When the city of West Linn, Oregon, was looking for additional curriculum content for its student and adult Leadership Academies, Assistant City Manager Kirsten Wyatt, tapped into resources available through the Life, Well Run Campaign and then took it to another level. The 22 residents selected for the academy learned about the job of city manager by studying the local government 101 Prezi adapted specifically for West Linn, watching the Life, Well Run video and by role playing the job of city manager.

The Leadership Academies were developed under the direction of City Manager Chris Jordan and Wyatt. Over the course of six months, the selected participants engaged in exercises that focused on a variety of topics, including infrastructure planning, budgeting, and project prioritization. “Our goal with the academies is to empower our citizens with leadership skills that will enable them to lead in multiple ways,” Wyatt said.

During the wrap up session, participants got a flavor for what it is like to sit in the city manager’s chair. Here is one scenario—called “Balancing Expectations”—that they faced:

1. One Friday, unannounced, the mayor and one of the four city councilors knock on your door and come into your office.
2. They request that you conduct an audit of all the projects listed in the Water Master Plan (adopted two years earlier by a previous city council) to ensure that all the projects listed are necessary and that the cost estimates are accurate.
3. This undertaking would cost more than $50,000.
4. How do you handle this situation?
5. What do you tell two of your five bosses?

The scenarios led to a lively discussion facilitated by Jordan. “The participants said the exercises and lessons helped them understand more fully the multifaceted role the city manager must take on each day,” Wyatt said.

The Youth Leadership Academy was composed of 20 middle school children who received a slightly different, age-appropriate curriculum that was also focused on municipal affairs and the various roles and responsibilities in a city organization.

“My participation in the West Linn Leadership Academy enhanced my understanding of the services that my city provides,” said academy graduate and Library Advisory Board member Rebecca Cassidy.  “I will encourage my friends to participate in the next academy because of the important topics covered and the depth of understanding of our government that I received,” said Cassidy.

Advice for Communities

In its second year, Wyatt said they are continuing to refine the program. “Include and engage as many members of your staff as possible—it’s a great way for the community to recognize faces, understand the work we do, and make a “human” connection to city employees.” Wyatt said different speakers addressed each session, including a state senator and representative, the public works team, and management staff.

“It is a great way to help make these meaningful connections in West Linn,” she added.

If you are using Life, Well Run materials in your community, share your story with us at lifewellrun@icma.org.