1 | # | Entry Last Modified | 2013 Census Population | What government entity do you represent? | Please select your state. | What is the name of your program? | If your program has a web page, please paste the link below. | What was the first year your program was offered? | As of your completing this survey, how many total times have you offered the program? | How often is your program offered? | If you have EVER actually discontinued your program, what was the primary reason why? | Please feel free to share any relevant program history, including what contributed to your community starting a program. | Between what months do you normally offer your program? | On what day(s) do you normally offer your program during the above months? | At what time do you normally offer your program? | How many sessions are normally part of your program? | Please check all session topics that your program covers. Use the 'Other' box to list any topics not listed. | Who provides instruction for your program? | If you indicated that external party(ies) assist with program instruction (or coordination/sponsorship), please share the organization name(s). | How do you provide instruction in each session? | Please feel free to share any other relevant session or content details. | Please select the format that most closely mirrors your graduation format. | Please select the type of document participants are given upon graduation. | Please share any other gift or benefit participants receive at graduation or throughout the program. | How is the program evaluated? | Please feel free to share any other relevant graduation or evaluation details. | What is your target number of participants per program? | What is your average number of participants per program? | If you use a waiting list, what is the average number of people on it? | What is the minimum age for participants to be selected to the program? | What is the primary way participants are selected for your program? | About how many program alumni now serve (or have served) on an appointed board or commission AFTER participating? | About how many program alumni now serve (or have served) as an elected official AFTER participating? | Please feel free to share any other relevant participant or alumni details, including variations in selection, demographics, or post-program involvement. | Do you charge a registration fee? | If you DO charge a registration fee, how much is it? | If you DO charge a registration fee, are scholarships available? | What is the budget for your program? | If you have taken steps to reduce the program cost, please select any tactics you have used. | Does your program include a bus/van/walking tour? | Please check the box next to each tactic you use to advertise the program. | Do you offer any type of food at any of the sessions? | Please check the box next to any special requirement(s) you make of participants. | If you would like to share any other pertinent details or unique innovations related to your program, please share them. | Which office in your organization coordinates the program? | Name of program coordinator |
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2 | 1 | October 2011 | 50,111 | City of Casa Grande | Arizona | City of Casa Grande Leadership Academy | http://www.casagrandeaz.gov/web/guest/leadership-academy | 2003 | 8 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | January-April | Thursday | 6-8:30pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Administrative functions | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation, ICMA Arizona Rangerider | All lecture or PowerPoint | N/A | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 20 | 18 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 40 | 2 | We have offered several alumni events in the past. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,500 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | None | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | N/A | Administrative Services Department | Scott Barber |
3 | 2 | September 2010 | 72,864 | City of Goodyear | Arizona | Citizen Academy | http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us/index.aspx?NID=366 | 2007 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 10 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 20 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 0 | 0 | One graduate works for the city; one graduate volunteers for the city. | Yes | $40 | No | Government website; Newspaper ads (PAID); Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in Goodyear or Litchfield Park to apply | Community Development | Charlotte Glaz | |||||||||||
4 | 3 | January 2015 | 87,650 | City of Fort Smith | Arkansas | City of Fort Smith Citizens Academy | http://www.fortsmithar.gov/CitizensAcademy/default.aspx | 2006 | 16 | Twice per year | N/A | The citizens academy program was launched as a companion to the FSPD's Citizens Police Academy program. | March - May & August - November | Either Monday or Thursday | 6-8:30pm | 13 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Utilities, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Libraries, Traffic control, Tourism, GIS, Landfill | all participating departments, elected officials, alumni | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | briefings, hands-on | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Music video, Photos | conversation with the city administrator | FSPD honor guard posts the colors on opening night. FSFD posts colors for graduation. This adds to the formality and sets the tone. We have an alumni member who is a rapper and inspirational speaker. He addresses each graduating class and encourages them to remember they're our community. He always gets a standing ovation. We also bring in other alumni to help connect each class with others. | 25 | 18-20 | n/a | 18 - with opportunities for waivers | First-come, first-served (accept all); alumni referrals | 15% | 2 | We've found CA increases involvement in our community with new people applying for board and commission positions, becoming active in nonprofit activities, attending public meetings, engaging in advocacy issues, and championing Fort Smith. In short, we've discovered the CA program contributes to loyalty and connection, as outlined in the Knight Ridder/Gallup Soul of the Community study. | No | N/A | N/A | about $2000 per session - probably less | we've gone paperless and DVDless. Google Drive resources folders | yes, 3 to 4 windshield tours and 3 to 4 walking tours | all city social media channels, news letter, civic clubs, TV, radio, newspaper | None | must pass a limited background check | We provide an attendance incentive. No penalties for missed sessions, but we have rewards for perfect attendance or missing one session. We give away the incentive prizes on graduation evening and provide a music video and photos for each class member. | Administration | Tracy Winchell | |
5 | 4 | November 2010 | 256,780 | City of Chula Vista | California | Citizen's Leadership Academy | http://www.chulavistaca.gov/City_Services/Mayor_Council/Mayor/CitizensLeadershipAcademy.asp | 2007 | Twice per year | Staffing shortages/restrictions; Mayor ran program and her administration ended in December 2014 | Monday; Wednesday | 5:30-8:30pm | 7 (over 6 weeks) | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Class photo; Lapel pins; Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 30 | 30 | 25 | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community: (1) geographic location (six zip codes), (2) gender, and (3) occupational diversity | 10 | 0 | We reserve 10 spots each program for current commissioners to attend. | No | N/A | N/A | $4,800 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website; News/press releases; Official or staff visits to events or organizations | Hot meal | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | We only run the program if we garner complete external sponsorship and if staff are available. We held a reunion session for program alumni in 2010. | Mayor | Jennifer Quijano | ||||||||||
6 | 5 | September 2010 | 509,924 | City of Fresno | California | Citizens Academy | http://www.fresno.gov/Government/MayorsOffice/CitizensAcademy/default.htm | 2009 | Three or four times per year | N/A | N/A | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 8 | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | Certificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Graduates are invited back to a later council meeting for recognition. | 40 | 40 | 100 | None | First-come, first-served but priority given to city residents | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | No | Word of mouth; Public service announcement during a local news broadcast | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must attend ALL sessions to complete | We solicit and receive private sponsorships to cover the cost of providing food at each session. | Mayor | Kelly Furtado | |||||||||||
7 | 6 | September 2010 | 406,253 | City of Oakland | California | Citizens' Academy | N/A | 2000 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | July-September | Monday; Tuesday | 6-9pm | 10 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 - 30 | 15 - 20 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 1 | No | N/A | N/A | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Newspaper ads (PAID); Word of mouth | None | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | We offer programs in both Cantonese and Spanish (or provide interpreters at the English-language program). We are explicit that there is no residency requirement in order to encourage participation. | Equal Access | Silvia Sofia San Miguel | |||||||||
8 | 7 | October 2011 | 80,872 | Redwood City | California | Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork (PACT) | http://www.redwoodcity.org/manager/initiatives/pact.html | 2002 | 13 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | Our program was on hiatus in 2011 but resumed in 2012 | September-October | Wednesday or Thursday | 6-9pm | 6 (used to be 9) | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some presentation or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Interactive exercises/activities | We used to offer the program twice per year: once in the fall and spring. We ended this practice in 2006 due to low interest in two sessions per year. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | Class photo; Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 40 | 35 - 40 | 2 - 3 | None | First-come, first-served | 10 - 12 | 2 - 3 | Our waiting list is usually filled by non-residents. | Yes | $25 | (Fee waived if it would pose a hardship) | $3,500 (excluding staff time) | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Implemented an optional $25 fee, Reduced sessions, reduced staff time | No | Government website; Word of mouth; Announcement during Council meetings; Notice to homeowners' association, City boards and commissions, and the Hispanic community; News release; Email blast | Hot meal | Must attend first session; cannot miss more than two sessions | We conduct pre- and post-program surveys asking participants about perceptions of staff competence and sense of community. Both indicators increase in the post-program survey. We considered, at one time, conducting a youth program for middle and high school students. The summer months were the only feasible option for us to do this, and we determined that this would not be an ideal arrangement. Participants are allowed to bring their children to sessions. We give first selection priority to citizens and business owners, but other non-residents who are interested are put on our waiting list. | City Manager | Meghan Horrigan |
9 | 8 | April 2012 | 66,900 | City of Walnut Creek | California | Walnut Creek Citizens Institute | www.walnut-creek.org/institute | 2000 | 18 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | March-May | Wednesday | 6:30-9:30pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | We try to have at least half the session be interactive exercise. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate in frame/cover | Denim shirt with logo, City pin | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Graduation is scheduled for a Saturday; first, we have "Neighborhood Showcase" where we rent a bus, visit everyone's neighborhoods, and graduates talk about why they love where they live; then, we have lunch with the mayor and city manager and pass out certificates and Institute shirts | 30 | 30 | 5 | 16 | First-come, first-served | 2 - 3 | 1 | Half of current commissioners are institute alumni | Yes | $25 | No | $2,000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | N/A | City Managers Offce | Gayle Vassar |
