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County manager unveils Burke County Citizens Academy to increase public engagement
Summary
The county manager proposed a six‑week Citizens Academy to familiarize residents with county operations, propose a pilot starting Sept. 11 and accept ten participants per session; the board voted to approve the program.
Burke County officials introduced a Citizens Academy Tuesday intended to give residents a short, interactive overview of county government functions and to solicit public input on operations.
County Manager (presenting) described a six‑week program of 90‑minute sessions covering County Government 101, enterprise funds (solid waste), public safety (including a 9‑1‑1 center visit), human services, community services, and a closing synthesis session. The manager proposed starting a pilot cohort of 10 participants on Sept. 11 and offering one cohort in fall and one in spring annually.
Why it matters: The academy is intended as a two‑way engagement tool — to help residents learn how county government is organized and to solicit practical feedback from participants on county operations and priorities. The manager said sessions would be interactive and take place across county facilities (landfill, 9‑1‑1 center, senior center) so participants can see operations directly.
Board action: Commissioner Burns moved to approve the Burke County Citizens Academy program as presented; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending: The manager said application materials will be available on the county website under boards and commissions and that the county will advertise the pilot cohort.
