Sage Leaders’ Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is a fellowship initiative designed to resource, educate, and place emerging leaders from communities of color and low-income backgrounds into impactful civic roles within municipal boards and commissions. Established in 2015, the CLI offers a comprehensive six-month program that develops fellows’ understanding of key local government systems and processes, including housing, land use, transportation, climate issues, and economic development. The fellowship focuses on building leadership skills in advocacy, public policy, and communication while promoting racial equity and community-centered decision-making.

The 2025–2026 CLI cohort will serve King and Pierce Counties in Washington and will be conducted in person in Seattle, WA. Eligible participants must either live in King or Pierce County or be able to attend all in-person sessions in Seattle. The program runs from September 2025 through April 2026. Monthly sessions include workshops held every first Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and virtual sessions every fourth Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fellows receive a stipend for participation and are expected to apply for and serve on a municipal board or commission upon completion.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate an interest in civic engagement, social justice, or public service. They must be willing and able to meet the residency requirements of the board or commission they plan to join and commit fully to both the fellowship and post-program service. Preferred candidates bring lived experience related to social justice issues, strong communication skills, a connection to a specific community or base, and a demonstrated commitment to racial and social equity.

The application process requires submission of a completed application profile, two professional references, an essay, and either a resume or equivalent documentation of professional or educational experience. Applicants may also submit a video in addition to or instead of the written materials. All applications are due by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Informational sessions are scheduled for March 5, March 20, and April 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and interested applicants are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fellowship. Interviews for selected applicants will be held between June 9 and June 18, 2025. Final selection notifications will be issued between August 5 and August 15, 2025.

For questions about the program or application assistance, applicants may contact Francis Abugbilla, the primary point of contact for the CLI program. Sage Leaders operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit affiliated with Puget Sound Sage and is dedicated to empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color for civic and elected leadership in Washington state.