10 | 9 | December 2011 | 29,044 (in 2010) | Town of Windsor | Connecticut | Windsor Citizen's Academy | http://www.townofwindsorct.com/documents/citizensacademy.pdf | 2004 | 7 | Once per year | N/A | The Windsor Citizen's Academy is one of many ways residents can become more informed of the services provided by their local government. It is designed to give participants a "behind the scenes" look at our daily operations. It also focuses on encouraging participants to become involved with town activities and services after they have completed the program. One year we offered the academy in the spring instead of the fall, but we have returned to an annual fall offering now. | September-November | Wednesday | 7-9pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture, PowerPoint, and "hands on" activities | Departments are encouraged to develop an informative yet fun curriculum. We include tours of facilities and "up close and personal," hands on activities with equipment, such as fire trucks, public works equipment, etc. Some have developed games such as Jeopardy, Bingo, etc. that include information on their department's services. We also go on a bus and tour the entire town. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Town of Windsor hats, Paper weights, Pins, Pens, etc. | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 20 | 15 | None | 16 | First-come, first-served | 3 | 0 | Many participants have gone on to volunteer following their completion of the academy. Some volunteer at the senior center or our adult day health center; others spend time in outdoor activities such as Earth Day and river clean-ups. Some alumni volunteer at community events. The Citizen's Academy covers such a wide spectrum of "what is going on in town" that they are able to select areas to volunteer at based on their own personal interests. | No | N/A | N/A | $100-200 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | N/A | Information Services/Public Relations | Enita Jubrey |
11 | 10 | April 2016 | 57,525 | City of Sanford | Florida | City of Sanford Citizens Academy | http://www.sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=956 | 2013 | 7 | Twice per year | N/A | Starting a Citizens Academy would be a great way to increase citizen engagement. Over 150 graduates are now City of Sanford advocates. The academy also helps to create a more educated citizenry in regards to local government. This is also an opportunity for the graduates to become future Board/Task Force Members. Since it's inception, we have increased attendance from 20-30 and the number of weeks also increased from 8-10. Each time a class is offered, we fill up and have a waiting list. The citizens who are part of the academy rave about it! | Sept. - Nov. & Feb.-April | Wednesday | 6pm-8pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, City Clerk responsibilities, City Attorney on Land Use Regulations & responsibilities, Human Resources/Risk Management also Community Improvement, Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) Building Department | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Bus Tours/Walking Tours and equipment demonstrations are given as well. The Finance Class plays a "Balance the Budget" game... | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | These items are given away at the beginning of each class not at graduation...Lapel pin, pens, t- shirts, folders all of the above. This past time Public Works Parks Division gave away a tree to everyone. | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 30 | 30 | 8 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 5 | 0 | No | $6,500 includes the cost for food. (Food and drinks provided at each session) | Yes | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, Community Magazines | Light meals too, it varies. | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | It is encouraged not to miss more than two classes to graduate. | Office of Communications | Lisa Holder, MPA | |||||||
12 | City of Aspen | Colorado | Aspen Citizens Academy | www.cityofaspen.com/citizensacademy | 2016 | 1 | Once per year | September-January | Wednesday, Thursday | 5:30-8:30pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Environmental health & sustainability, internal performance measurement system, Council overview, goal planning, housing, childcare, parking, how to get involved in the community | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Aspen Resort Chamber Association, Aspen Valley Hospital, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Pitkin County | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Prezi, Piktochart, flip charts and facilitated group discussion | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Fleece vest, other department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | 18 | 42 | 18 | Selection based on various attributes (amount of time lived in community, experien | N/A | N/A | Will update this database once program is complete. | Yes | 59 | No | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Social media ads (PAID), E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | City Manager's Office/Quality Office | Michelle Holder | ||||||||||
13 | City of Montgomery | Ohio | Montgomery Citizens' Leadership Academy | http://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/mcla/ | 2008 | 9 | Once per year | The City of Montgomery has a evolved a goal of creating two-way dialogue with our citizens to a goal of community engagement which addresses three outcomes of engagement: a more welcoming community, a connected community, and an involved community. The leadership academy was the first big initiative in this vein which was designed with business, school, and civic organizations as partners to address all three areas. | January -March | Thursday | 5:45-9:00pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Bethesda North Hospital, Sycamore Community Schools, Ohio National Financial Services, Twin Lakes Senior Living Community | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Our next step is really uniting and focusing our alumni to continual action with impact locally. Our last session or graduation includes a group of representatives from local service organizations. They address the graduates on how they can plug in with their organization to give back to the community. This has been well received and reiterates our "learn and do" message. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | shirt, travel mug | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We have established a graduate level course of work. We unveiled the first graduate level course in 2015 on the topic of housing. | 25 | 27 | n/a | none | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 46 | 2 | Our next step is uniting and focusing our alumni to continual action with impact locally. We survey our alumni to determine their involvement beyond working with local government as volunteers. | Yes | $99 | No | 6,000 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Only one participant allowed per household, May also belong to civic association connected to Montgomery | We recently launched an MCLA 2.0, graduate level course in April 2016 on the topic of housing. We are currently planning another session in March of 2017 on commercial development. These graduate level seminars, with pre-reading assignments, allow graduate to dive deeper into areas of importance and provide valuable feedback to City officials on areas of importance. | Community and Information Systems Department | Faith Lynch | |||||
14 | City of Centennial | Colorado | Centennial 101 | http://www.centennialco.gov/Centennial101 | 2014 | 4 | Once per year, and twice in 2015 in an attempt to clear out our waitlist | Centennial 101 was created by the Centennial City Council to provide citizens and business owners the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the City and to promote increased transparency and citizen engagement. We held our first session of our citizen’s academy, Centennial 101, in the fall of 2014. It was an extremely successful launch and we had twice as many applicants as available spots. | August - October | Thursday | 5:30 - 9 pm | 6-7 sessions, plus a Graduation at a City Council Meeting | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Boards & Commissions, Mock Council Meeting | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Cunningham Fire Protection District, South Metro Fire District, Littleton Fire District | Some lecture and PowerPoint along with hands on demonstrations and activities to make it more experiential for adult learners | We gather feedback after each session and use that data to continually improve our class. In 2016 we added a new ‘Life Safety’ night dedicated to our three Fire Districts and our Building Division, because participants expressed an interest in spending more time with both the Sheriff and their Fire District representatives. The Building Services component was a nice addition and the additional time for law enforcement and the Fire Districts was very well received by participants, so we plan to continue with this curriculum. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Notebook, pen, and jacket are typically provided. Occasionally, we include department giveaways. | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20-30 | 28 | 45-50 | None | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | 10-12 | 1 | Participants are selected according to the following preferences (from most to least important): • Residents of Centennial over the age of 18; • Owners of businesses located in Centennial; • Employees over the age of 18 of businesses located in Centennial; • Residents of Centennial between 13 and 18 years of age (limited number of available spaces); • Persons residing outside of Centennial over the age of 18 (limited number of available spaces); We select participants via random drawing and try to represent each of our four Council Districts. | No | 7,500 | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Social media tools, Word of mouth, Council Meetings, District Meetings, Flyers passed out at Sheriff's Citizens Academy | Dinner each night purchased from local businesses | None | Participants are selected according to the following preferences (from most to least important): • Residents of Centennial over the age of 18; • Owners of businesses located in Centennial; • Employees over the age of 18 of businesses located in Centennial; • Residents of Centennial between 13 and 18 years of age (limited number of available spaces); • Persons residing outside of Centennial over the age of 18 (limited number of available spaces); We select participants via random drawing and try to represent each of our four Council Districts. Also, participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions. | Communications | Kelly Ohaver | ||||||||
15 | Harnett County | North Carolina | Leadership Harnett | www.leadershipharnett.com | 1996 | 21 | Once per year | March-October | Wednesday | 7:30 am - 5:00 pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Utilities, Public safety, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services | All provided by external party(ies) | Board of Directors | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Lectures and Tours | Separate session - Graduation Banquet | Certificate in frame/cover | Lapel pin, Wood cutout of Harnett County engraved with Leadership Harnett | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 22 | 22 | None | None | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | Yes | $400 | Yes: PARTIAL scholarship | $12,000 | Sought external partnerships | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Board of Directors | Matthew Willis | |||||||||||
16 | Town of Wenham | Massachusetts | Wenham Citizens Leadership Academy | http://cms4.revize.com/revize/wenham/citizens_leadership_academy/index.php | 2016 | 2 | Once per year | Looking for more participation on committees and boards as well as at Annual Town Meeting. We were also looking for creative ways to engage with residents and help them feel more knowledge and connected to Town government. | September-December | Wednesday | 6:30-8:00 pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Clerk/Elections, Assessing, Town Meeting | Combination of staff and elected/appointed officials | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Mostly 'Other' (below), tours, videos, activities, "mock town meeting" | We end the last session with a "Mock Town Meeting." We also try to pair multiple departments as carefully as the schedule allows(i.e. finance/budget and the treasurer/collector together, but assessing on a different night). We try to do some pairing and some mix & matching so that if a resident isn't interested in finance or planning, they don't skip the whole night because there's too much of one topic area during a single session. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | folder for holding session handouts | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We do a combination of paper surveys and an online by email. Saw more results on a weekly basis the second year when we added the online survey and emailed it to residents the morning following each session. | 18 | 16.5 | none | high school age | First-come, first-served | 3 (many attendees were already on appointed board) | 0 | Many of the attendees were already on boards and committees before participation. Several are a part of or have joined a Senior Tax Work-off Program. Several were new board/committee members looking for more information as they were starting their term. We also see many of our alumni in Town Hall or referring their friends and neighbors to the proper department when needing an issues solved, which can be a great advantage. Finally, several former volunteers/officials joined the Academy and we were able to re-engage with those residents. | No | Est. $150 for supplies and snacks | No | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, the few non-residents have been added to a list and were able to join when it was determined space was available | One of the best sessions is the "mock town meeting." Wenham has an open town meeting form of government and this session includes presentations by the Town Clerk and Moderator on their roles in Town and at Town Meeting. Once the introduction is complete, the moderator oversees a "mock town meeting" with at least 1 financial article and 1 zoning bylaw amendment so that residents can use what they've learned during the Academy to participate in the session. We try to make the articles silly/humorous (such as FY1643 when the town was established or bizarre zoning), but we make the rest of the details of the meeting as accurate as possible so residents new to town meeting really get a feel for how it works and how to participate. | Town Administrator's Office | Jackie Bresnahan | ||||||||
