Apply for L.E.A.D. Cerritos, City's New Civic Leadership Academy

Complete Your Application by Friday, January 9

- Dec 11, 2025

The City of Cerritos is pleased to announce the launch of its new civic leadership academy, L.E.A.D. Cerritos. L.E.A.D. stands for Learn, Educate, Act, and Discover. This free, seven-session program 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. The application form will close on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Application Form

L.E.A.D. = Learn. Educate. Act. Discover.

Program Details:

  • Seven sessions, 2 hours each
  • Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Most sessions on the third Thursday of each month (see schedule for details)
  • Light dinner provided at each session; full dinner reception at the final session
  • Program is free of charge

Participant Requirements:

  • Cerritos resident
  • Ages 18 and over
  • Priority registration given to current appointed Cerritos Advisory Board Members
  • Maximum of 60 participants
  • Attendance at all sessions is required

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

Liberty Park - Washington Room
6-8 p.m.

This session will provide an overall introduction to the 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
  • Advisory Boards

Community Safety

Liberty Park - Washington Room
6-8 p.m.

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

City Budget and Finance

Liberty Park - Washington Room
6-8 p.m.

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

Community and Economic Development

Cerritos Library - Skyline Room
6-8 p.m.

  • Cerritos Housing Element / Land Use and Zoning
  • Transportation and Mobility
  • Planning Commission
  • Code Enforcement
  • Property Preservation Commission
  • Economic Development
  • Economic Development Commission

Infrastructure - Public Works, Utilities

Corporate Yard
6-8 p.m.

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

Community and Cultural Services

Cerritos Library - Skyline Room
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 (forthcoming)
  • City Celebrations Committee (forthcoming)

Theater, Communications and Marketing

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
6-8 p.m.

  • Rentals
  • Talent and Productions
  • Arts Education Program
  • Economic Impact Study
  • Social Media / Cerritos TV3 / Newsletters / Website
  • Final Program Summary & Reception

Application Form

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