Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Leadership Manhattan Beach?
Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) is a 501c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1991 with the purpose of developing and uniting existing and aspiring community leaders in the Manhattan Beach community.
The development of community leaders is through our 9-month long leadership training program. The LMB program includes class sessions and a class project.
The uniting is through LMB activities/events pulling together LMB alumni and other existing and aspiring community leaders.
How Can I Donate to LMB and/or the LMB Class Project?
You can donate to LMB by sampling clicking on this link. At this link you can select to donate to the LMB Program or the LMB Class Project.
People and organizations donating $500 or more are recognized as LMB Sponsors. To see the benefits of being a sponsor click here.
What Were Some Of The LMB Class Projects?
- Book Zone Project (2024)
- Single Mom’s Food Pantry (2023)
- Mural at Manhattan Beach Art Center (2022)
- COVID-19 Community Support (2020)
- Bicycle Repair Stations (2018)
- Save the Manhattan Beach Santa Float (2017)
- Ping Pont tables in the park (2016)
- Binocular telescopes added to the Pier (2015)
- Live Oak Park – Tot Lot updated with new equipment (2014)
- Water Stations put in at the Strand and Park (2013)
- Sustainable Garden added by the Post Office (2012)
- Bike Racks added to various parts of the City (2011)
- Round House Aquarium Signage for tanks plus new AV System (2010)
- Solar Trash Compactors purchased for parks (2009)
CLICK HERE to see all of the Past LMB Class Projects
When Was Leadership Manhattan Beach Founded?
In 1990, local resident and former COO of Body Glove, Russ Lesser, formed “the Original Committee” of fellow Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce members, to replicate a similar program he was impressed with in Long Beach.
Another Chamber Board member and local resident Paul Allman took on the task of establishing the program. He designed and wrote the course curriculum and handout material. The first class was launched in 1991 and graduated in 1992. Paul facilitated every class session until 1998 when other facilitators were hired, but continued working with the important class retreat for the next 20 years. He also established the Leadership Board in 1993 and was President for the first several years.
Our Founding Partners are The City of Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Our Founding Sponsors are Chevron and Northrop Grumman.
Are There Any LMB Graduates That I May Know?
With over 600 LMB alumni it is very likely you know one or more! A majority of the City Council members, City Commissioners, MB Chamber of Commerce members as well as members of other local and national non-profit organizations.
If you are interested in learning more about our amazing city, improving your leadership skills, having fun, building new relationships, and getting more involved in our city, the Leadership Manhattan Beach class is for you.
To begin your Leadership Manhattan Beach journey, go to our applications page by CLICKING HERE.
Where Are The Classes Held?
During the 9-month program, students meet at various locations in the community which may include Joslyn Center, the Police & Fire Department Community Room, Mira Costa High School, Beach Cities Health District, West Basin Reclamation Plant, City Council Chambers, and sponsorship locations. Locations are selected so students can learn about how the locations contribute to the community and/or provide a location conducive for class interaction.
Dinner is served at all LMB Classes to provide time for students to interact and get to know each other.
How Is LMB Financially Supported?
LMB is a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit organization that is financially supported primarily through our generous sponsors and alumni.
Putting on the LMB class is our largest cost. Students do pay a tuition which covers a portion of the cost to put on the program.
Student tuition is $600, Adult tuition is $1000. Scholarships are available upon request.
Please visit our Sponsors Page and/or Donation Page to help with our funding. The donation page needs to be created and this needs to link to it.
Do You Have To Attend Every Session To Graduate?
We hope that you will be able to attend all of the sessions to get the most out of the program. However, we understand that each person has individual needs and things can come up in life.
We do allow up to two absences. If you need to miss more than two sessions, at the Facilitator’s discretion you many are not able to graduate with your class or you may be dropped from the program altogether. There are no refunds for missed sessions.
Please note that the orientation retreat is mandatory.
How Much Does The LMB Program Cost?
The LMB Program Cost is funded through student tuition and funding from our sponsors and individual donation to LMB.
- Adult tuition is $1000
- Student tuition is $600
- Tuition payment plans available. Employer sponsorships are encouraged.
Please visit our Class Tuition Page for current tuition costs.
Do I have to Live in Manhattan Beach to Be In the Program?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Manhattan Beach to apply. It is helpful however if you have some connection to the city, but not mandatory.
For example, you may own a business here or be employed by a local business.
I Have a High School Student Who Is Interested. Can We Be In the Class Together?
Yes, you most certainly can. We have had a parent and child in the class. We have also had married and engaged couples.