National Forum of Black Public Administrators’ Tampa Bay project goal is to inform public sector leadership of innovative collaborations that can assist them in building a professional toolbox. The methodology for its program consists of effective communication, corporate partnerships and leveraging university intellectual assets.

In tough economic times, training is often one of the first things to go. According to the 2009 survey by Experts, a learning-services firm indicated that 49% of the respondents expected to decrease training budgets for the upcoming year. The survey results of 84 corporate and government organizations also revealed, “the primary reason for decreased training is the lack of evidence that a connection between training and positive impact on the organization is evident.” However, the NFBPA Tampa Bay Area Chapter’s Leadership Conference has a model of proven results of effectiveness.

Accordingly, the NFBPA Tampa Bay Area Chapter saw the need to provide an affordable local opportunity which clearly establishes a connection between practical application and training was developed. To that end, it implemented a bold initiative that combined existing and potential employees from various governments entities, university partners, elected officials, and corporate members to engage in dialogue, train, and network in a risk free environment where issues and solutions specific to African American leadership. This initiative was developed to design a professional tool box that would empower participants to take strategic risks and bolder and broader steps while being inclusive of the overall environment and needs of the community as a whole. Simply stated, its primary BOLD move was addressing real life situations and asking tough questions and expecting honest empirical feedback from all stakeholders.