Commerce Lexington
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Talent
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Board
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Talent
    • Young Professionals Connect (YPC)
    • Leadership Lexington >
      • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
      • Projects 2025-26
      • 2025-2026 Class Roster
    • Leadership Central Kentucky >
      • Class Roster 2025-2026
      • LCK Alumni
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Candidate Training
    • Regional Plan
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Ambassador Program
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • ACG Forum
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • International Trip
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Past Trips >
        • Madison 2025
        • Salt Lake City 2024
        • Grand Rapids 2023
        • Tampa-St. Pete 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
      • Impact
    • Regional Summit >
      • Regional Summit Agenda
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Past Award Winners
  • FOUNDATION

Candidate Training Program

Lead Where You Live:  Candidate Training 101

Access Application
DOWNLOAD & SHARE PROMOTIONAL ONE-PAGER
PROGRAM SPONSORED BY:
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Have you ever thought about running for public office?  Commerce Lexington’s Candidate Training Program prepares business and community leaders with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to run an effective campaign for local office and make a meaningful impact through public service.
 
This nonpartisan program is designed for individuals who are considering running for local offices — such as the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council or the Fayette County School Board — as well as those interested in serving on local boards and commissions. Through interactive sessions with experienced practitioners and community leaders, participants will gain practical insight into the fundamentals of running for office, including campaign finance, fundraising, message development, voter engagement strategies, and key issues affecting the Lexington business community, housing, and economic development.
 
The program will take place August 27–28, 2026, at Commerce Lexington (330 E. Main Street) and offers a unique opportunity to learn what it takes to lead and serve effectively at the local level. Note that this program is for future candidates for local office - not those who have already filed to run.
 
Space is limited to ensure a high-quality experience for participants. There is no cost to apply.  However, a $50 fee will be due upon acceptance into the program. If you are interested in shaping the future of Lexington through public service, we encourage you to apply.  Please complete all sections of the application to be considered for participation.  The deadline for applications is Friday, May 29.  

CONTACT:
Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer & Director of Regional Engagement
Access Application
Copyright © 2026 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Talent
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Board
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Talent
    • Young Professionals Connect (YPC)
    • Leadership Lexington >
      • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
      • Projects 2025-26
      • 2025-2026 Class Roster
    • Leadership Central Kentucky >
      • Class Roster 2025-2026
      • LCK Alumni
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Candidate Training
    • Regional Plan
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Ambassador Program
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • ACG Forum
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • International Trip
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Past Trips >
        • Madison 2025
        • Salt Lake City 2024
        • Grand Rapids 2023
        • Tampa-St. Pete 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
      • Impact
    • Regional Summit >
      • Regional Summit Agenda
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Past Award Winners
  • FOUNDATION