Leadership Portland is the Chamber’s flagship civic engagement program, designed to help professionals better understand the institutions and critical issues shaping our region.
Through monthly program days, each cohort explores key aspects of civic life in Portland, including local and state government, public safety, land use, education, housing and infrastructure, and arts and culture. The program combines in-depth briefings, panel conversations, small group discussions, and behind-the-scenes site visits to provide a comprehensive view of how the region works.
Along the way, participants gain practical insight, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of Portland and their role in its future.
Leadership Portland is made possible, in part, through the support of:
Gain access to Portland’s top experts and decision-makers to form an understanding of the inner workings of our city.
Join an enthusiastic network of leaders, including past alumni, who can support each other in building a stronger Portland.
Engage in dynamic discussions and grow your ability to connect with diverse viewpoints.
Program Application Open: May 2026
Applicant Interviews: June-July
Applicant Notifications: Mid-July
Leadership Portland Retreat (two days): Monday, August 31 – Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (at Skamania Lodge)
Monthly Program Days:
– Education: October 21, 2026
– Healthcare: November 19, 2026
– Arts & Culture: December 17, 2026
– Housing + Homelessness: January 21, 2027
– State Government: February date TBD in Fall 2026
– Local Government: March 18, 2027
– Public Safety: April 22, 2027
– Economic Development: May 13, 2027
Class Graduation: June
To participate in the Leadership Portland program, participants must meet all of the following requirements:
For the 2026-2027 program year, Leadership Portland tuition will be $3,750.
Tuition covers all costs related to the program, including the two-day off-site retreat, program day costs, and food.
The Portland Metro Chamber is able to offer a limited number of reduced tuition allocations to a small group of participants. Recipients can generally expect to receive a 25-50% discount on their program tuition. Small businesses, community service providers, and individuals from traditionally marginalized communities are prioritized for reduced tuition. (Individuals interested in reduced tuition can indicate so on the application.)
Over the past 20 years, more than 600 local professionals have experienced the Leadership Portland program. When you join Leadership Portland, you become a part of this dynamic, larger-than-life community of alumni. The Leadership Portland Alumni Association organizes ongoing networking and educational opportunities for current and former program participants.
Leadership Portland Alumni Association is led by a volunteer committee of former program participants.
Chair:
Jessica Bryant, Trust Officer, Columbia Trust Company
Staff Lead:
Kat Langley-Rokhlin, Director of Leadership Programming, Portland Metro Chamber
