Building Lincoln Vibrant Communities
Lincoln Vibrant Communities was developed through the visionary leadership of Lynn Priddy, Ph.D., President and CEO of Claremont Lincoln University (CLU) and George “Mac” McCarthy, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (LILP). Together with input from their respective Boards and experts in the field, these two leaders created a program designed to cultivate a pipeline of ethical leaders in every facet of local governance, reshaping the world one community at a time. The result of that work is a one-of-a-kind program that invests in leadership, policy, and advanced practical skills to build communities defined by trust, civic engagement, and a
focus on positive change. This work is made possible by a unique alliance between these two organizations. The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy offers innovative land-based solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges that bridge the gap between theory and practice. As the University of the Lincoln Institute, CLU brings a distinctive leadership framework to a unique team-based degree and certificate model embedded with
solutions both the public and private sectors focusing on ethical leadership. Over the next decade, LILP, an internationally recognized nonprofit private operating foundation, and CLU, an accredited private non-profit university, support municipalities as they address common, complex issues to create thriving, vibrant communities.
A Powerful Program
Lincoln Vibrant Communities begins with the Fellows Program, investing in deep leadership capacity and knowledge of policy trends, cases and toolkits, scenario planning, and emerging practices. Selected Fellows then bring a group of four to seven individuals to the Teams Program, engaging these groups in defining and executing the practices and policies needed to tackle a pervasive, complex challenge. Throughout the
programs, faculty, topic experts, and coaches, use a collaborative, structured approach to support leaders and their teams. A rich online network of resources, peers, and experts, along with optional immersive experiences, punctuates the Lincoln Vibrant Communities experience to propel and inform the work and momentum for creating
sustainable, thriving cities and counties.
How Lincoln Vibrant Communities is Making an Impact
As of March 2025, there are 114 learners in the Lincoln Vibrant Communities program representing 33 states, Washington DC, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and South Africa. More than 30 Inaugural Fellows have completed the program, and six teams from five organizations in Southern California have completed the Teams Program. While our inaugural Fellows are returning to their communities to create Teams for the June cohort, our Teams are presenting to their City Councils and Executive Boards to secure funding and political support to implement their plans which tackle diverse topics such as supporting residents 0-5 years old, revitalizing green space, building cohesive organizational communication, staffing and services, and creating a pathway for
residents to engage in the public sector addressing the work force crisis.
Support from Communities of Excellence 2026
Our journey has been strengthened through the partnership and support of Communities of Excellence 2026 (COE 2026). The partnership with the COE 2026 has informed the work of Lincoln Vibrant Communities, bringing their proven framework and innovative coaching curriculum designed for community-wide problem-solving,
ensuring that Teams and Fellows will be supported in implementing their plans and strategies in the communities they serve to create impact. Several individuals who have been part of COE 2026 have completed the Fellows Programs and are preparing to bring Teams from their communities or help coach Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams. In addition, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Claremont Lincoln University is hosting a convening on community impact in conjunction with the COE 2026 Annual Conference. These extraordinary organizations have joined together with one goal in mind, shape and enhance the quality of life in communities all over America using a
new educational framework and the best resources and tools of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
Looking Ahead
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Claremont Lincoln University are committed to enrolling more than 400 participants in the Lincoln Vibrant Communities program this year, all of whom will continue to connect and grow stronger together through the Lincoln Vibrant Communities Network. This ecosystem culminates in a rich online
network of resources, peers, and experts that connect Fellows, Teams, and experts.
