Council recognizes Citizens Academy graduates; Chamber reports membership growth, K9 unit receives $1,500 donation

The Chino Valley Town Council recognized participants and graduates of the town’s 2026 Citizens Academy, accepted a donation for the police K9 unit and heard an annual update from the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jesse Sorderberg, executive analyst, introduced the Citizens Academy (a six-week interactive program) and thanked staff and council for supporting the program. Mike Kumer, assistant to the town manager, described weekly topics — administration, development services, economic development and IT, public safety, community services and parks, and public works — and said the program is designed to ‘‘provide residents with a behind-the-scenes look at local government’’ and to build trust and civic engagement. Staff noted 16 people signed up for the academy and 11 graduated this year; certificates were presented during the meeting and organizers invited the class to take photos.

Council accepted a $1,500 donation to the Chino Valley Police Department K9 unit from the Chino Valley K9 Training Club. Presenters and council members thanked the group for supporting public-safety operations.

Julie Ruddle, board chair of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, and chair-elect Bob Leighton provided the chamber’s annual update. The chamber reported 294 active members and 33 new members over the past year, stronger web engagement (member-search hits up ~174% and member page visits up ~123%), social-media growth, and a variety of community events and programs including scholarships funded via the Bob Keker Memorial Golf Tournament. Ruddle thanked town leadership for partnership and said the chamber is focused on membership engagement and revitalized programming.

Council and staff encouraged continued civic participation and offered details on upcoming community events including library programming on July 1 and Fourth of July/territorial-days activities.