Kennesaw recognizes graduates of 2025 Kennesaw 101 Citizens Leadership Academy

The Kennesaw City Council on Monday recognized graduates of the 2025 Kennesaw 101 Citizens Leadership Academy, a nine-week program designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at city operations and encourage civic involvement.

A city manager’s office representative introduced the cohort and thanked participants and presenters for their time and engagement. "This program is designed to build understanding, inspire engagement, and encourage local leadership," the staff representative said.

Graduates took turns describing one thing they learned and a favorite presenter. Several cited practical, nonpolitical ways to get involved in the city — from volunteering and tree planting to serving on boards and commissions. "One of the ways to get involved that I found recently is through various boards and commissions," graduate Justin Kane said, urging peers to apply for openings coming at year-end.

Other graduates highlighted the city’s GIS mapping tools for tracking construction sites, economic development presentations that explain how projects are approved and how to track spending, and cultural resources such as the Southern Museum and upcoming pollinator-garden plans at Swift-Cantrell Park. Multiple councilmembers and staff thanked the graduates and encouraged continuing involvement.

The mayor and council described the program as valuable civic training and urged graduates to remain engaged in local service opportunities. Councilmembers noted the city will have boards and commission openings later in the year and encouraged applications; a staff contact for openings was referenced but not provided in the meeting.