building leaders since 2004
Westside Leadership Institute began with a simple but powerful idea: the people closest to a community's challenges are also closest to its solutions.
In 2004, a group of west-side Salt Lake County residents participated in the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute (CLI), a national leadership program sponsored by NeighborWorks Salt Lake and NeighborWorks America. Inspired by the experience and the potential they saw in their own neighborhoods, these community leaders returned home with a vision—to create a leadership institute dedicated to developing local leaders and strengthening west-side communities.
That vision became the Westside Leadership Institute.
What started as an idea from community members quickly grew into a collaborative partnership between residents, NeighborWorks Salt Lake, the University of Utah, and other community organizations. Together, they created a program that equips residents with the knowledge, skills, relationships, and confidence to take action for positive change where they live, work, and play.
In 2005, the University of Utah's Center for Public Policy & Administration formally joined the partnership and helped develop the curriculum that became the Road to Community workbook. First published in 2009 and later translated into Spanish, the workbook captured the lessons, experiences, and practical tools that continue to guide community leaders today.
For more than two decades, WLI has empowered hundreds of residents to become active leaders, launch community projects, strengthen neighborhoods, and build lasting connections across the west side. Today, WLI alumni are making an impact throughout Utah as elected officials, candidates for public office, community council leaders, nonprofit founders, small business owners, educators, advocates, and executives in local and national organizations. Whether serving in government, leading community initiatives, or volunteering in their neighborhoods, WLI graduates continue to demonstrate that strong communities are built by engaged and empowered residents.
In 2025 and 2026, guided by the WLI Strategic Plan and informed by years of alumni feedback, the Steering Committee and Curriculum Committee completed a comprehensive update of the Fundamentals and Startups programs. This next chapter honors the vision of WLI's founders while ensuring that future generations of leaders have the tools needed to address today's challenges and create tomorrow's opportunities.
Our Mission
The Westside Leadership Institute is a mutually beneficial community-university partnership that supports Salt Lake County west side residents and community-based organizations' efforts to take action for positive change in their communities.
Our Vision
We envision graduates of the Westside Leadership Institute as active leaders in community building, taking action for positive change, building sustainable initiatives, and increasing engagement with community resources that contribute to the health and well-being of the west side.
partners
Westside Leadership Institute is made possible through the collaboration of community leaders, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and dedicated supporters who share a commitment to strengthening communities through leadership development.
Through these partnerships, participants gain access to expertise, resources, mentorship, and opportunities that help transform ideas into action.
