Applications for the Leadership Portland Class of 2026 are now open! Click here to apply!
Leadership Portland is the Chamber’s long-standing civic engagement program, helping Portland professionals understand the institutions and critical issues impacting our region. Class cohorts participate in monthly program days, exploring different aspects of civic life in the Rose City: local and state government, public safety, land use, education, housing and infrastructure, arts and culture, and more. Programming includes topical deep-dives, panels, group discussions, site visits, and excursions, all aimed at deepening the cohort’s insight into Portland.
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 1, 2025-May 31, 2025
Applicant Interviews: June-July
Applicant Notifications: July
Leadership Portland Retreat (two days): September 15 – September 16, 2025 (at Skamania Lodge)
Monthly Program Days:
– Education: October 22
– Healthcare: November 20
– Arts & Culture: December 18
– Housing + Homelessness: January 22
– State Government: February (Date TBD)
– Local Government: March 18
– Public Safety: April 23
– Economic Development: May 28
Class Graduation: June
To participate in the Leadership Portland program, participants must meet all of the following requirements:
For the 2025-2026 program year, Leadership Portland tuition will be $3,500.
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 this information 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:
Kyle Baisch, Senior Vice President, Portland Market President, Oregon Pacific Bank
Staff Lead:
Kat Langley-Rokhlin, Director of Leadership Programming, Portland Metro Chamber