The Palm Beach County Community Services Department is now accepting applications for its inaugural Housing Leadership Academy, a nine-month program designed to strengthen local leadership and build capacity among professionals addressing housing and homelessness in the county.
The Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum covering housing instability, supportive services, housing development and financing, government roles, Fair Housing laws, and advocacy. Participants will have opportunities to build cross-sector connections, deepen their expertise, and develop practical skills to advance affordable housing and homelessness response efforts.
Open to leaders and emerging leaders across all sectors—including nonprofit, government, business, education, healthcare, and philanthropy—the program encourages organizations to nominate staff and support participants through mentorship and scheduling flexibility. Applicants must demonstrate organizational or community support to participate.
Designed to cultivate a knowledgeable, action-oriented network, the Academy aims to drive meaningful, long-term improvements within Palm Beach County’s housing system. Monthly in-person sessions will require a commitment of six to eight hours per month. Participants will receive a certificate of completion, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available through the Florida Certification Board. The first cohort begins on October 10, 2025.
The program is being implemented in partnership with the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), which will provide evaluation and strategic consultation to measure outcomes and strengthen future offerings.
