COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (CLI)

Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta

The Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta is offered by the Department of City Planning (DCP) in partnership with Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU) Office of Online Learning & Continuing Education (OLCE).

This program develops community-centered leaders who are prepared to create meaningful change across Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Rooted in the city’s rich history of activism, civic engagement, and community organizing, the program explores Atlanta’s civic and historical landscape, including the evolution of the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system, key social movements, and the significance of community landmarks that continue to shape the city today.

Participants will gain the tools to navigate local government, engage diverse stakeholders, build inclusive coalitions, and develop collaborative partnerships. Through a focus on ethical, culturally responsible, and community-driven leadership, the program equips residents to better understand how history, culture, public participation, and policy intersect in community development.

Whether participants are just beginning their civic engagement journey or deepening their existing impact, the Community Leadership Institute of Atlanta helps them lead with purpose, insight, and resilience.

Fall 2026 Term (August 29 – November 7)

Program Format: Required in-person sessions supported by asynchronous online learning via Canvas

Schedule: Every other Saturday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - unless otherwise noted

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.

Time Commitment

In addition to the bi-weekly in-person sessions, participants should plan to complete required asynchronous learning activities through Canvas. The in-person sessions total 31 instructional hours, and Canvas assignments will require an estimated 5–7 additional hours per module.

Program Schedule & Sessions

Every other Saturday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Session 1 | Orientation & Foundations

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026

Analyze the historical and civic foundations of community engagement in Atlanta, including the evolution of the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) system.

Session 2 | Leadership for Moving Communities Forward
📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
Explore ethical leadership, conflict resolution, and culturally responsible engagement in the context of community development and collaboration.

Session 3 | Engaging Neighbors: Practices and Protocols to Organize for Civic Participation

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026

Identify key mechanisms for participation in Atlanta’s local governance and design a personal plan for sustained civic involvement.

Session 4 | The Real History of Atlanta

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Citywide tour: Interpret the historical and cultural significance of key Atlanta landmarks by exploring how past events shape present-day challenges and opportunities.

Session 5 | Building from Strengths: Asset-Based Community Development
📅 Saturday, October 24, 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, November 7, 2026
Practice collaboratively analyzing complex community issues and generating inclusive, strengths-based solutions that reflect diverse stakeholder perspectives.

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking 25 participants who:

Are 18 years or older
Reside within the Atlanta city limits (or are a City of Atlanta employee)
Can attend all six sessions in full
Are available for a 30-minute virtual interview
Are actively involved in their community and can supply references

How to Apply?

For questions, contact:
📧 NPU-U@AtlantaGA.gov
📞 (404) 895-7828

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