Civic Results recently announced the 2025/2026 cohort of the Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA)—a statewide leadership program designed to support and strengthen municipal leaders through in-depth training, peer exchange, and collaborative problem-solving. Brighton Mayor Pro Tem Peter Padilla has been selected to join the upcoming cohort of municipal leaders.
Now in its second full year, the MLA provides Colorado’s elected municipal officials with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of good governance, build cross-community relationships, and explore key policy areas such as economic development, housing, communications, public safety, and sustainability.
At a time when local government is more important than ever, municipal leaders are on the front lines of policymaking that directly impacts the daily lives of Coloradans. Whether it’s shaping housing solutions, responding to emergencies, or fostering economic resilience, local elected officials have the power to effect meaningful change—quickly and collaboratively. The Municipal Leadership Academy equips them with the tools, training, and network to lead with vision and impact.
This year’s diverse and dynamic cohort includes 16 elected officials from communities across Colorado:
- Frankie Ashton, City Councilor – City of Victor
- Rondle Cole, City Councilmember – City of Castle Pines
- Rebekka Dailey, Trustee – Town of Wellington
- Jonnah Glassman, Town Councilmember – Town of Silverthorne
- Storm Gloor, Mayor Pro Tem – City of Glendale
- Josh Hardy, Mayor – Town of Granby
- Mitch LaKind, Mayor – Town of Monument
- Justin Martinez, City Councilmember – City of Thornton
- Tim McClung, Mayor – City of Yuma
- Melinda Myers, Mayor – Town of Moffat
- Paula Nystrom, City Councilmember – City of Lakewood
- Peter Padilla, Mayor Pro Tem – City of Brighton
- Andrea Peters, City Councilmember – City of Littleton
- Ryan Schuchard, Councilmember – City of Boulder
- Charles Shupe, Mayor – City of Las Animas
- Amy Tharp, City Councilmember – City of Centennial
Participants will attend seven sessions from August 2025 to March 2026, rotating across locations statewide to reflect Colorado’s geographic and cultural diversity. The program is designed and facilitated by Civic Results, in partnership with the Colorado Municipal League, CIRSA, subject matter experts, and professional trainers.
“We’re excited to welcome this exceptional group of local leaders into the Municipal Leadership Academy,” said Heidi Williams, President & CEO of Civic Results and Executive Director of the Metro Mayors Caucus. “These local elected officials are stepping up to not only lead in their own communities, but to collaborate with peers from across the state to tackle the complex challenges Colorado faces.”
To learn more about the Municipal Leadership Academy, visit: www.civicresults.org
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