Local Elected Leadership Conference

The Wisconsin Progress Institute convenes a summit every odd-numbered year of local elected officials to foster innovation and collaboration across the state and connect alumni to new and emerging leaders.

Leadership development is essential for local electeds because these individuals make decisions that directly impact people’s daily lives—from schools and housing to public safety and infrastructure. These leaders often take office with a deep commitment to their communities but limited access to training in governance, communication, and policy strategy. Leadership development builds their confidence, sharpens their skills, and helps them navigate complex systems effectively. It also strengthens their ability to engage constituents, collaborate across differences, and deliver on bold, equitable solutions.

The Local Elected Leadership Conference provides an opportunity to bring elected officials together for education, policy sharing, skill building, leadership development, networking, and mentorship. Conference sessions include sessions such as “Local Government 101” and breakout workshops for county board, school board, and municipal government. Elected officials have ample opportunity to network in strengthening their relationships within their region and across the state, and discuss collective issues, barriers to action, and community organizing strategies for long-term movement building and systemic change. This conference is an important opportunity to build the relationships, skills, and networking needed to sustain the Wisconsin progressive movement for years to come.

Attendees are able to:

  • Network with other local electeds and elected leaders from around Wisconsin, representing various forms of government 

  • Identify strategies and best practices to develop, share, implement, and track progressive policies and efforts within their scope of work 

  • Attend conference sessions on topics such as “Local Government 101” and breakout workshops for county board, school board, and municipal government

  • Learn about issues that will likely arise during public service, including topics such as but are not limited to labor organizing, LGBTQ+ rights, housing, public education, and environmental protections

  • Sharpen leadership skills in both the formal and community organizing settings 

  • Develop progressive budgeting skills and policy positions 

  • Understand state limitations on what local governments are and are not allowed to do in situations where local control is pre-empted

A donation is not required to attend, but it does help fund the work of Wisconsin Progress Institute.