Delta Leadership Program

    The Delta Leadership Program is a joint effort of the Delta Protection Commission and the Delta Leadership Foundation to support sustained leadership development in the region.

    Goals

    • Identify and promote regional leaders.
    • Expand knowledge of key issues, opportunities, and challenges in the Delta.
    • Deliver skills and tools to enhance contributions to the Delta community.
    • Build relationships, trust, and cooperation.
    • Foster a shared sense of community.
    • Build a cadre of dedicated leaders to protect and improve the Delta.

    How It Works

    Leaders complete a five-day intensive curriculum over the course of four months: one weekday every three to four weeks, typically between mid-January and mid-May. There is an additional day-long Delta water tour.

    Each workshop devotes half a day to regional issues such as water and agriculture, public safety, and economic development, and half a day to skills development, such as negotiation, team building, innovation, values, and organizational momentum.

    Participants also complete team projects, on both workshop and personal time, designed to benefit the Delta. They present the projects to the Delta Protection Commission in May.

    A group of adults walking down an asphalt path in the middle of a green area
    A boat speeding down a slough
    Man and two women talking seriously at a table covered with papers
    A group photo of men and women
    Class of 2024

    How Participants are Chosen

    Nominations typically open in mid-September and can be seen on the Commission’s Get Involved page. (Applications for the 2025 program have closed.)

    Potential or emerging leaders can apply, or they can be nominated by anyone in the Delta community. In addition to an application/nomination form, all nominees must complete a letter of commitment indicating they can participate on all scheduled days, which will be listed on the application page.

    One to three letters of recommendation are required, and a resume is requested.

    Timeline shows applications open from mid-September through mid-November, selection process from mid-November through mid-December and program operating mid-January through mid-May.

    Applicants are evaluated by Delta Leadership Foundation and Delta Protection Commission leaders. The program actively seeks people from all walks of life.

    Participants are usually notified within two to three weeks of the application deadline, which is typically in mid-November.

    Questions?

    Email dpc@delta.ca.gov.

    Read About DLP Events and Alumni

    NHA Advisory Committee Members Appointed
    WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Delta Protection Commission appointed 12 members and 4 alternates Thursday to the Commission’s new National Heritage Area Advisory Committee.  The Committee will recommend […]
    September 20, 2024
    DPC Creates Memorial Seat Honoring Gerry Goodie
    WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Delta Protection Commission on Thursday named one seat on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee in honor of Gerry Goodie, who served on […]
    September 20, 2024
    Delta Water Recreation: Access Is Everything
    Water defines the Delta, and access to water defines people’s connection to the Delta. For both Dr. Pat Tirone and Tricia Marie Canton, there was no access in the beginning. […]
    July 12, 2024
    Delta Happenings – March 26, 2024
    Delta Leaders, Hidden Women, Free Marina Workshops Read this issue Contents Delta Leadership Program Participants in the News Women of the Delta: Hidden No More Gerry Goodie Celebration of Life […]
    March 26, 2024
    Delta Happenings – Jan. 30, 2024
    Chinese New Year, SPAM Festival, Delta Newsmakers Read this issue Contents Governor Appoints Delta Leadership Program Alum Commission Appoints Gerry Goodie to DPAC Delta Agency Annual Reports Released Conservancy: Fishing […]
    January 30, 2024
    Delta Protection Advisory Committee member appointed
    STOCKTON, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2024) – The Delta Protection Commission appointed Gerry Goodie to the Delta Protection Advisory Commission (DPAC) on Thursday. Goodie is co-owner, with his wife, of Wimpy’s […]
    January 19, 2024
    2024 Delta Leadership Program Kicks Off
    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2024) – The 2024 Delta Leadership Program kicked off Friday with its first meeting of the year for its 15 participants. Run by the Delta Protection […]
    January 16, 2024