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Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Downtown Denver Leadership Program. Please review the information below before starting your application.

Length of Program: February - October 2026

Program Fee: Member: $4,000 | Non-Member: $4,750

Scholarships Available - There will be space in this application form to indicate if you would like to request a scholarship.

Please have your personal statement ready before beginning this application. If you have not done so already, please review the program overview for application details.

Program Includes

• General Sessions – The eight (8) General Sessions of the class will feature leadership development workshops, group discussions on city-building topics, class project work time and networking opportunities.

• Leadership Luncheons – Participate in three (3) intimate luncheon opportunities with notable Downtown Denver leaders and decision makers.

• Social Programming – Attend hosted social outings with classmates and alumni to expand your network and form deeper connections across industries.

2026 DDLP Class Project: Building For Belonging

Every year, the Downtown Denver Leadership Program collaborates to unravel the complexities of city-building by undertaking a project that is relevant to the work of the Downtown Denver Partnership.

Our 2026 class project will explore a vital question that affects us all: How do we create a Downtown Denver where everyone feels they belong?

Belonging is the foundation for thriving communities. When people feel connected to the places they inhabit, research shows they experience better health, stronger workplace satisfaction, greater trust in their neighbors and local institutions, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Yet today, according to the 2024 Colorado Belonging Barometer Report, just over half of Coloradans report feeling a true sense of belonging in their communities. At the Downtown Denver Partnership, we recognize that addressing this gap is essential to building an economically competitive, resilient downtown that serves us all.

Through collaborative sessions with community leaders and hands-on project development, participants in the 2026 Leadership Program will examine the barriers and opportunities that shape how people experience our city center. Working in small groups, you'll design and implement tangible projects aligned with the 2024 Downtown Area Plan that create visible change in how people connect with Downtown Denver. These aren't theoretical exercises, they are real initiatives with lasting impact where the goal is that all feel represented, inspired, and welcomed.

This program is more than professional development; it’s an opportunity to practice leadership that matters, build relationships across sectors that will extend throughout your career, and contribute directly to shaping the next decade of our city's evolution. Whether you're brand new to urban planning or deeply experienced in city-building work, if you're passionate about downtown's future and ready to contribute your unique perspective, we urge you to join the effort and apply to our 2026 program.