An Immersive Approach to Economic Development Strategy

Discover community wealth-building strategies in action through NGIN's LEAP (Learn. Explore. Activate in Place.) program.

Attend a LEAP

Program Overview

LEAP (Learn. Explore. Activate in Place.) is a leadership development and strategic learning initiative that connects community and economic development leaders with innovations across the country. Through immersive site visits to exemplary cities, participants explore innovative economic and community wealth-building strategies they can adapt and apply in their own communities.

LEAP host cities are selected for their leadership in community wealth-building, expanding economic opportunity, and advancing locally rooted economic growth.

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Explore LEAP Destinations and Focus Areas

Tacoma, WA

Community-Led Economic Growth

Tacoma demonstrated how cities can strengthen economic opportunity through policy, partnerships, anchor institution engagement, and community-led growth.

Richmond, VA

Community Wealth Building

Richmond offered participants a firsthand look at one of the nation's leading community wealth-building ecosystems and strategies for expanding economic opportunity and local ownership.

Cleveland, OH

Community Wealth Building & Capital Access

Cleveland showcased worker ownership, anchor institution strategies, and innovative investment models that support community ownership and economic opportunity.

Tulsa, OK

Civic Infrastructure & Community-Led Development

Tulsa explored how strong civic infrastructure, collaboration, and resident engagement can support long-term economic growth and community leadership.

Philadelphia, PA

Procurement & Local Business Growth

Philadelphia examined how purchasing power can strengthen local businesses, expand opportunity, and create pathways for economic participation.

St. Paul, MN

Shared Ownership & Local Wealth Building

St. Paul highlights cooperative ownership, community land trusts, community-owned real estate, and investment strategies that help communities build and retain wealth locally.

Register for the Next LEAP | September 14-18 | St. Paul

How to Attend a LEAP

Whether you're looking to join a national cohort, participate in an upcoming learning experience, or design a customized LEAP for your community, there are several ways to engage with LEAP.

Open for Registration

Join an Upcoming LEAP

Join us in St. Paul, Minnesota, September 14–18, 2026, for a LEAP focused on community wealth building and innovative shared ownership models. For the first time, NGIN is opening a limited number of paid seats for leaders to join the Newark cohort LEAP trip.

While many LEAPs are reserved for coalitions selected through a national application process, this opportunity allows individual leaders and organizations to join an established cohort and take part in the full LEAP experience.

Registration is now open. Program Fee: $7,500.

Custom Cohort Experience

Build a Custom LEAP

Interested in bringing a group of leaders from your city or organization on a LEAP? NGIN can design and facilitate a customized learning experience tailored to your community's goals and priorities.

Whether you're interested in community wealth building, entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, downtown revitalization, or another focus area, our team can identify leading communities, coordinate site visits, and connect participants directly with practitioners and local leaders.

Custom LEAPs are ideal for communities, organizations, and regional partnerships seeking a shared learning experience and strategic planning opportunity. A minimum cohort of 15 participants is recommended.

Register

Send Us a Message

Develop Your Community Wealth Building Strategy | LEAP St. Paul

Upcoming Engagement Opportunity

LEAP St. Paul | September 14-18, 2026

Cost: $7,500

This all-inclusive program fee covers three nights of hotel accommodation in St. Paul, all meals during the program, curated site visits, facilitated sessions, and all LEAP-related activities and materials. Not included: Airfare to and from St. Paul. Official dates will be provided June 2026.