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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the next class of Leadership Alexandria, a nine-month civic leadership program for emerging and established community leaders.
The program offers participants behind-the-scenes access to the city's institutions through candid conversations with elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executives, public safety experts and cultural innovators. Focus areas include local and state government, economic development, arts, tourism and history, business and nonprofit leadership, and public safety and justice. Sessions also address education, transportation, housing and sustainability.
Leadership training uses the Work of Leaders framework, which is grounded in years of research and approaches leadership through vision, alignment and execution. The curriculum spans five sessions, beginning with a personal behavioral assessment and individual development plan, followed by segments on shaping a vision, building alignment through communication, championing execution through honest feedback and a closing reflection on participants' growth.
The class meets once a month on a Friday for a full day of programming, roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled dates run from Sept. 18, 2026, through April 16, 2027, with a regional leadership summit planned for May.
Tuition is $5,000 and is due by Aug. 15, 2026. Payment is accepted by check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. A limited number of small partial scholarships are available but not guaranteed; applicants seeking aid must complete the scholarship section of the application.
The most recent group, the Class of 2026, drew about two dozen participants from across the city, including representatives of the city government, the police and sheriff's offices, the fire department, banks, nonprofits, small businesses, and health organizations.
The application deadline is the close of business on June 30. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by July 31, 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit thechamberalx.com/program/leadership-alexandria. Questions can be directed to Maria Ciarrocchi at mciarrocchi@thechamberalx.com.
