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Terrell relaunches Citizens Academy for fall 2025 to boost civic engagement
Summary
City staff unveiled a revived 10‑week Terrell Citizens Academy to begin Sept. 11, free to residents, with department tours, demonstrations, dinner, and a graduation ceremony planned for Nov. 13; council will consider a resolution on May 13.
Terrell, Texas — City staff announced plans May 6 to relaunch the Terrell Citizens Academy this fall, a free, 10‑week program for city residents aimed at improving civic knowledge and recruiting volunteers for boards and commissions.
Omayra (city secretary) told council the program will run on consecutive Thursday evenings, with a social dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and a department‑led presentation and Q&A from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The proposed schedule lists subject nights that include public safety, utilities, parks and recreation, development services, and a final graduation on Nov. 13; staff said the program will move locations to showcase city facilities.
The draft application staff circulated would require participants to be city residents, at least 18 years old, and to pass a background check if required by specific department sessions (police department sessions may have more detailed checks). Staff suggested targeting class sizes of roughly 15–18 participants for the pilot year and said they would partner with Star Transit for group transportation to site visits.
Omayra said staff will present a resolution for council consideration at the May 13 meeting, advertise and accept applications June–August, set an application deadline of Aug. 28, and begin classes Sept. 11. Councilmembers expressed support and suggested additions such as voter‑registration outreach, a small group project component, and alumni engagement to form volunteer “friends of the park” or other civic ambassador groups.
No formal vote was required at the May 6 meeting; staff requested input and said the resolution and application will return to council the following week.