17 | City of Salisbury | North Carolina | Salisbury Citizen's Academy | www.salisburync.gov/citizensacademy | 2014 | 4 | Once per year | The Salisbury Citizen's began as part of our former City Clerk's (Myra Heard) PELA project. The idea was presented to Council in 2013 and funded as a part of the 2014-15 budget. | September-November | Thursday | 5:30-8:30 (dinner at 5:30, program intro starts 5:45) | 10, but the final is graduation | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Boards and Commissions | All sessions provided by staff | Mostly 'Other' (below) | Many of our sessions kick off with a short informational session that may include a PowerPoint but the majority of the time is spent in hands on and small group settings. Most of our departments will divide the group into two or three smaller groups and have rotating "stations" For example one group may pave a pot hole while another group rides a bus (all part of our Public Services Dept.) | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | lapel pins, tote bags and notebooks. This year we gave each graduate a street sign with their last name | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | We usually start with 20 and avg. of 17.5 graduate | We haven't had that issue yet. | 16 | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | 25% | 1 | No | 6,000 | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | We give priority to city residents, but have had others who live outside the city participate as well. We have 10 sessions and participants are required to attend 8 of the 10 in order to be eligible for graduation. | Manager's Office | Kelly Baker | ||||||||||
18 | City of Worthington | Ohio | Worthington Citizens Academy | https://www.worthington.org/832/Citizens-Academy | 2018 | 1 | Once per year | We began the Citizens Academy last year for the first time to help deepen ties to the community and hopefully engage citizens to become active participants in the government process. | September-November | Wednesday | 6:30-9:00pm | 7-8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Arts/cultural activities | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Worthington Historical Society | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | We try to get participants out of the "classroom" and encourage walking and talking through city facilities. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | T-Shirt, Pens, Coffee Cup | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | 15-18 | 5 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 0 | 2 | No | $500 | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | City Manager's Office | Ethan Barnhardt | ||||||||||
19 | Jackson County | North Carolina | Jackson County Citizens Academy | www.jacksonnc.org | 2017 | 2 | Once per year | We provide dinner prior to each session. We strive to end our program in three hours or less per session, one night a week. | September-October | Tuesday, Thursday | 5:30-8:30 pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Education-Public Schools and Community College | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | 2017 program offered on Thursday. 2018 program offered on Tuesday. We have PowerPoint, lecture and tours of departments that offer services. Information from each session is given to participants as that session is discussed. Each participant has a 3" notebook to place information and to keep and use as a reference. The Sheriff's Office does several K-9 demonstrations and shows participants their BearCat vehicle. Emergency Management shows their search and rescue equipment and a tour of our 911 Call Center. We have a Green Energy Park uses renewable energy resources as fuel for glassblowing, blacksmith forges and ceramics kiln, there is a demonstration of one of these. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Lapel pin, notebook, department giveaway | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 25 | 25 | 2 | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 8 | 1 running for Commissioner now | No | $3,500.00 | No | Newspaper articles, Radio coverage, Alumni referrals | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend ALL sessions to complete | County Manager | Don Adams/Jan Fitzgerald | |||||||||||
20 | Town of Ashland | Virginia | Citizen Leadership Academy | http://ashlandva.gov/362/Citizen-Leadership-Academy | 2014 | 5 | Once per year | October-May | Thursday | 6:30-9:30pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Arts/cultural activities, Tourism, Regional partners | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Hands on demonstrations with the police department and public works department. Occasional tour. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | polo shirt | Session by session evaluation each week | 15 | 18 | 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 4 | 1 | Yes | $25 | Yes: FULL scholarship | $500 | Yes | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Town Manager's office | Matt Reynal | ||||||||||
21 | Alamance County | North Carolina | Alamance County Gov Academy | https://www.alamance-nc.com/countygovacademy/ | 2016 | 6 | Twice per year | March-May, September-November | Tuesday | 6:00-8:30pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Health/human services | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Group Exercises | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | polo shirt, lapel pin | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 10 | 7 | none | 29 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 1 | No | $1,000 | Yes | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend ALL sessions to complete, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | County Manager's Office | TORY FRINK | |||||||||||||
22 | City of Ann Arbor | Michigan | Ann Arbor Citizens Academy (A2CA) | https://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/A2CA/Pages/default.aspx | 2018 | 2 | Once per year | March - May | Wednesday | 6:30PM - 9:00PM | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Example available at: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/A2CA/Pages/Resources-for-2019.aspx | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate in frame/cover | Padfolio | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 23 | 30 | 18 | Scored Applications | 3 | 1 | No | No | $1,500 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | City Clerk's Office | Kelly Beattie | |||||||||||
23 | City of Crestwood | Missouri | Crestwood Citizens' Academy | 2018 | 2 | Once per year | Strategic direction from the Board - they wanted to increase public engagement and knowledge of city government | Varies | Wednesday | 6:30-8:30pm | 7 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, City Clerk, Municipal Court, also have a session on serving as an elected or appointed official | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Facility Tour/Hands-on | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | I give participants a pre-test self-evaluation at the start of the first session. I ask them to rate their knowledge of Crestwood's government, their opinion about city services, how likely they are to talk about local government issues. At the last session I give participants the same evaluation (plus a few overall questions) to try and measure how the results change. | 15-25 | 18 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 5 | 2 | No | $300 not including staff time | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | City Administrator | Kris Simpson | |||||||||||||
24 | City of Cape Girardeau | Missouri | City Academy | https://www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/citizen_services/public_information/citizen_academy | 2018 | 4 | Twice per year | August-November, February-May | Thursday | 6PM-8PM | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Economic development, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Visiting departments | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Lapel pin | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 25 | 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 15 | 0 | No | No | N/A | Sought external partnerships | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Television ads (PAID), Social media tools, Social media ads (PAID), Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Public Information | Nicolette Brennan | |||||||||||
25 | City of Staunton | Virginia | Staunton Citizen University | https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/departments/city-manager/citizen-university | 2018 | 2 | Once per year | The City of Harrisonburg had a strong program and after encouragement from our City Council, we did some research and started our own. | Sept-Nov | Tuesday | 6-8 p.m. | 12 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Courts, registrar | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), tours | Predominantly powerpoint, but we get the citizens in our locations. Tour of the parks, the water treatment plant, the regional jail, the library, the fire station, the police department, the landfill | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 25 | 5 | 21 | First-come, first-served | 2 | 0 | No | $500 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Government website, News/press releases, Social media tools, Social media ads (PAID), E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Communications | Ruth Jones Turner | |||||||||||
26 | City of Salisbury | North Carolina | Salisbury Citizen's Academy | www.salisburync.gov/citizensacademy | 2014 | 6 | Once per year | September - November | Thursday | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | Mostly 'Other' (below), We try to be as hands on as possible with minimal PPT/lecture | We kick-off with a general government/get to know each session and each week move to different city facilities. We offer dinner at 5:30 and the sessions start with an overview around 5:45 and then move to hands-on activities | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | We also give graduates a lapel pin and a street sign with their last name. | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Participants are allowed to bring a guest and the Management Team and Council also participate | 20 | 16-17 | 16 | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | 35% | 1 | No | 7,500 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Social media tools, Social media ads (PAID), E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Manager's Office | Kelly Baker | ||||||||||||
27 | Board of County Commissioners, St. Lucie County, Florida | Florida | St. Lucie County Citizens Academy | https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/administration/citizens-academy | Spring 2019 | three | Twice per year | COVID-19 | Six weeks in the spring and six weeks in fall | Thursday | 6 - 8 p.m. | six - plus one Saturday | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Administration / Communications / Tourism / Legislative Affairs | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Tours include the Emergency Operations Center/911 center / landfill / Port & Airport | Certificates are handed out to participants from the County Administrator | Certificate in frame/cover | Pens, hand-sanitizer, cozies, re-usable tote, photos from graduation and inside the EOC/TV studio | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 20 | 10 | None | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | It's been discussed. | No | no budget | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours, Eliminated or reduced paid advertising, Sought external partnerships, Food and drinks are donated by vendors | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | County Administration | Kelly Lang | |||||||||||
28 | Town of Chapel Hill | North Carolina | Peoples Academy | https://www.townofchapelhill.org/things-to-do/get-involved/chapel-hill-peoples-academy | 2018 | 3 | Once per year | The Program was created to provide a more direct opportunity for residents to learn more about our programs, services, operations, and leadership. Over the years, we have continued to advance the accessibility of this program by alleviating some of the barriers residents may face to participation by assisting with transportation, childcare, language access, and technology. | Month of March (for 2021 & Upcoming 2022 Academy) | Saturday | 9am - Noon | 4 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | Mostly 'Other' (below), This past year we did not have any PowerPoints/lectures; We made it interactive and model sessions after popular games | We included time during each session for participants to engage with Town leadership in breakout sessions. | The end of the final session acted a graduation ceremony where participants took a virtual picture with the Mayor. | Tote bag; Mug; T-shirt/swag; UNC Student's received a gift card | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | ~60; varies each year depending on our budget | ~40 | None | We recently switched from an application to a registration (turning no interested participant away) | For FY21 Academy: o 9 People of Color o 6 UNC – Chapel Hill students (age 18- 40) o 1 Transgender resident o 1 Bulgarian speaking resident | No | ~$6,000 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, Going door to door with door hangers about the program | Meals are provided when the Academy is in person | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Housing and Community | Shakera Vaughan | ||||||||||||||
