L.E.A.D. Cerritos

Learn. Educate. Act. Discover.

Applications for 2027 Program Coming Soon

Registration information for the 2027 Class of L.E.A.D. Cerritos is forthcoming. Details will be published to this page when available. 

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Program Structure and Graduation | Program Schedule

L.E.A.D. Cerritos is designed to educate and empower Cerritos residents by deepening their understanding of local government operations, decision-making processes, and community priorities. The program promotes meaningful civic engagement and strengthens collaboration between City officials and community members.

Program Structure and Criteria:

  • 7 Sessions, 2 hours each (Department/Division presentations, tours, group exercises)
  • Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m.
  • Ages 18+
  • Free registration through City Clerk’s Office (first come, first served, priority registration for appointed Advisory Board members)
  • 40 Maximum participants; Cerritos residency required
  • Light dinner provided at each session (sandwiches); Full dinner reception provided at the final session/graduation

Graduation Certificate Requirements:

  • Attendance at all sessions is required for consideration of graduation (sign-in required at all sessions)
  • Advisory Board member program completion required within 18 months of appointment (per City of Cerritos Guidebook for Elected and Appointed Officials)
  • Session makeup materials will be provided, as needed

Program Schedule

L.E.A.D. Cerritos participants will enjoy multiple information sessions that take them behind the scenes of Cerritos government. Program schedule and locations are subject to change. 

Welcome and Overview

Cerritos Park East - Community Center
13234 E. 166th Street
6-8 p.m.

This session will provide an overall introduction to L.E.A.D. Cerritos including its goal, guides, and structure, as well as the following:

  • Government Overview and Administration
  • City Charter
  • Cerritos Municipal Code
  • CA Government Code and Brown Act
  • City Policies and Procedures
  • Municipal Elections
  • Advisory Boards

Community Safety

Community Safety Center Conference Room
18135 Bloomfield Avenue
6-8 p.m.

  • Sheriff's/Police & Fire
  • Emergency Management (EOC)
  • Prevention, Response, and Resilience
  • Public Education and Involvement (Neighborhood Watch, CERT, VOPS)
  • Community Safety Committee

City Budget and Finance

Cerritos Library - Skyline Room
18025 Bloomfield Avenue
6-8 p.m.

  • Strategic Plan and Budget Process
  • Revenues and Expenditures
  • Public Hearings and Adoption

Community and Economic Development

Cerritos Library - Skyline Room
18025 Bloomfield Avenue
6-8 p.m.

  • Planning (Land Use and Zoning, General Plan/Cerritos Housing Element, Permitting)
  • Transportation
  • Affordable Senior Housing
  • Planning Commission
  • Code Enforcement
  • Property Preservation Commission
  • Economic Development
  • Economic Development Commission

Infrastructure - Public Works, Utilities

Corporate Yard
16540 Marquardt Avenue
6-8 p.m.

  • Water, Sewer, and Storm Drains
  • Cerritos Utilities (Water and Power)
  • Public Buildings/Facilities
  • Information Technology Governance
  • Broadband & Digital Infrastructure
  • IT Maturity Model

Community and Cultural Services

Cerritos Library - Skyline Room
18025 Bloomfield Avenue
6-8 p.m.

  • Library Services, Programs, and Events
  • Recreation Facilities, Programs, and Events
  • Senior Services, Programs, and Events
  • Parks & Recreation Commission
  • Senior Services Commission 
  • City Celebrations Committee

Theater, Communications and Marketing

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
18000 Park Plaza Drive
6-8 p.m.

  • Rentals
  • Talent and Productions
  • Arts Education Program
  • Economic Impact Study
  • Social Media / Cerritos TV3 / Newsletters / Website
  • Graduation