Community Leadership Academies Engage Residents in Health and Civic Initiatives

Several U.S. communities are launching leadership and civic engagement programs to empower residents and youth. In Benton Harbor, Michigan, the Community Leadership Academy trains residents to develop projects that improve neighborhood health through better food access and recreation, with plans to expand to other cities. Springfield, Illinois, continues to address downtown economic challenges and improve parking signage to support local businesses, with ongoing community forums hosted by the Citizens Club. Rockford, Illinois, faces debates over crime rates, property taxes, and neighborhood divisions, reflecting differing resident perspectives on public safety and development. Las Cruces, New Mexico, offers a Developing Youth Leaders Academy during fall break, introducing high schoolers to city operations and career paths in public service. Meanwhile, Bentonville, Arkansas, holds a semiannual event, Bentonville Connections, allowing residents to engage directly with the mayor and city departments on topics ranging from water rates to public safety and development projects.