Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Engagement Academy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears proposal to create a Citizens Engagement Academy
Summary
City staff proposed a multi-week Citizens Engagement Academy modeled on the police academy to educate residents about city government and operations; staff will return with a formal proposal and timeline in Q1 and aim to limit cohort size to about 20–25 residents per year.
Michael Spurgeon introduced the idea of a Citizens Engagement Academy modeled on the successful Citizens Police Academy, telling the council the aim is to help residents understand city government functions — from utility billing to departmental responsibilities — and to cultivate informed community advocates.
Spurgeon and other councilors said the program could run 8–10 weeks with a similar curriculum structure to the police academy, involve department directors and external partners such as the school district and chamber of commerce, and keep cohort sizes to roughly 20–25 people per year. Councilors who had led similar programs described alumni interest and support for a ‘master’s academy’ level offering.
Spurgeon said staff will research timing and logistics and return with a formal proposal in the first quarter of next year for council consideration. No funding decision was made at this meeting; council provided informal support and asked staff to report back.
