Political Leadership Institute – Orlando Economic Partnership

strengthening the next generation of public leaders

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) is a program that was developed by business leaders in Central Florida and is managed through the Orlando Economic Partnership. This unique nonpartisan, regional initiative was designed to prepare and strengthen the next generation of public leaders before they formally choose to run for an office or seek an appointment to a government board or commission.

check back with us on march 11, 2022
when applications for the next session will open up.

“PLI is one of most unique and successful public leadership programs of its kind anywhere in the nation. Since its inception in 2008, 29 leaders have emerged to serve in elected office…”

– Mark R. Mills

President, Mills Strategic Communications, Inc.,

Why Central FLorida Political Leadership Institute

Powerful Connections

PLI is a six-month program that features a mandatory two-day political leadership school, four ongoing classes, important networking opportunities and a final mandatory one-day class that concludes with a graduation. It features local, state and national speakers who share their invaluable expertise on campaigning for office or an appointment and leading once elected.

Exclusive Participation

A limited number of emerging leaders from throughout the Central Florida business community are given the opportunity to participate in this ground-breaking program. Participants are selected based on the strength of their applications and personal interviews with a screening committee.

Participants represent a diverse range of business experience, backgrounds and community involvement. In order to be selected for PLI, applicants must not be a declared candidate .

PLI Sponsors

PLI Graduates
Graduates are contributing through service on government boards and commissions or impacting public policy and politics.

Elected PLI Alumni
Since its inception in 2008, 29 graduates from the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute have served in public office in our region.

Nonpartisan, Unbiased Curriculum

Typically, campaign schools are operated by political parties and are designed for declared candidates and current officeholders. PLI takes a truly innovative approach by offering a nonpartisan program to better equip business and civic leaders who have expressed an interest in becoming political candidates and government leaders. It exposes prospective elected or appointed leaders to the political process, regardless of their political affiliation.

Many new faces are entering the political arena without a track record or knowledge of how to run a successful campaign. They are turning to business leaders for support and an orientation on critical regional issues. PLI was designed to address these concerns, while identifying and encouraging new leaders, within the Central Florida region, who may emerge outside of the normal political party channels.

Your Political Career Starts Here

If you’re interested in learning what it takes to wage a winning campaign and become a successful elected or appointed official, PLI can provide you with the comprehensive skills, resources and connections you need to launch your political career.

For more information about the program, contact pli@orlando.org.

ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY STAFF

Connect With Us

To learn more about the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute or the Partnership’s advocacy and public policy efforts, please contact Christine Aponte.