Women’s Municipal Leadership Program
The Women’s Municipal Leadership Program (WMLP) helps aspiring women advance the skills needed to become strong local government managers. The capstone of the 16/50 Project, WMLP provides a transformative training experience that combines expert instruction, executive coaching, and peer connections.
Michigan communities deserve exceptional leaders. By preparing more highly qualified candidates for top municipal management roles, the program strengthens the talent pipeline and ensures our cities and villages have access to the best leadership available.
What participants gain:
- A comprehensive curriculum: topics covered include municipal budgeting and finance, economic development, council–manager relationships, and interviewing and negotiating
- Insights from experienced municipal managers and leadership experts through panels, lectures, and dialogue
- Hands-on practice in a mock interview with real-time feedback from seasoned managers who’ve been there
- A network of peers and other connections to support participants throughout their careers
2026 2026 Program
The 2026 Women’s Municipal Leadership Program will run from August to December 2026.
Programs Dates
August 21 (in-person, Lansing)
September 18-19 (virtual)
October 1-2 (virtual)
November 13 (in-person, Lansing)
December 3-4 (virtual)
Program Details & FAQ
Session Logistics
The Women’s Municipal Leadership Program runs monthly from August through December. Sessions in August and November are held in person at the League’s Capital Office in Lansing, while the remaining sessions are conducted virtually over two days each month.
For planning purposes, in-person sessions typically run from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while virtual sessions are held in the morning hours (generally 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) on each day. A detailed agenda will be shared with accepted participants at the time of notification to support planning and scheduling.
Who Should Apply
This program is open to Michigan women with a demonstrated interest in serving as local government managers.
Program Cost
To help offset program costs while maintaining accessibility, a $150 program fee is required for selected participants. This fee covers participation in all five sessions, including in-person programming, materials, and meals provided during in-person sessions. The majority of program costs continue to be supported by the Michigan Municipal League and generous sponsors.
Application Requirements
Complete application (online form) including resume in PDF format.
Application & Acceptance Timeline
Applications for 2026 cohort are now open and will close on Friday, May 15, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by Friday, June 26, 2026.
Participation Expectation
WMLP is a competitive program, with significantly more qualified applicants than spots available. For those accepted, the program incorporates practical topic education, personal leadership development, and interactive dialogue that rely on active participation for best results. For these reasons, participation in all five sessions is expected and required.