The Vista Leadership Academy is a free eight-week program held twice a year. The group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, except one daytime citywide bus tour. The academy gives residents an up-close look at how the city functions. Participants must be aged 18 years or older and must be a Vista resident or business owner.

Participants will:

• Learn how decisions are made, how city funds are allocated and how departments operate.
• Meet your elected officials, city manager, and department directors.
• Tour city facilities, the Vista Business Park, and the downtown area.
• Discuss important issues i.e. planning and growth, traffic, infrastructure, city finances, and more.   

Registration for the Spring 2026 Vista Leadership Academy is now open.

Sessions will run March 11 through May 6 (no session on April 1), with graduation on Tuesday, May 12.  Registration is limited to twenty individuals; applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

To participate, submit your completed application by March 1. 

Click this link for the Spring 2026 Vista Leadership Academy Application

Contact  

For more information, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 760.639.6125 or by e-mail.