Downtown Cleveland Alliance is looking for new members of its City Advocates Program, which is now entering its seventh year. Advocates work on civic-oriented projects and gain an insider’s perspective into downtown Cleveland as well as a chance to experience first-hand the forward momentum of Cleveland’s development.

“The City Advocates Program is considered to be a civic engagement program,” says Laura Wiegand, DCA director of development and community relations. “We want more downtown residents and employees to be involved in DCA.”

The advocacy program also provides networking opportunities with business and civic leaders. DCA offers a mentoring program with DCA board members to learn even more about the city. “It’s a chance to sit down for coffee and chat about anything they want.”

For the first time this year, DCA is releasing its list of projects advocates will work on. “City advocates always express intreest in projects closely related to DCA's mission,” says Wiegand. Applicants can list their top three project choices.

This year's advocates can get involved in organizing a plan to steward public art initiatives in DCA’s portfolio; strategizing and executing the year-round activation of the new downtown dog park at Settlers Landing; and researching and planning ways to encourage people to go to Public Square during the planned renovations.

DCA accepts about 15 advocates a year for two-year terms. Although advocates are limited to one term, DCA looks for other opportunities for people to get them involved in the city’s development after the term expires.

The deadline to apply for the DCA City Advocates Program is 5 p.m. Friday, February 6.