Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lead Local designed for?
Lead Local is designed for emerging and established leaders who want to strengthen their leadership skills, better understand the communities of Niles and Morton Grove, and become more involved in shaping their workplaces and communities.
Participants may come from businesses, nonprofits, schools, local government, community organizations, or other professional backgrounds. You do not need to have a formal leadership title to participate.
Is Lead Local right for me?
If you are interested in becoming a stronger, more confident leader and want a better understanding of how businesses, government, nonprofits, and community organizations work together, Lead Local may be a good fit.
The program is especially valuable for people who are ready to take on greater responsibility, expand their community connections, or become more involved in civic and professional leadership.
Do I need to live or work in Niles or Morton Grove?
Lead Local is focused on Niles and Morton Grove, so priority will be given to people who live, work, do business, volunteer, or have another meaningful connection to these communities.
Can I apply myself, or does my employer need to nominate me?
You can apply on your own. An employer nomination is not required.
Employers are also encouraged to identify employees with leadership potential and support their participation in the program.
What will I learn?
Lead Local combines leadership development with practical community knowledge. Participants will explore leadership styles and skills while learning more about local government, economic development, business, education, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions that help communities function and grow.
Discover more about the cirriculum here.
What is the time commitment?
Lead Local is a seven-month program with sessions held once a month on the second Tuesday from 9-12. Participants should also expect some additional time for activities, conversations, and a community-based project outside of scheduled sessions.
Because much of the value comes from learning alongside the cohort, participants should plan to make attendance a priority.
When and where are sessions held?
Sessions will be held at locations throughout Niles and Morton Grove, giving participants an opportunity to experience different businesses, organizations, and community institutions firsthand.
Specific locations will be provided to participants before the program begins.
What happens if I have to miss a session?
We understand that work and life occasionally interfere with even the best calendar.
Participants are expected to attend as many sessions as possible because each session builds on the larger program experience. If you know in advance that you will need to miss a session, please contact the program organizers.
Will participants complete a community project?
Yes. Participants will have an opportunity to put what they are learning into practice through a collaborative community project.
The project gives the cohort a chance to identify an opportunity or challenge, work together, engage community partners, and apply leadership skills in a real-world setting.
Who teaches the program?
Lead Local is guided by experienced educators, business leaders, civic leaders, and community professionals.
The program's Lead Educator is Dr. Hamid Akbari, whose career includes more than four decades in higher education, leadership development, and community service. Guest speakers and local leaders will also bring their experience and perspectives into individual sessions.
What is the cost to participate?
The program fee is $1195 and includes program sessions, materials, activities, and other resources provided throughout the academy. For early registrants, the cost is $895 and Chamber Members receivedan additional $100 discount. Early registrant Chamber members pay a fee of $795.
Employers are encouraged to consider Lead Local as a professional development investment for employees with leadership potential.
Can my employer pay for the program?
Absolutely. Many participants may attend as part of their employer's professional development or leadership succession planning.
Employers can sponsor an employee's participation or encourage an employee to apply directly.
How does the application process work?
Interested participants will complete a short application sharing information about their professional and community experience, leadership goals, and what they hope to gain from Lead Local.
The application helps us build a cohort with a variety of experiences, perspectives, industries, and community connections.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027 cohort are due December 1, 2026. Early registration ends on November 1, 2026.
Because space is limited, interested participants are encouraged to apply early.
How many participants will be accepted?
Lead Local is intentionally designed as a cohort-based experience, allowing participants to know one another, participate in meaningful discussion, and build relationships throughout the program.
The 2027 cohort will be limited to 20 participants.
How is Lead Local different from other leadership programs?
Lead Local connects leadership development directly to the communities where participants live, work, and serve.
Rather than focusing only on classroom instruction, participants will meet local decision-makers, explore community institutions, build relationships across sectors, and apply what they learn through practical experiences.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
We are happy to help determine whether Lead Local is the right fit for you or someone in your organization.
Contact the Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry at tracy@nileschamber.com or 847-268-8180 for additional information about the program or application process.