Re: Governance
Building a new culture of governance rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and shared power.
The Collaborative Governance Academy (CGA)—formerly known as Progressive Governance Academy (PGA)—equips local and state elected officials, their staff, and movement leaders with the skills, strategy, and shared language to govern collaboratively and courageously. We define collaborative governance as breaking down barriers between government and community—centering people who have been historically excluded or marginalized, building authentic partnership to develop a shared strategy and vision to advance long-term, transformational policies while building long-term sustainable change.
At a time when many have lost hope in democracy at the federal and state level, local governments and communities are stepping up to protect what matters most. CGA strengthens this collective work by helping elected officials, their staff, and movement leaders build the trust, relationships, and shared strategy needed to defend communities from rising authoritarianism and to govern with alignment and purpose.
The bridge we’re building
The CGA exists to build power between movements and government. We help elected officials, their staff, and movement leaders learn how to collaborate to shape and move a shared agenda.
Donors spend substantial sums preparing candidates to win elections—but significantly less to help them grow, learn, and thrive once they’re in office. This lack of investment has left many elected officials from our communities isolated and under-resourced, while movements and voters grow disillusioned when they don’t see the material change they fought for.
The result is a widening disconnect between movements, government, and the people they serve—one that erodes trust in democracy and strengthens the conditions for authoritarianism to rise.
CGA addresses this gap by bringing elected officials, their staff, and movement leaders together. Through shared learning and organizing practice, participants strengthen relationships, bridge institutions, and build strategies that sustain democratic power.
Staff often find themselves translating between policy and people. CGA strengthens that bridge by helping all three groups:
- Use power mapping for strategy and coordination
- Develop shared language across roles
- Translate organizing skills into governance
- Turn alignment into action
When movements and elected leaders see each other as governing partners, our collective power grows stronger and more sustainable.
Why it matters
Collaborative governance reimagines governing as a collective act—centered on those most impacted by policy and rooted in long-term, people-powered solutions. It is how we turn organizing wins into durable, democratic change.
“The PGA is an essential investment in the future of our democracy. It equips local leaders to govern alongside our communities—not over them—and to do so with joy, integrity, and accountability.”
Marcelia Nicholson, CGA Trainer and Chairwoman, Milwaukee Board Of Supervisors, 10th District
Our Approach
The CGA is grounded in liberatory organizing and pro-Black values.
Our curriculum blends political education, organizing tools, and peer learning to help leaders practice collaboration as a form of leadership.
We create space for reflection, rest, and healing, while preparing leaders to govern with clarity, courage, and community.
CGA is a joint initiative of Local Progress Impact Lab and re:power Fund. Together, we model the principles of collaborative governance we teach—shared ownership, shared learning, and a shared commitment to building a multiracial democracy that serves all of us.
Who we serve
Elected Officials
Build the skills, strategy, and community support to govern effectively while staying rooted in movement values.
Staff of Elected Officials
Strengthen communication, policy design, and cross-institution collaboration.
Movement Leaders
Learn how power moves through government and how to co-govern alongside aligned elected partners.
What you’ll learn
CGA’s curriculum helps leaders practice collaboration every day. Core modules include:
- You, Your Community, and Your Team
- Leadership Styles and Governing Tensions
- Setting an Agenda
- Collaborative Governance
- Power Mapping
- Self-Care
Signature Offering
Governing While Black (GWB) is a political education and leadership development experience designed by and for Black elected officials.
Grounded in the belief that governance is an extension of movement work, GWB equips Black leaders with the tools, community, and strategy needed to govern with resilience and collective power.
“Being a Black legislator in America comes with unique challenges. The Governing While Black module was created by us, for us—drawing strength from our shared experiences. It helps ground us by reminding us of where we’ve been and guiding us toward our North Star vision of where we want to go.”
Councilwoman Delishia Porterfield, Nashville and Davidson County
Over two and a half days, participants engage in modules on:
- A History of Governing While Black
- Finding Your North Star
- Strategies for Governing While Black
- Dynamics Within Black Power
- Protecting Our Power: Boundaries and Succession Planning
- Safety and Security: How We Keep Us and Democracy Safe
It is a space for reflection, wellness, and strategy—where power is shared, purpose is clear, and legacy is intentional.
Our Impact
Since launching in 2019, CGA has trained more than 2,700 leaders across 46 states.
Sixty-eight percent of participants identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, and 68% identify as women or gender-expansive. Leaders leave CGA more connected, more grounded, and more prepared to govern with courage and care.
“Through PGA, I’ve built lasting connections with other electeds who are just as committed to transformative, people-powered leadership. This kind of training and community isn’t just valuable— it’s vital. If we want bold, compassionate leaders at every level, we need to fund the spaces that prepare and sustain them.”
Marcelia Nicholson, CGA Trainer and Chairwoman, Milwaukee Board Of Supervisors, 10th District
“State and local elected officials need to know how to govern effectively to make the changes our communities elect and rely on us to make. This is especially true when you’re a Senator from the minority party in your state like I am. There aren’t many resources out there to help elected people learn the skills of governing. As a PGA trainer, I see the tremendous potential of the PGA every time I train and workshop with my peers. We need more governing resources like the PGA across the board.”
London Lamar, CGA Trainer and Tennessee State Senator
“This entire thing was AMAZING! I can’t say enough about how inspiring this was to be in community with everybody who participated. This is exactly what I needed. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I registered for this. There are so many well meaning spaces/ trainings/ workshops I’ve attended that have not been effective at all. This was a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much.”
Emily Clouse, Thurston County Commissioner, Washington
re:power Fund’s CGA Anchor Partner
A registered 501(c)3 organization, the Local Progress Impact Lab brings together local leaders, partners, and experts to build the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to advance racial and economic justice at the local level.
