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Bay Cities Leadership Academy grows; Eureka hosts cohort serving multiple Humboldt agencies
Summary
City HR and alumni described an eight‑session leadership academy now in its fourth year, expanded to include cities, JPAs and utilities across the region; participation is subsidized to keep costs low.
City of Eureka staff briefed the council Sept. 24 on the Bay Cities Leadership Academy (BCLA), a local leadership training program now in its fourth year that brings municipal staff from multiple Humboldt County jurisdictions together for an eight‑session curriculum emphasizing self‑awareness, difficult conversations and practical leadership tools.
Human Resources Director Will Folger and alumni speakers described the program’s goals: keep costs low compared with out‑of‑area training, tailor content to local government roles, and build regional networks among municipal managers and emerging leaders. The program charges participating agencies about $1,400 per participant — less than comparable programs — and the city hosts sessions and contributes staff time and facilities. Cohort 4 will include participating cities and agencies across the region (Arcata, Blue Lake, Fortuna, Ferndale, Rio Dell, Trinidad), JPAs and special districts.
Alumni said the curriculum emphasizes practical exercises, “courageous conversations,” scenario practice and peer learning. The program includes guest presenters, alumni contributors and follow‑up advanced trainings for alumni. Folger said the Academy’s intellectual property was donated by prior instructors and that the program now operates with a mix of local facilitators and outside experts. The council thanked staff and recommended continued promotion of the program to partner agencies; no formal action was required.
