RLI is a unique program that brings together a cross-section of leaders from across the metro region to share knowledge, learn and discuss key policy issues that impact the region, as well as build relationships to shape our region’s future to be inclusive and equitable for all its residents.
Application deadline was April 11, 2024.
The Regional Leadership Institute (RLI) immerses participants in key issues facing the metro region. To do so, participants delve into topics ranging from housing affordability, transit and transportation planning, economic development, and workforce development. The program’s content is connected to the ARC’s core functions and key priorities. Over the course of the program, participants hear from some of the region's top leaders and subject experts while exploring policy from an intersectional lens and regional approach. This program examines how structural inequality has shaped our region and offers leaders  the tools and approaches to employ. In addition to exploring core policy issues facing the region, leaders are invited to be reflective about who they are as leaders, what tools and approaches they currently use, and what has informed their leadership.
Intersectionality
We recognize that regional challenges require us to bring in multiple lenses and sectors to address the complexity of the challenges we face.
Equity
RLI examines how multiple regional challenges have resulted from structural inequality. To address those challenges and their impact on communities, regional leaders must understand the root causes and move with equity-centered approaches.
Community
We carefully bring together a group of diverse leaders across the region and sectors. Bringing together such a diverse group means exploring a range of key policy areas for which some leaders will have greater familiarity and expertise and others less. The program encourages leaders to share their expertise and perspectives, and to be curious and open to seeing new connections in policy areas they may already be immersed in. In our selection of a cohort, we look at individual candidates while also thinking about how the class comes together as a whole to create an impactful community of regional leaders.
Fostering a space to build community, requires an exploration of self from different vantage points and lenses. In this program, we look at the whole leader and ask that participants bring their full selves, talents, and personalities into the space to co-create a region where all of us may thrive.
“The Regional Leadership Institute experience has not only deepened my awareness of the challenges facing the region, but has allowed me to interact with fellow decision makers and seek out innovative solutions to move our region forward collectively. It was one of my best experiences!”
Nicole Hendrickson, Chairwoman, Gwinnett County Government - Class of 2016
“I am always impressed with the content of the program and the participants the Regional Leadership Institute. I am often asked to give speeches at other leadership programs around the region. I always end those by suggesting that participants’ next step as leaders should be RLI. I don’t think one can be an authentic and effective leader without first understanding the regional context. There is no better way to learn than going through RLI.”
Bill Bolling, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Founder - Class of 1992
“The Regional Leadership Institute was a necessary and transformative experience for my leadership development and impact in the region. Oftentimes, we lead in silos, and RLI is an amazing opportunity to understand the collective action of our work. This experience offers the network to connect and learn from some of the region’s most impactful leaders. I am a stronger leader because of this program. Thank you Atlanta Regional Commission.”
Eshé P. Collins, Chair, Atlanta Board of Education - Class of 2021
In 2024, RLI will be hosted in downtown metro Atlanta (ARC offices) and at Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier. Program days are a combination of speaker presentations, group discussions, leadership activities, interdisciplinary and interactive panels, as well as mindfulness and leadership activities. Participants are expected to participate in all program days.
What can you expect? The program will be divided into multiple program days, study group dinners, a retreat at Lake Like Lanier Islands and a final capstone day. These dates include:
Program days will generally run from 8:30- 4:30 pm with some evening programming while participants are at Legacy Lodge Lake Lanier.
Applications are solicited from eleven counties in the metro Atlanta region – Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale. RLI intentionally brings together leaders across a diverse range of sectors, fields, and industries including education, arts, planning, civic and community advocacy, business, engineering, real estate, sustainability, parks, food systems, entertainment, and economic development to name a few.
Each cohort is intentionally composed of leaders who are diverse in sector, experience, background, geography, and expertise. Given this emphasis on diversity of experience, sector, and knowledge, we are looking for leaders who:
“During this course, you will be immersed in the key issues facing metro Atlanta today and have the opportunity to hear from some of the region’s top leaders and subject-matter experts. Expect your horizons to be broadened, your assumptions to be challenged, and your understanding of the region you call home to be deepened.”
Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO, Atlanta Regional Commission
RLI does not provide “answers” to regional challenges but creates space for regional leaders to learn, discuss, and network.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
