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Buckeye recognizes 25 graduates of Civic Institute; city leaders call program 'transformative'
Summary
City honored 25 residents who completed the 12-week Buckeye Civic Institute; staff and alumni described the program as a civic leadership pipeline and highlighted partnerships with local departments and sponsors.
The City of Buckeye on April 15 recognized 25 residents who completed the Buckeye Civic Institute, a 12-week program that provides residents a behind-the-scenes look at city departments, public safety, budgets and community services.
Janine Van Lewin, who introduced the graduation at council, described the program’s purpose as preparing local leaders to ‘‘inform, engage, connect, and make a difference’’ in Buckeye. The program included sessions hosted by multiple city departments and nonprofit partners and field visits to public works, fire and police operations, courts and utilities.
Several speakers at the ceremony praised the program’s impact. A presenter who described the experience as “transformative” said the course changed his approach from complaint to engagement by helping participants understand departmental functions and how to seek solutions. City staff credited department staff and sponsors, including APS, with supporting the program’s curriculum.
Mayor and council congratulated graduates and presented certificates and a challenge coin to participants. The city clerk’s office and program coordinators noted a waitlist for next year; organizers said 13 residents were already on a waiting list and another person signed up that night.
No council action was required; the event functioned as recognition and completion of the Civic Institute curriculum.
