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Citizens Academy graduates describe behind‑the‑scenes view of Morgantown city operations
Summary
Participants in Morgantown’s Citizens Academy described learning about city departments, grants, public safety and planning, and said the program increased civic understanding and encouraged future volunteerism and board service.
At the July 7 meeting the council recognized graduates of the city’s Citizens Academy and invited several participants to share what they learned. Staff and a program coordinator described recent changes to the curriculum, including an orientation focused on the communications department, interactive sessions and a mock city-council night.
A group member summarized the class’s motivations: "Our group was motivated by a shared desire to become more engaged members of the Morgantown community and to better understand how our local government serves its residents," and said the program revealed how many departments collaborate behind the scenes to deliver services. Participants cited sessions on airport operations, wastewater treatment, planning and zoning, and public safety as especially eye‑opening.
Council members and staff praised the program’s ability to increase civic knowledge and encourage residents to serve on boards and commissions. The council presented certificates to participating graduates and posed for photographs after the meeting.
City leaders said the Citizens Academy helps cultivate civic leaders and strengthens trust between local government and residents; staff also noted the program feeds into volunteer recruitment for boards and commissions.
