“Though my job responsibilities required leadership in a variety of ways already, Coro has really given me the skills, strategies and confidence – not to mention the affirmation – to see myself as a leader. With this training and all the resources of the vast and supportive Coro family that I’m now part of, I know I’m more prepared than ever to take on any challenge I might meet in the best and most productive way possible.” Duane Roggendorff (NL 2014), Director of External Affairs, Grand Central Partnership
“Coro’s Neighborhood Leadership program has helped me define what kind of community leader I want to become and inspired me to think beyond my own capacity. As a leader, it is not just about the work that defines me, but about influencing those around me to make a greater impact. I will take these learned skills to build and grow Renaissance Economic Development Corp’s capacity and people.” Jessie Lee (NL 2017) Deputy Managing Director, Renaissance Economic Development Corp.
“I greatly value the commitment and extraordinary work that Coro provided to the dedicated neighborhood development managers in my cohort and know that the exceptional tools and resources we received will help us immensely to continue to strengthen our communities.” Barbara Askins (NL 2015) President, 125th Street BID

leaderNEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP

Coro’s Neighborhood Leadership (NL) program provides our city’s top talent with the resources to influence meaningful change and address complex challenges within their neighborhoods. Using New York as a classroom, the NL program immerses participants in commercial revitalization strategies and builds leadership skills through intensive training. Participants leave the program equipped with the expertise to drive change in their own neighborhoods and an unparalleled network of fellow engaged civic leaders.
ABOUT
Using New York as a classroom, the NL program immerses participants in commercial revitalization strategies and builds leadership skills through intensive training. Participants leave the program equipped with the expertise to drive change in their own neighborhoods and an unparalleled network of fellow engaged civic leaders. Upon completion of the program, participants representing low-income neighborhoods are eligible for a micro-grant to support their Neighborhood Change Project thanks to the generous support of the Surdna Foundation. Neighborhood Leadership meets January through October, and requires a significant time commitment, including:
  • A three-day overnight Opening Retreat
  • 4 Saturday Leadership Retreat days
  • Networking Evening Events (“Coronect” evenings)
  • 5 Tuesday Strategy Day Sessions
  • Closing Session & Graduation
  • Follow-up session
WHY?
THE NETWORK: NL connects participants to an accomplished community of Coro NL alumni, city leaders, and the broader Coro community from all industries and sectors.
  • During the program, participants develop close ties their cohorts through intensive training and peer consulting. Many alumni stay connected long after the program ends.
  • Participants gain access to an alumni network of the most diverse leadership communities in New York. Deputy mayors and neighborhood activists; company heads and social entrepreneurs—more than 2,500 New Yorkers who know how the city functions and why their contributions and collaborations are essential for its progress.
THE KNOWLEDGE: NL builds participants’ individual and collaborative capacity for changing their communities.
  • NL presents participants with leadership development exercises designed to push them to explore all aspects of an issue and navigate stakeholder interests.
  • Participants meet and interview a range of stakeholders—from commercial revitalization and government leaders to the broader NL alumni community—to explore commercial revitalization strategies and resources they can apply to their work.
THE SKILLS: NL uses the New York City as a lab to explore, test, and build effective commercial revitalization strategies.
  • Participants identify a Neighborhood Change Project and, during the 9-month program, apply their education to it in real-time.
  • By learning how to give and receive feedback, take risks, and have courageous conversations, NL graduates gain a deep understanding of how to lead a group with a diverse set of interests in their own organization.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Each year, the NL Program accepts 20 successful nonprofit management professionals who are leading commercial revitalization efforts in their communities—for example, working in a Business Improvement District, Merchant Association, local development corporation, Chamber of Commerce, or other nonprofit organization. Selected participants reflect the demographics of New York City, with at least half serving low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Applicants should be prepared for an immersive, group-structured experience in commercial revitalization strategies and leadership development exploration. Candidate Requirements:
  • Work in New York City for a nonprofit organization whose work is focused on commercial revitalization.
  • Experienced management staffer who is leading change on behalf of his or her organization around commercial revitalization.
  • Passion for developing new leadership skills germane to problem-solving in New York.
  • Interest in joining the Coro community and NL alumni network.
COST
There is no tuition due to the generous support of our partner and funders. 

Application

Click here to apply! The deadline to apply for the 2019 cohort is November 5th.

Current Participants

Meet the current class of leaders.

Brochure

View the brochure or download to pass on to a friend.
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Calendar

See important dates and events.

Questions

Questions can be directed to Garrett Lucien, Program Director at garrett@coro.nyc or (212) 248 2935

SUPPORTERS

Neighborhood Leadership is a partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services. Funding support has also been provided by Citi Bank, M&T Bank and TD Bank.