Leadership Los Gatos

LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS · 2025 - 2026

Thank you for considering Leadership Los Gatos. The Town of Los Gatos is excited to welcome community members the opportunity to learn, engage, and lead. This eight-month interactive program begins on the first Friday in October and continues through the first Friday in May. The sessions are one time per month, in-person.  

Leadership Los Gatos is designed to educate, engage, and encourage participants to find leadership roles within the Los Gatos community. Participants will be given the opportunity to view local government from the inside out, engage with community leaders and special interest groups, and challenge themselves in new ways while strengthening their leadership skills and community network. After completing the program, graduates are encouraged to use their new skills and knowledge as a launching point to further their participation in civic, community, service, and non-profit organizations.

If you are interested in applying, please take a moment to review the program requirements and content below, then complete the online application. If you require the application in an alternative format, please connect with us.  

Space is limited and applications are reviewed and selected based on the content and completeness of the application submission, and the candidate meeting the program requirements.  The deadline to apply is Friday, August 29, 2025. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.  

ABOUT LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS

LEARN Each session offers participants the opportunity to become more familiar with the Town of Los Gatos and its role in Silicon Valley. Sessions include presentations on Town Departments and services, as well as a variety of community organizations that are vital to the health, safety, education, comfort, and well-being of Los Gatos.  

ENGAGE Participants interact with community leaders, industry professionals, volunteer groups, and one another to build a stronger network while adopting strategies to become more effective through community engagement.  

LEAD Graduates of Leadership Los Gatos move forward as stronger leaders inspired to participate in our special community and eager to effect positive change.

SESSION TOPICS

  • Introduction to the Town of Los Gatos, including presentations on Community Development & Land Use, Finance, Economic Vitality, Library, and Parks and Public Works.
  • Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department Services
  • Local & Regional Government
  • Community Tour 
  • Santa Clara County Fire Department Services
  • Public Education Services 
  • Building Community Connections
  • Leadership Skill Building 
  • Civic Engagement 
  • Town Bus Tour

SCHEDULE  

The class will meet on the following Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at various Los Gatos locations.  Sessions are in-person and include coffee & networking time in the mornings and networking/working lunches from a variety of Los Gatos restaurant. 

  • October 3, 2025
  • November 7, 2025
  • December 5, 2025
  • January 9, 2026 *Please note we meet the 2nd Friday of January* 
  • February 6, 2026
  • March 6, 2026
  • April 3, 2026
  • May 1, 2026 - Including a Graduation lunch celebration

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY 

  • Participants must:
    • Live and/or work within the boundaries of the Town of Los Gatos
    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Have no felony convictions, outstanding warrants, or pending criminal cases
    • Have no pending litigation or claims filed against the Town of Los Gatos

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To achieve the benefits of Leadership Los Gatos, it is important that participants be present, committed, and fully engaged in the program and its assignments.  Participants are honored at a graduation ceremony at the last session if the individual requirements have been met.  

  • Attend the first session on October 3    
  • Attend and actively participate in a minimum of seven Leadership sessions
  • Attend one Planning Commission meeting
  • Attend one Town Council meeting
  • Read one book or article relating to Leadership and share learnings with the class 
  • Attend the swearing in of the new Mayor at a special Town Council meeting in December *This is separate from the Town Council meeting requirement*

APPLICATION PROCESS 

After carefully considering the Leadership Los Gatos program guidelines, content and requirements, we invite you to apply online by August 29, 2025, and applicants will be notified on or before Monday, September 8, 2025 of their program status.  

PROGRAM TUITION 

Program Tuition is $550 per participant and may be paid by the participant, or by a sponsoring organization/employer. Payment can be made by check or credit card (requires a 2.5% processing fee), and received at Town Hall no later than Friday, September 26, 2025. 

If you are unsure if you are able to meet the requirements at this time, please consider applying in a future year when your full commitment is possible.  We are unable to provide refunds if a participant chooses to withdrawal after Thursday, October 2, 2025.  For additional information or questions, please connect with us.  

Email: Monica Renn, Economic Vitality Manager & Leadership Los Gatos Program Facilitator at MRenn@losgatosca.gov



Please follow the link below to complete the Leadership Los Gatos application for 2025-2026

APPLY for Leadership Los Gatos

** Note to Town staff: There is an internal application for Town staff applying for Leadership Los Gatos. Please work with your department's leadership for the correct application link. Thank you! **