Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta (CLIA)
The Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta (CLIA) is offered by the Department of City Planning (DCP) in partnership with Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU) Office of Online Learning & Continuing Education (OLCE).
The program equips residents with the tools to create meaningful change in Atlanta. Rooted in the city's rich history of activism and local engagement, this course explores the Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system, key social movements, and effective leadership strategies. Participants will learn how to navigate local government, build inclusive coalitions, and apply ethical, culturally responsible approaches to community development.
Whether you're just getting involved or deepening your impact, this course will help you lead with purpose, insight, and resilience.
Spring 2026 Term (February 17 – May 2)
Program Format: In-person, virtual and hybrid
Schedule: Every other Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Clark Atlanta University and select historical/civic sites across Atlanta
Program Cost: The Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta is free and made possible through public funding and City of Atlanta resources.
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking 25 participants who:
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Are 18 years or older
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Reside within the Atlanta city limits (or are a City of Atlanta employee)
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Can attend all six sessions in full
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Are available for a 30-minute virtual interview
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Are actively involved in their community and can supply references
How to Apply?
Click below to submit an application. We’re accepting applications until December 15th, 2025.
For questions, contact:
📧 NPU-U@AtlantaGA.gov
📞 (404) 895-7828
Program Schedule & Sessions
Every other Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Session 1 | Orientation & Foundations
📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Analyze the historical and civic foundations of community engagement in Atlanta, including the evolution of the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system.
Session 2 | The Real History of Atlanta
📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026
Citywide tour: Interpret the historical and cultural significance of key Atlanta landmarks by exploring how past events shape present-day challenges and opportunities.
Session 3 | Community Leadership, Ethics, and Conflict Resolution
📅 Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Explore ethical leadership, conflict resolution, and culturally responsible engagement in the context of community development and collaboration.
Session 4 | Civic Participation
📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Identify key mechanisms for participation in Atlanta’s local governance and design a personal plan for sustained civic involvement.
Session 5 | Building from Strengths: Asset-Based Community Development
📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Distinguish between asset-based and needs-based models of community development and assess the long-term impact of community-driven initiatives on local resilience and equity.
Session 6 | Leading Together: Adaptive Thinking and Collaborative Solution Seeking
📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
Practice collaboratively analyzing complex community issues and generating inclusive, strengths-based solutions that reflect diverse stakeholder perspectives.