Since 1995, The Queen Creek Citizen Leadership Institute (CLI) has graduated 700+ participants and continues to be an integral and valuable part of the Queen Creek experience. 

QC Citizen Leaders are citizen ambassadors, civic leaders and community stewards.

This award-winning program is designed to: 

1. Provide an avenue for residents to help plan the community's future.
2. Spark an interest in local issues.
3. Present information about important questions facing the Town.
4. Develop a pool of informed residents willing to serve as local leaders on boards, commissions and among their neighbors. 

In addition to guest speakers, class sessions feature group discussions, activities, field trips and other topic-related exercises. During the course of the leadership program, participants interact with members of the Town Council, Town staff, local business leaders, neighbors and community members. Participants learn how local government works, how decisions are made, and develop their leadership skills via on-site exercises, practice presentations and peer-to-peer networking. 

Participants who complete the leadership program are recognized by the Town Council at a graduation ceremony and are considered for future committee appointments and leadership opportunities. Anyone who lives or works in the Queen Creek area is welcome to attend, however most Town committees require residency in the Town limits in order to qualify for appointment.

To graduate, participants are required to complete the following activities:

• Attend seven of the 10 class sessions and the Project Presentation Practice Night
• Volunteer at a Town-hosted event or program
• Participate in a class service project
• Attend one Town Council meeting 
• Attend one Town Commission meeting

By participating in this program, residents learn how local government works. Participants learn how the Town of Queen Creek makes decisions and prioritizes projects; and how residents can participate in the future planning and growth of their local community.

See below for tenative schedule, pending any final changes prior to start date.  

Orientation Check-In
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6-7 p.m.

Stop by anytime between 6-7 p.m. to pick up all your supplies for class, register and participate in a team building exercise.  

Session 1 – Organizational Structure
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8:30 p.m.

Learn about the CLI experience, Town history, general governance & organizational structure.

Session 2 – Budget & Finance
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6-8:30 p.m.

Gain an understanding of the Town’s budget and how projects are funded.

Session 3 - Civic Leadership: Group Projects
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6-8:30 p.m.  

Begin to develop your project plan during this working session. 

Session 4 - Development Services, Economic Development
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6-8:30 p.m.

Learn about the Town’s planning process to better understand how the Town develops and grows, while bringing in new businesses, visitors and residents to the area. 

Session 5 –Environmental Services & Water Conservation
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Learn about trash, recycling, air quality, stormwater and water conservation

Session 6 – Parks & Recreation and Communications
Tuesday, March 3, 6-8:30 p.m.

Experience QC parks, trails and recreation opportunities. Learn how the Town shares our story with residents, businesses and visitors.

Session 7 –  Workforce Development
Tuesday, March 24, 6-8:30 p.m.

Learn about the various ways Queen Creek is growing the next generation of talent. Hosted by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with district schools, higher education and Queen Creek’s Human Resources Department.

Session 8 – Public Safety
Tuesday, March 31, 6-8:30 p.m.  

Go behind-the-scenes with Queen Creek’s Fire, Medical and Police departments.

Session 9 – Infrastructure, Operations & Maintenance
Tuesday, April 7, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our roads and capital improvement program.

Session 10 - Water Utilities & The Town Clerk's Office
Tuesday, April 14, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Learn about the Town’s water resources and how we are planning for the future. Then hear from the Town Clerk's office and representatives from Maricopa and Pinal County regarding local elections. 

Project Presentation Practice Night &  Nonprofit Community Expo 
Tuesday, April 21, 6-8:30 p.m. 

Group will run through graduation preparation exercises. Meet local organizations looking for volunteer leaders to make a difference in our community.

Graduation and Class Project Presentations
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 p.m.

Time to celebrate completion of the program with friends and family!

 *Schedule is subject to change.