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 21, location TBD (Delta Protection Commission meeting)
Questions?
Email dpc@delta.ca.gov.
Read About DLP Events and Alumni





