The North Texas Commission has opened the application period for the 2010-2011 Leadership North Texas class. Leadership North Texas is a graduate-level, regional leadership program designed to recruit, develop and support leaders who have a commitment to civic engagement and to the North Texas region. Participants hear from regional and national experts on various issues facing North Texas with discussions on how to address the challenges facing our region.

The inaugural class of Leadership North Texas is currently in session and is made up of 28 dynamic individuals, including two mayors, two city council members, representatives from the region’s higher education institutions, two assistant city managers, business leaders and non-profit leaders. Over a nine-month period, the class addresses and discusses topics such as the history of North Texas, regionalism, our economy, workforce, education, sustainable development and a plan for civic engagement. They learn best practices in regional stewardship from experts and other regions, and explore how to collaborate to best address current regional issues.

“North Texas is a unique region with the opportunity to be a major global leader, but in order for the region to reach that milestone, we need strong leaders who understand the dynamics of our region,” said Dan S. Petty, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. “As a regional leadership program, Leadership North Texas provides community leaders a chance to work with their peers across the area to address the challenges we face.”

The application period for Leadership North Texas will run from January 4 to April 30, 2010. Applications are available online here or through the North Texas Commission office at 972-621-0400 ext. 110. Tuition for the program is $3,000.