Bonita Springs city staff host Government Day for students to explain local roles and services

City of Bonita Springs staff hosted students at City Hall for a Government Day presentation during which the city manager and department leaders described their roles, recent projects and career paths in local government.

City Manager Arlene Hunter opened the session, explained the city's "government lite" model and previewed upcoming projects including downtown redevelopment and a planned splash pad. She encouraged students to explore civic participation and noted the city’s use of contracts for many services.

Department staff then gave brief presentations: Jesse, the pool manager, described lifeguarding and parks programs; Michael, field supervisor for Neighborhood Services, explained code enforcement and its life-safety role; Matt Feeney, assistant city manager and public works director, summarized public works projects including road and flood-control work; Laura Taylor, director of communications and facilities, covered event permitting, BTV streaming and facility renovations; Mike Sheffield, the city clerk, described elections and the clerk’s role in tracking ordinances and resolutions; and finance staff described budgeting basics to show how the city plans and spends money.

A representative of the sheriff's office discussed community policing and the department's visibility initiatives in Bonita Springs. Community development staff explained planning and growth-management work and encouraged students to stay engaged.

The session included a group photo and a short Q&A; staff invited students to take seats at the dais for a tour and to follow up with questions about careers in local government.

Next steps: Staff will continue the tour of city facilities and invited the students to follow city meetings and civic programs if they remain interested in public service.