29 | Cleveland County Sheriff's Office | North Carolina | CCSO Citizens' Academy Program | http://www.sheriffclevelandcounty.com/citizen's-academy.htm | 2016 | four | Once per year | COVID | Citizen interest and the popularity of these type programs. | January - March | Tuesday | 1800-2000 | 8-10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Public safety, Specifically for the Sheriff's Office structure | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Practical hands-on applications, simulators, UOF, etc. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | CCSO memorabilia depends on what we have in stock. | Session by session evaluation each week | 12-16 | 18 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 2 | No | No | $1,000 | No | Government website, Social media tools, Word of mouth, We have our own app that is publicized to every citizen that comes into the Sheriff's Office. | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Professional Standards and Administrative Division | Melanie Martin | ||||||||||||
30 | City of Gastonia | North Carolina | City of Gastonia Municipal Citizens Academy | https://www.cityofgastonia.com/housingcommeng-hce/municipal-citizens-academy.html | 2017 | 3 | Once per year | The 2022 class did not have enough interest to host the course, this could have been due to comfort level shortly after COVID-19 pandemic. | There is always a desire to provide educational opportunities for our constituents, so that they are better informed on how local government operations work and how to become more involved in the decision-making process with the City. Our Academy provides a hands-on experience for the participants, and enhances their knowledge of what services and resources our municipality offers to residents, which leads to the participants being greater resources to their communities. | January - June | Monday | 6:00 - 9:00pm | (10 Sessions) Excluding the introduction at City Council and the Graduation | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Fire, Police, DEI, Community Development and Engagement, etc. | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Gaston County Museum of Art and History | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), We provide PowerPoint presentations at all sessions, but offer a hands-on experience at most sessions as well. | As mentioned in the above question, we offer a hands-on experience for most of our sessions, in conjunction with a PowerPoint. Here are a few descriptions of our sessions: Airport: After a presentation of the history of the municipal airport and an understanding of how revenue can be generated from owning and operating a local airport, we invite our participants to test out the Flight Simulator, located in one of our hangers. Public Utilities: After a presentation, participants are able to tour the Municipal Operations Center and have live demonstrations of sewer robotics searching for blockages or leaks, utility bucket truck demos, etc. Public Works/Fleet: After a presentation, participants take part in a tour of the City Garage and have interactive sessions regarding traffic light maintenance, leaf and trash collection demonstrations with trucks, and up close interactions with heavy equipment vehicles. Police: After a presentation, a tour of the police department is provided and participants get to view a K-9 demonstration, see the equipment used by our bomb squad, and much more. Throughout the course (January - June), we encourage all participants to schedule a time to go on a 'ride-along' with our police. Fire: After a presentation at one of our fire departments, participants ride in a firetruck to our training facility, located at Gaston College, where the firemen provide live demonstrations of putting out gas leaks, construction fires, and allow participants to test out safety equipment similar to the Jaws of Life. Parks and Recreation: After a presentation, the participants travel to our local Skeet and Trap range, where they can try a few rounds at shooting skeet with an instructor guiding their movements. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | We provide a Polo shirt to all participants, and they wear these during the graduation ceremony in front of City Council. | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | We will switch from an overall evaluation at the end of the program to a session by session and an over all evaluation this year. | 20 | 18 | none | 18 | We encourage residents from our Recognized Communities to participate and they have priority, and then any resident of Gastonia (Ages 18+) may also apply. If we do not have a full class, we encourage newer staff members to participate, in order for staff to be more educated on all services we offer as a City. | At least 10 | 0 | No | Each department is in charge of providing supplies and food for their respective session. The administrative budget is $1,000 - $1,500, annually. | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Housing and Community Engagement | Tyler Davis | ||||||||
31 | Town of Leland | North Carolina | Get to Know Your Government: Learning Leland | https://www.townofleland.com/get-know-your-government-learning-leland | 2020 | 4 | quarterly | Our Town Council directed staff to find a way to engage with our citizenry more while also providing education about how their local government works. This occurred in 2020 but was only held once just prior to the pandemic beginning. It wasn't until 2023 till the program was revived. | Once per quarter, June, October, January, March | Tuesday | 6:00-9:00pm | 1 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Arts/cultural activities, High level overview of our neighboring local governments and the services they provide to our citizens. | All sessions provided by staff | All lecture or PowerPoint, Question and answer session provided at the end | No graduation provided | No graduation document | No evaluation | 100 | 26 | None | None | First-come, first-served | N/a | N/a | No | $5,000 | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, Word of mouth | None | None | Communications | Jessica Jewell | |||||||||||||
32 | 11 | October 2011 | 71,097 | City of Boynton Beach | Florida | City Services Institute | http://icma.org/en/Article/100605/Boynton_Beach_FL_Holds_City_Services_Institute | 2007 | 3 | Once per year | Staff coordinator left government | The program ended in 2011 when the staff coordinator left the City. | October-November | Monday | 6:30-8:30pm | 8 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Lapel pins | Session by session evaluation each week | N/A | 25 | 20 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 1 | 0 | N/A | Yes | $25 | N/A | $500 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | No | Newspaper ads (PAID); Television ads (PAID); E-mail/distribution list blasts; Utilities mailing insert | Snacks (provided by presenting department) | None | N/A | Public Affairs/City Manager | Carisse LeJeune |
33 | 12 | September 2010 | 165,831 | City of Cape Coral | Florida | Citizen's Academy | http://www.capecoral.net/Community/CityofCapeCoralCitizensAcademy/tabid/416/Default.aspx | 2007 | Twice per year | N/A | February-April; August-October | Wednesday | 1-5pm | 12 | Final, not separate session: mayor and council present | Certificate | Polo shirt | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | 20 | 2 - 3 | None | First-come, first-served | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government facility or other flyer postings; Newspaper articles | Snacks (participants asked to bring a brown bag lunch) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | Participants have told us that they would like a night program option, but we can't schedule staff for any time but business hours. | City Manager | Terri Hall | ||||||||||||
34 | 13 | September 2011 | 109,703 | City of Clearwater | Florida | Clearwater 101 Citizen's Academy | http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/public_comm/city_acad/index.asp | 2002 | 10 | Once per year | N/A | The city wanted to get more residents involved in city government. | September-November | Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Interactive programs (TV show) | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Shirts, Curriculum book, Tote bag, Department giveaways | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 20 | 20 | None | 16 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | ~35 | 1 | This program is very successful. We limit our class to 20 residents who are chosen by a selection committee after review of all applications. | No | N/A | N/A | $3,000 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Only one participant allowed per household | We have a light supper (catered) at each session. Costs increased in 2011 due to the necessary hire of two ASL interpreters for one participant. | Public Communications | Diane FitzGerald |
35 | 14 | October 2010 | 64,072 | City of Delray Beach | Florida | Residents Academy | http://www.mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Portals/For+Residents/Residents+Academy.htm | 2001 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | Thursday | 6-9pm | 6 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Tote bag; Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We found overwhelmingly positive ratings on our overall program evaluation. We have since sought more narrative comments. | 25 | 20 | 2 - 3 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 3 - 4 | Our commissioners weigh alumni status of the program in their decisions to fill board appointments. Our current mayor is an alum of the program. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,500 | Eliminated graduation reception | Yes | Newspaper articles; News/press releases; Word of mouth; Chamber of commerce website news post; Flyer postings at homeowners' association meetings | Hot meal | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | We also run a student academy program every other year for 30 high school students. We are thinking of starting an employee-only program. | Community Improvement | Janet Meeks | ||||||||
36 | 15 | 99,956 | Flagler County | Florida | Flagler County Citizens' Academy | http://www.flaglercounty.org/index.aspx?NID=733 | 2011 | four | Twice per year | The Citizens’ Academy is a series of professionally led workshop sessions designed to familiarize the citizens with Flagler County government and the services it provides. It is an educational experience that will give participants insight into the county’s governmental process through a three step process aimed at: Improving citizens’ understanding of local government. Developing citizens’ understanding of their role in government. Developing a pool of knowledgeable individuals to serve on future boards and commissions. | March, April, Sept, Oct | Thursday | 6:00 - 8:00 pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Classes are held at the Government Services building every Thursday from 6-8pm for 8 weeks. From time to time sessions are held at different sites, such as; Kim Hammond Judicial Center, Flagler County Airport, the Emergency Operations Center and our County Library. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | departmental giveaways | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 25 | none | none | First-come, first-served | 6 | none yet | we currently have three candidates for County Commission going through this session. | No | $1,200 | Yes | Government website, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Radio coverage, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Community Services | Joseph A. Mayer | ||||||||
37 | 16 | October 2011 | 127,488 | City of Gainesville | Florida | Gainesville 101: The City of Gainesville's Citizens' Academy | http://academy.cityofgainesville.org | 2005 | 10 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | March-April, October-November | Wednesday | 8:30am-12n | 6 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Tours | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | City lapel pin, Tote bag, Citizens' academy hat and T-shirt | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Each class elects a class speaker for graduation during a City Commission meeting. Session by session evaluations are done online. | 20 - 25 | 20 | None | None | First-come, first-served | Small | 2 | The number of alumni involved in appointed positions through the City is increasing. Our City Commission currently has two alumni (of seven seats) serving. | No | N/A | N/A | $500 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Eliminated paper handouts/notebooks | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | None | Each session host determines what snacks are offered: some serve none while others have coffee, orange juice, fruit, muffins, etc. | Communications Office | Laura Rawson |
