2025/2026
Sept 12-14, 2025 Class Retreat
Monthly Class Meetings are the 2nd Friday of the month (October - May)
May 15, 2026 Class Graduation