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-April.

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.

There is an additional day-long Delta air and water tour. 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.

How Participants are Chosen

Applications typically open in mid-September and can be seen on the Commission’s Get Involved page.

Potential or emerging leaders must fill out an application and submit one or two letters of reference.

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.

2026 Dates

  • Jan. 9 in Sacramento
  • Jan. 30 in Stockton
  • Feb. 20 in Rio Vista
  • March 20 in Oakley
  • April 17 in Clarksburg
  • Air/water tour in March or April, date TBD
  • May 11, location TBD (Delta Protection Commission meeting)

Questions?

Email dpc@delta.ca.gov.


Read About DLP Events and Alumni


February 23, 2026

Photo Gallery: Delta Leadership Program in Rio Vista

Participants of the 2026 Delta Leadership Program met in Rio Vista on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, for their third seminar of the year, a lively day of discussion featuring: A discussion of...


Montage of newsletter images: woman smiling, duck days logo, event flyer, owl on a gloved hand

February 10, 2026

Delta Happenings – Feb. 10, 2026

Delta Jobs, Bridge Work, W. Sac Tourism, DPAC openings, DLP Alum to Head CDFW Read this issue Events NEWS Delta Leadership Program Alum Tapped to Head CDFW Applications Open for...


January 12, 2026

2026 Delta Leadership Program Kicks Off

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2026) –Fifteen Delta leaders arrived at Sacramento’s Nature Conservancy on Friday to kickstart their entry into the Delta Leadership Program. The 2026 Delta Leadership class. Back...


Promotional image for 2026 Delta Leadership Program - montage of people in animated discussion with program deadline and sponsor logos

September 12, 2025

Apply for the 2026 Delta Leadership Program (Deadline: extended to Nov. 24)

Applications are open for the 2026 Delta Leadership Program, a joint effort of the Delta Protection Commission and the Delta Leadership Foundation. The program targets potential or emerging leaders in...


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May 15, 2025

Delta Protection Advisory Committee Members Appointed, Reappointed

OAKLEY, Calif. (May 15, 2025) – The Delta Protection Commission appointed two new members and re-appointed three incumbents to the Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) on Thursday. The new appointees...


April 1, 2025

Delta Leadership Program: Getting to ‘Yes’ (Photo Gallery)

OAKLEY, Calif. (March 28, 2025) – The 2025 Delta Leadership Program spent a beautiful spring afternoon Friday learning the fine art of negotiating mutually beneficial solutions at Big Break Regional...


A group photo of adult men and women standing on front of a building with a large Port of Stockton logo on it

February 9, 2025

Delta Leadership Program Visits Port of Stockton

The 2025 Class of the Delta Leadership Program at the Port of Stockton on Feb. 7, 2025 STOCKTON, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2025) – The 2025 Class of the Delta Leadership Program...


January 10, 2025

2025 Delta Leadership Program Kicks Off

The 2025 Class of the Delta Leadership Program. Back row, L-R: Gerry Goodie Jr., Gregg McMillon, Ashley Seufzer, Megan Harrison, Amber McDowell, Ahmad Majid, Jack Cronin, Lea Emmons II, Lacy...


Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area logo

September 20, 2024

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...


A group of adults poses for a group photo

September 20, 2024

DPC Creates Memorial Seat Honoring Gerry Goodie

Gerry Goodie, shown here in the front row on the right side at his first DPAC meeting in February WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Delta Protection Commission...