38 | 17 | December 2011 | 1,291,578 | Hillsborough County | Florida | Hillsborough County Government Leadership University | www.hillsboroughcounty.org/onr/glu | 2006 | 7 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | August-November | Tuesday | 9am-12n | 14 | Government structure/organization, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Health/human services, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Verbal instruction | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Lapel pin, Pen, Notebook, Bag, Polo shirt, Department giveaway | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 15 - 20 | 25 | 7 | 18 (unless with parent, then 15) | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | 3 | 0 | A few alumni have ran for elected office. | No | N/A | N/A | No budget (sessions are held during the day) | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Standards for Admission: • Applicants must be at least 18 years old. • Applicants must make a commitment to attend a minimum of 7 sessions. • Participants must be a resident of Hillsborough County, a business owner in Hillsborough County, or employed full-time in Hillsborough County. • GLU is a learning and information experience. Acceptable conduct standards will be maintained by participants to assure each session is a positive experience. | Office of Neighborhood Relations | Wanda Sloan |
39 | 18 | January 2015 | 65,173 | City of Kissimmee | Florida | School of Government | http://www.kissimmee.org/index.aspx?page=391 | 2000 | 15 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | The program was suspended due to budget cuts in 2007. We also offer a similar Hispanic School of Government each fall, but that program is not currently being offered. | October-November | Wednesday | 6-9pm | 7 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Parks & Rec | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Toho Water Authority & Kissimmee Utility Authority | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), interactive activities | We try to do as many interactive/hands-on activities as possible, along with guided tours. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | pin, pen, padfolio, umbrella, department giveaways | Session by session evaluation each week | 30 | 25 | 2-3 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 25 | ? | No | N/A | N/A | $2,500 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Sought external partnerships | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Public Information Office | Paula Liska | |||
40 | 19 | September 2010 | 100,710 | City of Lakeland | Florida | Citizens Academy | http://www.lakelandgov.net/CityGovernment/CitizensAcademy.aspx | 2001 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | February-July | Wednesday | 6-9pm | 6 | Sessions are spaced out once per month (for six months). | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Diploma | Key to the city; Class photo | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 30 | 30 | 12 - 20 | 15 | First-come, first-served but priority given to city residents | 2 | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | No | Newspaper articles; Government cable access channel | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | Communications | Kevin Cook | ||||||||||
41 | 20 | June 2015 | 34,062 | City of Lauderdale Lakes | Florida | Local Government Academy | www.lauderdalelakes.org | 2007; 2014 | 2 | Once per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment; Budget cuts/restrictions | Request for citizen engagement from the community. The program was suspended in 2010 and restarted in 2014. | january-March | Thursday | 6:00-8:00 | 8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | All lecture or PowerPoint | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | notebook, polo shirt. | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 15 | 14 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 10 | 1 | No | N/A | No | $2500 originally; $2000 in 2014 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours, Eliminated or reduced paid advertising | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | City Manager | Barika Williams | |||||
42 | 21 | November 2012 | 661,115 | Lee County | Florida | Lee G.R.O.W.S. | http://www.leegov.com/leegrows | 1988 | 183 | 10 Per Year | The Lee County administration wanted to "get the word out" regarding the good things that were happening in local government. The purpose of the program is to inform the local constituants about the day-to-day operations of the County and how their tax dollars are being utilized. | January - October | Tuesday, Thursday | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 5 Classes Per Session | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Health Dept.; Medical Examiner, Justice, Elections, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Tours of Facilities | Our program is ADA compliant. | Certificates Presented at Final Class | Certificate | Pen, Brochures, Free Parking, Free Lunch, Free Tours | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Each person has evaluation forms to be completed. | 25 | 30 | None | 12 | First-come, first-served | 50 | 5 | No | $50,000 (Est.) | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Sought external partnerships | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, Mail Outs to County Committee Members, Chambers of Commerce | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | Human/Public Resources | Denise Sabatini | ||||||
43 | 22 | October 2011 | 151,263 | Martin County | Florida | Martin CARES (Citizens Academy & Resource Education Series) | http://www.martin.fl.us/portal/page?_pageid=356,264037&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL | 1999 | 41 | Three times per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | The program was suspended in 2008 until December 2011. | October-April | Thursday | 8am-3pm | 6 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' below, Field trips | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Class photo | Session by session evaluation each week | N/A | 50 | 50 | 100 | None | First-come, first-served | N/A | N/A | The waiting list usually fills up during the winter months. We encourage most of our elected officials to go through the program. We extend an offer to all candidates to attend, and most take us up on the offer. | No | N/A | N/A | $12,000 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering (morning snacks and breakfast) | Yes | News/press releases; Alumni referrals; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | At one point, we tried an evening program to attract working adults, but this wasn't very well-attended. We also ran a youth program once per year. Spouses are welcome to attend sessions as well. Our main costs are the chartered buses for tours. | Administration | Laura Beaupre |
44 | 23 | September 2010 | 390,429 | Sarasota County | Florida | Civics 101 - A Citizens Academy | http://www.scgov.net/PlanningandDevelopment/NeighborhoodServices/NeighborhoodUniversity.asp | 2000 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | April-May; September-November | Thursday | 6-9pm | 10 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Book; Bag | Session by session evaluation each week | We have found our session by session evaluations to yield overwhelmingly positive feedback. | 25 | 25 | 8 | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | We began using a waiting list in 2010. Many program alumni are also County volunteers. | No | N/A | N/A | $5,000 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website; Newspaper articles; Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply; Point system to graduate | Neighborhood Services | Vickie French | |||||||||
45 | 24 | October 2011 | 63,155 | City of Tamarac | Florida | Tamarac University | N/A | 2007 | 5 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | April-June | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | All lecture or PowerPoint, Question & Answer Sessions | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | City lapel pin, Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 25 | 25 | None | 14 | Competitive application process broken down at the district level | 20 - 25 | 2 | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | >$1,000 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | N/A | City Manager's Office | Chad Quinn |
46 | 25 | October 2010 | 500,800 | Volusia County | Florida | Volusia County Citizens Academy | http://www.volusia.org/citizensacademy/default.htm | 2002 | Once per year | Scheduling conflicts | Due to scheduling conflicts, we suspended the program in 2010. | March-May | Tuesday | 8am-5pm | 12 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Class photo; Polo shirts available for purchase by participants | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 25 | 6 | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 0 | Staff members meet individually with each finalist (first-come, first-served) applicant. About two or three alumni have run for Council. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | Eliminated or reduced gifts (department giveaways); Discontinued giving plaques for graduation ceremony | Yes | Government website; News/press releases; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must attend ALL sessions to complete | Commissioners/County Manager | Cindy Finney | ||||||||
47 | 26 | October 2011 | 20,086 | City of Decatur | Georgia | Decatur 101 | http://www.decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=158 | 2000 | 12 | Once per year | N/A | The goal is to develop informed and involved citizens and "put a face" on government. The program was developed by Lyn Menne and Linda Harris as part of a Management Development Program project and was intended to build a community of informed and involved citizens. We had a waiting list for every class, so in 2007, we added a morning class in addition to the evening class. | March | Thursday | 10am-12n, 7-9pm | 5 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Smart Growth walking tour (optional) | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | A Decatur resident shares history, 10-12 volunteer organizations come in to describe what they do and volunteer opportunities available, Members of volunteer boards and commissions come in for one class | A variety of methods depending on the subject and the class | We try to include an interactive component to each class. We begin with "homework" to bring to the first class: a scavenger hunt designed to get people all over the city. We do a 100 pennies budget exercise giving groups 100 pennies and ask how they would spend their "tax dollar." We do a mock Planning Commission Meeting. Each department designs a creative approach. For example, Public Works created Public Works Jeopardy. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Decatur 101 shirt, Car tag with city logo (after completing "homework" scavenger hunt), Notebook with handouts and information | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | The City Commission has a work session before their meeting to recognize graduates, and we adjourn next door to Eddie's Attic for a reception and light appetizers. We added a new component by inviting the graduates to come to a City Commission 30-minute work session after "graduation" for a Q&A with the City Commission. They ask questions, and the Mayor gives out a gift certificate to a local restaurant (purchased by him, personally) to the person who answered his Mayor's bonus scavenger hunt questions correctly. He gives out the bonus questions the first night of class when they "Meet the Mayor." | 40 - 45 | 50 | 10 - 20 | None | First-come, first-served | 10 - 15 | 5 - 6 | We have approximately 750 graduates, and over 90% of them are active and involved in the community. Graduates serve as neighborhood association officers and volunteer with special events, service projects, and local volunteer organizations. We recently had a 10-year strategic plan update, and 700+ people turned out for the first meeting. Sixty percent of those were Decatur 101 graduates. We also held a "reunion" in 2007 to update graduates on new programs and information. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | None | We believe that all people learn differently, so we try to make sure each session has an interactive component. We have one person who is the Decatur 101 facilitator. They coordinate the timing and length of all of the sessions and keep everything moving along. | Community and Economic Development | Linda Harris |
48 | 27 | October 2010 | 29,902 | City of Highland Park | Illinois | Citizen University | N/A | 2001 | 1 | Once per year | Staff coordinator left government | The program ended in 2002. | N/A | Thursday | 7-9:30pm | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Department giveaways | N/A | N/A | 30 | 36 | None | None | First-come, first-served | N/A | N/A | Several appointed board/commission members went through the program. | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website | Refreshments | None | N/A | City Manager | Sean McBride |
49 | 28 | November 2010 | 141,888 | Monroe County | Indiana | Monroe County Commissioners' Citizens' Academy | http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/CommissionersCitizensAcademy.aspx | 2006 | Once per year | Commissioners felt the program occupied too much staff time | The program was suspended from its inaugural academy in 2006 until 2010. | February-April | Monday | 6-9pm | 8 | We ran each session once every three weeks. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Paperweight with county logo | No evaluation | 30 | 30 | 5 - 6 | None | First-come, first-served | One graduate ran for county office but was unsuccessful. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | No | Government facility or other flyer postings; Commissioners went out to speak with potential applicants | Full meal at first session ONLY; Refreshments at all other sessions | None | Purdue University Extension educators initially approached the Commissioners about creating a program. The Extension service took over responsibility for the program in 2010 and received funding through its Program of Excellence funds. | Commissioners/County Extension | Jeff Holland | |||||||||
