Neighborhood Leadership Institute

The Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) is an annual 10-week program that trains Dayton residents for current or future leadership opportunities in city communities. Workshops are held at various locations and presentations cover topics such as Dayton's history; the role of City government, the criminal justice system and cultural diversity; skill-building components such as public speaking and small-group dynamics; and a bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Class members also complete field assignments to expand their knowledge of Dayton, City government and the community at large.

NLI offers the opportunity to meet and talk with government officials and other decision-makers. It encourages participants to develop a citywide perspective and establish a network of activists across the City.

The application is now closed.

For further information, contact Jonathan Johnson at 937-333-3816 or jonathan.johnson@daytonohio.gov.

View the 2026 Neighborhood Leadership Institute brochure.

NLI 2026 Schedule

Session NameDateLocation
Kick Off/Getting Your Feet WetThursday, March 26, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.Sinclair Community College
Discovering Dayton: Its History & PeopleTuesday, March 31, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Carillon Historic Park
City Hall: Behind the ScenesTuesday, April 7, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.City Hall Commission Chambers
Responding Not Reacting to Conflict & Welcome DaytonTuesday, April 14, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.One Stop Shop
The Criminal Justice SystemThursday, April 16, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.Municipal Court Building
The World of Planning & Public WorksTuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.TBD
Tour of Dayton's NeighborhoodsSaturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.Job Center, RTA
Educating Our Future Dayton Public SchoolsTuesday, April 28, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Dayton Public Schools
Partnering for Neighborhood SuccessTuesday, May 5, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Five Rivers Health - Edgemont Campus
Cultural and Racial HarmonyTuesday, May 12, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Southeast Branch Library
Presentation Skills for Community LeadersThursday, May 14, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Central State University Dayton Campus
Promoting Your "Hood"Tuesday, May 19, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.DATV
Group Project PresentationThursday, May 28, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.Sinclair Community College
Dinner and GraduationThursday, June 4, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.Sinclair Community College

Snacks available from 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. before most classes.