Civic Leadership Academy


Have you ever thought about getting involved in your community, but you’re not sure how?  

Are you interested in helping guide the future of Cornelius, and developing leadership skills in the meantime?

You are invited to join Cornelius’s first Civic Leadership Academy!


A Civic Leadership Academy is designed to bring together a group of Cornelius residents to learn about City and community functions and process, and to focus on a real issue of community importance. Members will share their perspectives, work on the issue, and present to City Council. The Academy is a great way to get involved in the community and City, and especially to build skills, knowledge, and perspective to support community service, including elected office.

Civic Leadership Academy at City Council

Academy participants will:

  • Participate in three interactive workshops led by Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government
  • Engage in supported, collaborative, and hands-on research focused on a topic of community importance
  • Meet new people and establish community connections
  • Hear from City elected officials and staff about Cornelius and how our City works
  • Develop leadership skills and learn about new ways to be involved with the City
  • Present to City Council

The Academy will be just over one month long, in April, 2026, and will culminate in a presentation to City Council.

Participants must live within the incorporated boundary of the City of Cornelius. If you’re not sure about your address, use our online tool to verify whether you reside inside the City limits. You can also call City Hall at 503-357-9112 to confirm your address, or for any other questions. Our goal is to make the Civic Leadership Academy as accessible as possible.


APPLY TODAY!

  1. Civic Leadership Academy Application (PDF)
  1. 2026 Civic Leadership Academy Schedule
  2. Applications & Selection

Session 1

TBD: Introduction to Academy, civic leadership, focus on a leadership skill, introduce topic/issue for cohort

Session 2

TBD: City Councilor perspective, homework report-out, ‘how the City works’ presentation, focus on leadership skill, continue work on topic/issue

Session 3

TBD: Leadership opportunities with the City, preparation for City Council presentation, feedback from City staff, reflections

Dinner will be provided for the evening sessions, light breakfast for Session 3. The Civic Leadership Academy will be delivered in English, and translation and interpretation services will be provided upon request. Community members for whom English is their second language are encouraged to apply.

Council Presentation

TBD