50 | 29 | January 2015 | 100,886 | City of South Bend | Indiana | Local Government Academy | http://www.southbendin.gov/city/departments/legal/local_government_academy.asp | 2005 | Twice per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | The program originated in our Legal Department. We suspended the program in 2010. | Tuesday | 5:30-7:30pm | 6 | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | Certificate | N/A | No evaluation | 15 | 10 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 0 | We occasionally use a waiting list; if we do, about 20 people fill it. | Yes | $2 | No | Outreach to City employees, neighborhood groups, businesses, and realtors | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Community Development | Sue Solmos | ||||||||||||
51 | 30 | September 2010 | 9,029 | Town of La Plata | Maryland | Citizen Academy for La Plata's Water and Sewer Systems | http://www.townoflaplata.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={E0B21A43-02E1-47C5-83B1-6DAB1F7A0F45} | 2008 | 2 | Once per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | The academy was discontinued after the fall 2009 program. | September-December | Tuesday | N/A | 6 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Mug with logo | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 45 | 18 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 1 | 2 | One graduate works for the Town. | No | N/A | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website; Newspaper articles; Word of mouth | Snacks | None | We created the program to proactively curb citizen resistance to planned water and sewer fee hikes. | Town Manager/Public Works | Daniel Mears | ||||||||
52 | 31 | 7,092 | Town of Ocean City | Maryland | Ocean City University | http://oceancitymd.gov/City_Manager/ocuniversity.html | 2004 | 8 times | Once a year - fall & spring semester required to complete entire program | Kathleen A. P. Mathias was the founder of our program. She was a Town employee for 28 years, working for 3 city managers, 5 mayors and many other elected officials before being promoted Assistant to the City Manager, a position she held until 2010 when she was appointed City Clerk. Because of her background in education and interest in life-long learning, Kathy developed Ocean City University, a civic education program endorsed by the Mayor and Council. Kathy believed that informed citizens could improve the quality of life and make a difference in the community. The Mayor and Council agree and are pleased to see continued interest and support for this valuable program. | September - February | Wednesday | 7:00-9:00pm | 16 (8 fall; 8 spring) | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Tourism | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Tour of certain facilities | Most of our instruction is via lecture and/or Ppt; however, we meet at different facilities and some of our classes offer a tour of that facility (i.e.: municipal airport, lifesaving museum, convention center, water plant, Northside Park recreation complex and fire headquarters). | Graduate recognition only at Mayor and Council regular meeting | More formal diploma in frame/cover | Notebook, pen, some department giveaways (i.e. shirt, frisbee, literature) | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | Thirty-two credits are required to obtain a bachelor's degree in Municipal Citizenship. There are sixteen two-credit courses, eight classes in the fall semester and eight in the spring semester. Students are allowed to miss one (1) class per semester to receive a diploma. The program ends by the first week of March and graduates are recognized at a Mayor and City Council meeting in April. They are individually called up to the podium, shake hands with the Mayor and all students stand in front of the dais for a group photo that is sent to the local newspapers for publication. Students can continue on to receive a master's degree in Municipal Citizenship by completing the Citizens Police Academy, a program facilitated by the Ocean City Police Department. They can obtain a doctorate degree in Municipal Citizenship by completing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program that is facilitated by our Emergency Services department. | 25 | 20 | 3 or 4 | None | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | Not sure | 0 - ran but not elected | Participants are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis but priority is given to property owners and residents first. If there is available room, registration is opened up for non-residents and Town employees. | No | $2,500 for supplies | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper ads (PAID), Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Cookies and soda at last session | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, If space allows, registration is open to business owners, non-residents and Town employees | City Manager's office | Diana Chavis | |||||||
53 | 32 | November 2011 | 64,072 | City of Rockville | Maryland | Rockville University | http://www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/rockvilleu/index.html | 1999 | 13 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | October-November | Wednesday, Saturday | 7-9pm | 6 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Arts/cultural activities | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Rockville Economic Development | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Rockville University is a free, six-week citizen awareness program sponsored by the Mayor and Council and the City of Rockville. This program strives to teach Rockville residents about the city’s history, its government, and its neighborhoods. Through staff briefings, tours and a project, Rockville University will answer your questions about City government and help you develop the skills necessary to get involved in your community. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Pin, Shirt, Bag | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 25 - 40 | 20 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 5 - 10 | 2 - 3 | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $500-700 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Switched from giving plaques to certificates | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, Letters to new residents | Coffee and drink during all sessions, More food during the final session | None | We give the residents a project and have them work in teams during the final session. The most recent project was a mock Mayor and Council meeting. School of Rockville is a program targeted to teens that follows the format of Rockville University. Our target audience is students in grades 10-12. This program offers an opportunity for young men and women to learn more about local government, as well as to find ways to become engaged and to make a difference in their community. The program lasts for four sessions, and students are recognized on TV by the Mayor and Council. | Neighborhood Resources Division | Orlando Heyliger |
54 | 33 | September 2014 | 31,394 (in 2010) | Town of Lexington | Massachusetts | Lexington Citizens' Academy | http://www.lexingtonma.gov/towngovernment/citizensacademy.cfm | 2009 | 6 | Once per year | September-November | Tuesday | 7:00-9:00pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities, Community Development; Library; Schools; Town Clerk; Town Meeting | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Group activities such as a "jeopardy" game. | We host each session at the relevant department so that the participants may visit the various Town facilities. For some sessions, time is reserved for an official tour of the facility (e.g. Public Works, Fire Department). | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Polo shirt with Town seal and "Lexington Citizens' Academy" | Notebook with materials from all sessions | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 30 | 22 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 10 | 2 | Although selection is made based on a first-come, first-served basis, preference is given to those who have not previously served on any Town boards or committees. Lexington has a representative Town Meeting form of government; preference for admission into the Citizens' Academy is given to those with fewer than five years of experience as Town Meeting members. We have had several new Town Meeting members participate in this program, and a few participants have also gone on to be elected to Town Meeting. | No | $600 | No | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, tax bill mailing insert; sandwich board at local farmer's market | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend ALL sessions to complete | Town Manager's Office | Melissa Jones | ||||||||
55 | 34 | September 2011 | 82,821 | City of Troy | Michigan | Troy Citizens Academy | N/A | 2001 | 14 | Twice per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | We began with a meeting of the City Manager and the Department Directors. All were requested to submit information about their specific departments that would be of interest to Troy residents. The Community Affairs Department was given the assignment to coordinate this project, compiling departmental information into a course outline, curriculum and schedule along with the application process. The program was announced in the Spring 2001 Troy Today, our quarterly newsletter mailed to all homes in Troy. Press releases were sent out to our local news media. We have completed 14 Citizen Academy sessions and graduated over 200 citizens since 2001. We took two years off (~2010) during a major project, Troy Futures 2020. | January-March, September-November | Thursday | 5:30-9pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt, Pen, Lapel pin | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Example of participant feedback: I am sending this note in response to a class that I am currently taking, the "Troy Citizens Academy". It is a wonderful program run by Mrs. Cindy Stewart, Troy City Community Affairs Director. Although only in its third week out of eight, it is giving me a unique insight into how a major city government is run. I want to say thank you for allocating funds and resources for this class. I think every member of the community who desires to serve on a board or committee should take this class. (Name omitted) | 16 | 16 | 2 - 6 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 70 | 3 | N/A | Yes | $25 | No | $1,000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend ALL sessions to complete | The verifiable evidence of the most significant achievements of the program is the increased involvement by the Citizens Academy graduates within the community. Of our 224 graduates, over 50 percent have applied for our volunteer boards/committees or become volunteers for some of our community organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Troy, Community Coalition, Troy Youth Assistance, etc.), as well as volunteered to work at our Library, Museum and Nature Center. A few have also run for City Council and one was elected in 2007. They have become more consistent voters in our general election. Graduates have also been more visible at City programs, events, and City facilities (Nature Center, Aquatic Center, Community Center, etc.). Prior to the program, it appeared that the same minority of citizens were involved in the community. Our Academy graduates have provided us with a new audience of involved citizens. Involved citizens are our most valuable resource for a community. They make the local government’s job easier. | Community Affairs | Cindy Stewart |
56 | 35 | April 2012 | 62,103 | City of Coon Rapids | Minnesota | Coon Rapids Citizen's Academy | http://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/citizenacademy/ | 2012 | 1 | Once per year | N/A | This academy was based on an already very successful Citizen's Police Academy. It is intended to engage citizens at a deeper level in understanding City affairs as well as to serve as a potential leadership development program. | March-April | Monday | 6:30-8:30pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Golf; Senior services; Cable TV | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), hands on opportunties | As part of our academy, we try to find something fun in each topical area. As examples, we allowed participants to go up in a fire aerial truck ladder. We also gave participants the opportunity to drive a snowplow truck and zamboni (dryland). | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Personalized street sign | Polo shirt | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 25 | 24 | None | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 2 | 0 | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | N/A | City Manager's Office | Matt Fulton |
57 | 36 | December 2011 | 26,157 | City of Gladstone | Missouri | Gladstone Citizens' Academy | N/A | 2006 | 8 | Twice per year | N/A | Gladstone attempted various strategies to communicate with citizens. We became increasingly frustrated with ourselves for not being in a position to provide detailed information to those that desired it. In addition, we were not receiving enough quality applications to serve on local boards. | February, August | Thursday | 7-9pm | 6 - 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 15 | 17 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 10 | 4 | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | None | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | N/A | City Manager | Richard King |
