The search for new members of the Business Community Coalition's Public Leadership Institute came to an end on Sept. 27 at its first meeting.
In a partnership with the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, the leadership program allows residents to learn the "ins and outs" of politics.
Chad Davis, a University of Florida senior, said this opportunity is important to him, as he would "definitely at some point like to run for elected office."
For others, the program serves as a way to learn more about the political process.
And then there are those who are all too familiar with local politics. Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari Jr. said though he may already be an elected official, "He's not done growing as a person."
Members of the Public Leadership Institute will be meeting monthly through the rest of the year. Regardless of where they end up in the future, the 10 members are all determined to make their community a better place.