THE BIGHORN CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

LEADERSHIP POLICY PROPOSAL

An integral component of the Bighorn Leadership Development Program is the policy development process. During the course of the six-month program, fellows work in teams to develop a potentially viable public policy proposal. The scope of the projects is to propose change to any level of government - municipal, county, state, or school districts. These proposals are developed with some assistance from Bighorn staff and often are prepared in formal, legal language to resemble draft legislation.

On the final weekend, the proposals are formally presented to a panel of current and former elected officials from the region where the program is being conducted. The panelists selected to participate will posses knowledge and expertise in the topics and the types of proposals presented. For example, if the proposals influence local government or education policy, the panelists is comprised of members of city council, county commissioners, and school boards, respectively. Likewise, if the policy projects affect state policy, presentation is made to legislators.

Previous panel participants include:

• Current Representatives: Mark Larson, R-Cortez, Diane Hoppe R-Sterling, Angie Paccione, D-Ft. Collins,Lynn Hefley, R-Colorado Springs, Tom Weins, R-Castle Rock, Bob McCluskey, R-Ft. Collins,and Tom Plant, D -Nederland.
• Current Senators: Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo, Steve Johnson, R-Ft. Collins, Ken Gordon, D-Denver, Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, Bob Bacon, D-Ft. Collins, Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, and Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat Springs.
• Former legislators: Representatives Kay Alexander, R-Montrose, Marcy Morrison, R-Manitou Springs, Bill Kaufman, R-Loveland, Tambor Williams, R-Greeley, Bryan Jameson, D-Ft, Gayle Berry, R-Grand Junction, and Matt Smith, R-Grand Junction
• County, Municipal, and School District elected officials: Doralyn Genoa, Former Mesa County Commissioner, Noel Hagan Former Mayor, Montrose, and Bruce Doyle, Colorado Springs D-11 School Board.

To view the policy proposals introduced in the leadership program please select from the list below.

• Northern Colorado Region
• Douglas County
• Western Slope
• Southwest Region
• Pikes Peak Region
• Jefferson & Summit County