58 | 37 | October 2010 | 258,959 | City of Buffalo | New York | Mayor's Citizens' Participation Academy | http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/City_Departments/Citizens_Services/Citizen_Participation_and_Information/Participation_Academy | 2006 | Twice per year | Scheduling conflicts | March-June; September-November | Wednesday | 6-9pm | 9 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 35 - 45 | 35 - 45 | 100 - 120 | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 20 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | Most food expenses donated | Yes | Official or staff visits to events or organizations; Government cable access channel; Alumni referrals; Word of mouth; 311 program | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must complete ONE of the following: (1) perform a police ride-along or visit a precinct, (2) take a complaint in the Mayor's Call and Resolution Center, (3) attend a Common Council meeting or attend a CitiStat session, or (4) volunteer at a fire house or community center | Mayor/Citizen Services | Whitney Kemp | ||||||||||
59 | 38 | September 2010 | 6,906 | Town of Aberdeen | North Carolina | Aberdeen Citizens Academy Program (CAP) | http://townofaberdeen.net/pView.aspx?id=2272&catid=29 | 2005 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-October | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 7 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | N/A | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 15 - 20 | 12 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $800 | No | Government website; Newspaper articles; Government cable access channel; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | Town Manager | Bill Zell | |||||||||||
60 | 39 | November 2010 | 87,236 | City of Asheville | North Carolina | City of Asheville Citizens Academy | N/A | 2004 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | We discontinued the program in 2008. | Monday | 6-9pm | 9 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate in frame/cover | Departmental pins | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 25 | 28 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 1 | No | N/A | N/A | ~$6,000 | Yes | Government website; Newspaper articles; Word of mouth | Hot meal | None | For many years, we have offered a similar program to city employees for three hours, once per week, during lunchtime. (Additional contact: Lauren Bradley, Director of Administrative Services; (828) 259-5484; lbradley@ashevillenc.gov) | City Manager | Phil Kleisler | |||||||||||
61 | 40 | October 2010 | 51,510 | City of Burlington | North Carolina | Burlington's Government Academy | N/A | 2005 | Once per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | We discontinued the program in 2006. | September-November | Thursday | 7-9pm | 9 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Paperweight | 25 | 22 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 4 - 5 | 0 | Yes | $25 | $2,500 | Yes | Newspaper ads (PAID) | Snacks | None | We had fuller meals for some sessions. | Public Information | John Nixon | |||||||||||
62 | 41 | September 2010 | 187,226 | Cabarrus County | North Carolina | County Government 101 | http://www.cabarruscounty.us/news-events/Pages/County-Government-101.aspx | 2008 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 8 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | Padfolio; Pen | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 30 | 25 | None | 16 | First-come, first-served | No | N/A | N/A | $300 | Eliminated or reduced paid advertising | Yes | Government website; Government cable access channel; Social media tools; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | We use only locally produced food for our light meals. | Communications | Aimee Hawkins | ||||||||||
63 | 42 | January 2015 | 151,088 | Town of Cary | North Carolina | Town of Cary School of Government | http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/townmanagersoffice/School_of_Government.htm | 2003 | 11 | Once per year | N/A | The first year of the program was 2003, and it was held in the spring. We moved it to the fall for 2004 through 2008 to time the graduation to the application period for town boards. Then, the application period for boards and commissions changed to late spring, so we moved it back to the spring in 2010. | March-April | Wednesday plus 2 Saturdays | 6-9pm (evenings), 9am-12n (weekends) | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Long Range Planning, Development Process, Recreation/Leisure services, Current events ("what's new in Cary") | All sessions provided by staff; council members provide comments at first session and present certificates at last session | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Hands-on activities, Field trips; Generally begin with lecture/presentation then move to hands-on activity or field trip | N/A | Final, not separate session: includes reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt; Binder (we used to provide a copy of NC Cities: An Introduction by David Lawrence, but it is no longer available) | Overall AND session by session evaluations | The graduation session includes the speaker for the final topic, presentation of certificates by the mayor and Council, and a reception. Council members welcome the group at the first class and congratulate and distribute certificates at the last class. | 24 | 24 | We don't use a waiting list; however, we give priority in future years if an applicant has applied before. | 14 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (gender, age, area of town, length of residency) | 67 | 1 | We strive for a cross-section of ages, genders, town districts, and both new and tenured residents for each class. We usually get more applicants who are in their 40s and 50s. One town board requires graduation from the program to be eligible to serve. While we do not officially keep a waiting list, we do give preference to those who have applied previously and not gotten in; unsuccessful applicants must reapply. Three graduates have run for elected office; one has been elected. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | N/A | Yes | Newspaper ads (PAID); Utililties mailing insert; Alumni referrals; Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend 6 of 8 sessions to receive certificate. | N/A | Town Manager | Lana Hygh |
64 | 43 | October 2011 | 154,810 | Catawba County | North Carolina | Catawba County University | http://www.catawbacountync.gov/pio/ccu.pdf | 1994; 2009 | 2 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | The program was offered between 1994 and 1996. We brought back a revised version of it in 2009, but, due to the Board of Commissioners dealing with budget cuts, we skipped an offering in late 2010/early 2011. We hope to bring back the program soon. | Varies | Tuesday, Thursday | 10am-3pm | 2 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff, Staff includes the chair of the Board of Commissioners | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Sometimes buildings are toured (Justice Center, 911 Center, EMS bases, etc.) | The program is held in the course of one to two weeks. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Notebook; Pen | Overall evaluation at the end of program | N/A | 30 | 18 | None | None | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 0 | 0 | Participants are chosen primarily based on geographic location within the county. | No | N/A | N/A | $300 | Stopped the program (only temporary over one fiscal year) | No | Newspaper ads (PAID); Government cable access channel; Social media tools; Radio coverage; Word of mouth | Snacks | None | N/A | Public Information | Dave Hardin |
65 | 44 | October 2010 | 792,862 | City of Charlotte | North Carolina | Community University Leadership Training | http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/CommunityUniversity/Pages/default.aspx | 2000 | Several monthly seminars scheduled per year | N/A | N/A | February-May; June-July; September-January | 10-11:30am; 6:30-8pm | 4 (per month of program) | None: Each seminar/workshop is independent and not part of a series for graduation | No graduation document | Department giveaways | Session by session evaluation each week | 20 | 12 - 15 (attending per session) | None | First-come, first-served | No | N/A | N/A | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | No | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website; Government facility or other flyer postings | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | We cover one topic per month with four sessions/workshops as part of that series. Two of the four are scheduled for the day (10-11:30am) while the other two are scheduled at night (6:30-8pm). The manager presenting at each session is asked to use local small business catering for the night workshops. Refreshments were discontinued in 2010 to cut program costs. | Neighborhood and Business Services | Cynthia Woods | |||||||||||||
66 | 45 | September 2010 | 66,817 | Chatham County | North Carolina | Citizens College | http://www.chathamcitizens.org/citizens-college/citizens-college-info.html | 2006 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | February-March | Thursday | 6-9pm | 7 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | N/A | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 21 | None | 17 | First-come, first-served | Yes | $20 | Yes: FULL scholarship | $600 | No | None | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | The program is sponsored by CCEC, Inc. (Chatham Citizens for Effective Communities, a public-private partnership with county). There are no out-of-pocket costs for the county. | CECC, Inc. | Renee Paschal | ||||||||||||
67 | 46 | October 2010 | 5,862 | City of Cherryville | North Carolina | Cherryville Citizens Academy | N/A | 2008 | Once per year | Discontinued | N/A | September-February | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 9 | We hold sessions once or twice per month but skip a session in December. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Gift bag; Department giveaways | Session by session evaluation each week | 15 | 15 | None | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 6 | 0 | Until 2010, staff brainstormed individual citizens who would be interested in participating. The Council and Mayor chose a few names for staff to call and gauge individual interest. In 2011, we moved to a formal application system. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | Yes | Newspaper ads (PAID); Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | City Clerk | Kelly Sellers | ||||||||
68 | 47 | October 2011 | 83,506 | City of Concord | North Carolina | Concord 101 | http://www.concordnc.gov/Resident/Concord-101 | 2002 | 10 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 13 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation (including street/traffic/signal maintenance, airport, public transit), Public housing, Human resources, Tour of local motor sport-related business (MRN Radio) | Mostly staff, external parties include a local judge/historian for the history session and MRN Radio staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | N/A | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | More formal diploma in frame/cover | Plaque; Paperweight | Overall evaluation at the end of program | N/A | 20 | 21 | 8 - 9 | 14 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 1 | We give priority to those applicants living inside the city limits. Several city employees went through or go through the program each year. | No | N/A | N/A | $400 | Other: Minimal program cost outright | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website; Social media tools | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | Most of our budget is spent on catering for the graduation reception. Each presenting department is responsible for bringing their own snacks. | City Manager | Peter Franzese |
69 | 48 | October 2010 | 11,750 | Town of Davidson | North Carolina | Civics 101 | http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/index.aspx?NID=235 | 2006 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | January-March | Thursday | 9:30-11:30am; 6-9pm | 7 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Mug | 20 | 20 | 2 - 3 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 2 | The application process is first-come, first-served, but then staff choose applicants who would be a good fit for class. Staff solicit recommendations from board members. | No | N/A | N/A | $500 | Yes | Government website; Social media tools; Word of mouth; Staff outreach to individual citizens | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | We run a concurrent morning and evening program during a each iteration of the program. We cap actual enrollment at 20 for each program. | Public Information | Megan Pillow Davis | ||||||||||
