September 16, 2026 – September 25, 2026

Background

The AASHTO Leadership Institute is a nine-day immersive professional development experience held in Lawrence, Kansas. ALI provides research-driven, professional instruction and the opportunity to engage and learn from other transportation professionals.

Participants will focus on self-discovery and learn practical management techniques. Over the course of the nine-day Institute, participants will also build their leadership skills and knowledge, learning to motivate and enable employees so their organizations can excel, and develop a greater understanding of transportation issues and resources, through engagement with national transportation leaders.

Application Instructions and Deadlines

Institute participants are selected from among those nominated by AASHTO member departments and associate members. Enrollment in the 2026 AASHTO Leadership Institute is limited. No more than two participants from any one AASHTO member departments/affiliates may be enrolled in ALI. This helps ensure the classroom had varying topical perspectives from across all jurisdictions. 

Nominations are treated as rolling admissions and evaluated based on the quality of the application. They are then allocated to ensure participation among the maximum number of states. Please visit the information tab for the dates. To submit an application, please click register now button below. 

Nominees will be notified at the email address used on the online form of acceptance. If selected, payment information will be collected at that time. Please allow a minimum of three weeks for acceptance once submitted.

To help you determine the most appropriate level of training for you and your team, we encourage you to email us with any questions. We will also host two open Zoom information sessions to share examples of positions and the leadership experience that best align with each of the three institutes. Our goal is to ensure you and your team attend the right institute at the right stage in your careers to maximize your impact!

The dates for these sessions are:

1. January 20, 2026 – Noon to 1:00 Central Standard Time

  • Join Zoom Meeting - https://kansas.zoom.us/j/89950280799?from=addon
  • Meeting ID: 899 5028 0799
  • Passcode: 071702

2. February 6, 2026 - Noon to 1:00 Central Standard Time