Mayor Jorge Elorza
The Institute’s Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership program announced its 13th class of fellows, bringing its roster to more than 300. The fellowship identifies some of the nation’s most promising young political leaders and then brings them together for conversations that explore the principles of Western democracy, the relationship between individuals and their community, and the responsibilities of public service. The fellowship also supports leaders who are committed to thoughtful, civil, bipartisan dialogue. After an intensive yearlong search, the 2017 class is a mixture of mayors, statewide officials, and state legislative leaders from across the United States, including California State Senator Ben Allen, New Mexico State Representative Sarah Maestas Barnes, Minneapolis City Councilwoman Lisa Bender, and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. Members of earlier Rodel classes have become governors, members of Congress, and federal cabinet secretaries.