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Estacada holds first Civics Academy; city staff say participants more engaged and some applied for committees
Summary
The city hosted its inaugural six-week Civics Academy, led by outreach coordinator Ellie White, with sessions across city operations and a meet-your-reps lunch involving Mayor Drinkwine and Representative Christine Draisen. Staff said participants reported feeling more informed and several have applied for committees.
The city of Estacada celebrated the first offering of its Civics Academy, a six-week program designed to introduce residents to city operations and encourage civic involvement.
Ellie White, who identified herself as an AmeriCorps outreach and engagement coordinator serving with the city, said the academy met weekly for six weeks and covered topics ranging from public works to economic development and public art. White said surveys from participants showed they felt "more informed and more motivated to get involved on issues they cared about in the community." She added that several participants have applied for city committees and commissions since finishing the program.
The academy included a special "meet your reps" lunch attended by Mayor Drinkwine and Representative Christine Draisen, allowing residents to ask questions about local and state issues. City staff said the program will be offered annually, and certificates were presented to participants during the council meeting.
City officials expressed appreciation for the first cohort and encouraged future participation; no council action was required.