70 | 49 | September 2010 | 288,133 | Durham County (and City of) | North Carolina | Durham City/County Neighborhood College | http://dconc.gov/government/departments-a-e/board-of-commissioners/special-projects/durham-neighborhood-college | 2003 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Thursday | 6-8:30pm | 10 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 30 | 30 | None | 15 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 2 | All applications are screened by the tax office to be checked for any outstanding taxes owed to the City or County. If an accepted participant drops out before the first session of our program, we ask the next applicant after the first 30 to fill the spot (but do not use a waiting list). | Yes | $30 | Yes: FULL scholarship | $6,000 | Yes | Government website; Government cable access channel; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply; Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete; Must complete homework/reading/assignment before graduation | Structurally, the City and County evenly distribute program costs and split the number of sessions equally between City and County facilities. Participants selected must live or be a resident of Durham, and we verify and enforce this requirement through a check of applicants' payment of property or vehicle taxes to either (or both) government(s). | Public Information | Deborah Craig-Ray | |||||||||
71 | 50 | April 2014 | 15,488 | City of Eden | North Carolina | Citizens Academy | http://www.edennc.us/citizensacademy.cfm | 2011 | 3 | Once per year | N/A | We have found that hands on experience and tours work well for us. | September-October | Thursday | 6-8pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Mostly 'Other' (below) | 2014 will be our 4th year. We plan to start mid August so that we can provide more tours. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Pens, notebook, t-shirt, pins, bags, meals provided | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We have turned it into a competition between the departments by having citizens vote for their most favorite instructor and most favorite department. | 10 - 20 | 15 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 8 | 1 | We started the program in 2011. We found that the group became a unit and actually volunteered to participate with one of our department's Christmas for needy kids program. This group was well represented by retirees, business people, a local industry representative, and one homemaker. Each participant indicated they were interested in making their community a better place. We also opened it up to those who own property and pay city taxes inside the city but did not actually live inside the city limits. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,600 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Social media tools, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | The program in 2011 was our first citizens academy, and it was very successful. We also need to look at revising our schedule a bit. | Administration | Sheralene Thompson |
72 | 51 | October 2010 | 4,016 | Town of Elkin | North Carolina | Elkin Citizens Academy Program (CAP) | N/A | 2003 | Once per year | N/A | We discontinued the program in 2005. | February-March | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 6 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Polo shirt; Group photo | 25 | 25 | None | None | No | N/A | N/A | $2,000 | Yes | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | Administration | Missy Calhoun | |||||||||||||||
73 | 52 | September 2010 | 204,408 | City of Fayetteville | North Carolina | City of Fayetteville Citizens' Academy | http://www.ci.fayetteville.nc.us/public_information/citizens_academy.aspx | 2008 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | March-May; September-November | Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 7 | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | Cetificate | N/A | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 25 | 1 - 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 3 - 4 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $400 | Eliminated or reduced gifts; Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | No | Newspaper articles; Government cable access channel; Word of mouth; Local weekly paper ads (not paid) | Snacks | None | Public Information | Nathan Walls | |||||||||
74 | 53 | December 2014 | 26,772 | Town of Garner | North Carolina | Garner 101 Citizen's Academy | 2013 | 3 | Twice per year | There needed to be an educational component to the Neighborhood Improvement Program. | September-October, March-May | Thursday | 6:30-8:30pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Wake County EMS, Garner Fire and Rescue, Raleigh Utilities | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Facility Tours | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate in frame/cover | Shirt | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 20 | 35 | 10 | None | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | None | None | No | $5,000.00 per year | Yes | Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | Neighborhood Improvment | Reginald Buie | |||||||||
75 | 54 | January 2015 | 279,639 | City of Greensboro | North Carolina | City Academy | http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=2332 | 2004 | 11 | Once per year | N/A | community involvement; civil participation in boards & commissions | September-November | Thursdays (mainly) | 5:45-9pm | 14 (2 electives & 1 graduation) | Executive, Budget, Field Operations, Police, Transportation, Fire, Planning, Neighborhood Development, P&R, Human Relations, Libraries, Contact Center, City Council, Economic Development, Legislative, GM911 | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Interactive activities | One of the goals for Government Works: A City Academy is to educate residents about City Government in preparation for service on a Board or Commission. The class is always limited to 25 participants representing the five districts in the City. Students are selected for their diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, and other community involvement. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception; dinner | More formal diploma in frame/cover | City Academy polo shirts; padfolio; cd with Academy photos | Overall AND session by session evaluations | Graduation is held at a City Council meeting. The class is recognized with the Mayor and City Manager awarding the diplomas. Two students are voted on by the class to address the City Council. Awards are given to the departments chosen by the students for Favorite Learning Experience and Most Interactive and Interesting Experience. | 25 | 25 | 15 | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.); advertised, solicited, & alumni | Unknown | 1 | Our first City Academy graduate was elected in 2011 to City Council At-Large. Encourage immigrant and refugee participation. | No | N/A | N/A | $4,500 | Eliminated or reduced gifts; less printing. | 1 walking tour | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth; emails; news release; local tv ; GPD Citizens Academy | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete; City resident; must pass GPD background check | For budget and staffing reasons, we folded the Citizens Police Academy into this program and offer a specific 'elective' session one Saturday and one Tuesday night specific to more about that function (at least 10 of the 25 students must sign up for us to offer that option). Balanced class of male/female, ages; genders, races and Council district representation. | Community Relations | Donna Gray & Cathy Justice |
76 | 55 | October 2010 | 89,130 | City of Greenville | North Carolina | Greenville Citizens Academy | http://www.greenvillenc.gov/news_events/default.aspx?id=3232 | 2007 | Once per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | We rescheduled the program in 2010 for the spring instead of the usual fall. | Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 7 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Padfolio; Embroidered golf shirts (until supply exhausted); Application for boards and commissions | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 17 | None | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 3 - 4 | 0 | Participants can be younger than 18 if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Five spots are reserved for each of the five council districts while other residents are given first priority (extras from standby list). Extraterritorial jurisdiction residents have next priority. | Yes | $25 | $1,000 | Eliminated graduation reception | Yes | Government website; Newspaper ads (PAID); Government cable access channel; Social media tools; Neighborhood liaison notice | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | Public Information | Steve Hawley | ||||||||||
77 | 56 | November 2011 | 506,610 | Guilford County | North Carolina | Guilford County Citizen's Academy | http://www.co.guilford.nc.us/citizen_academy11.html | 2011 | 1 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Monday, Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Budget, land use, and strategic planning case studies | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Notebook | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 30 | 25 | None | 16 | First-come, first-served | N/A | N/A | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $500 | N/A | No | Government website, Word of mouth | Snacks (we provide a small snack if no vending machines are available) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | N/A | Manager's Office | Martha Rogers |
78 | 57 | September 2010 | 124,987 | Harnett County | North Carolina | Leadership Harnett | http://www.leadershipharnett.com/ | 1990 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | March-October | Wednesday | 7:45am-5pm | 7 | The program is held once per month. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | T-shirt; Pen with logo | Session by session evaluation each week | 20 | 20 | 3 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | Anyone on the waiting list must reapply to the program each year. | Yes | $400 | Secured Campbell University to provided buses for tours | Yes | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply; Must show demonstrated interest and involvement in improving community | Our program is run by Leadership Harnett, 501(c)3, a partnership between the county and several chambers. The county provides no direct funding. Sponsors provide breakfast and lunch, while other sponsors are secured to provide snacks. | Board of directors executive committee (county manager sits ex-oficio) | Jennifer Slusser | ||||||||||||
79 | 58 | November 2011 | 40,361 | City of Hickory | North Carolina | Hickory Neighborhood College | http://www.hickorync.gov/department/division.php?structureid=54 | 1998 | 12 | Once per year | N/A | Neighborhood College has three main goals: (1) empower graduates with information about city operations, departments, projects, issues, and more, (2) encourage graduates to participate on city advisory boards and in neighborhood groups, and (3) engage graduates so they become city advocates and ambassadors. The program has never been discontinued, but the starting date has been delayed two times due to various reasons. The program for fall 2011 was delayed until spring 2012, most recently. | September-November | Monday | 5:30-7:30pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation (airport, greenway, transit), Library | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Facilities tours (including police and fire stations, water plant, and library) | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | More formal diploma in frame/cover | Lapel pin, Gift with City logo | Session by session evaluation each week | When Neighborhood College first started, there was a separate graduation. Now graduates receive diplomas at City Council meetings and a reception is held prior to the Council meeting. | 20 - 25 | 16 | None | None | First-come, first-served | ~30 | 1 | Many Neighborhood College graduates have gone on to serve on City advisory boards, lead neighborhood groups, or are civic leaders. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,500 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering (since 2009; offered snacks between 1998 - 2008) | No | Government cable access channel, Radio coverage, Utilities mailing insert, Word of mouth | None | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation, Must complete homework/reading/assignment before graduation, Credit system to graduate | Our homework assignment entails participants attending at least two City meetings (one of which must be Council) and writing a report on one meeting. | Communications | Dana Kaminske |
80 | 59 | December 2010 | 107,741 | City of High Point | North Carolina | High Point City Government 101 | N/A | 2005 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | N/A | September-October | Thursday | 6-9pm | 7 | We offer our program sporadically-some years but not others. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | 25 | None | 14 | First-come, first-served | 2 | Although we use a first-come, first-served method, we look for diversity in age, etc., in our classes. | No | N/A | N/A | $4,000 | Yes | Government website; Newspaper articles; Government cable access channel | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete; Must complete homework/reading/assignment before graduation | In winter 2010, we held the program for neighborhood association leaders (27 chairs and vice chairs) since our Neighborhood Resources department received HUD funding. That program ran from 5:30-8pm and was shorter. We generally enjoy high citizen demand for the program. | Public Information/Neighborhood Resources | Alice Moore | ||||||||
81 | 60 | September 2010 | 28,915 | Town of Holly Springs | North Carolina | Holly Springs LEAD Academy | http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/gov/academy.pdf | 2009 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | April-June | Wednesday | 8:30am-1:30pm | 6 | We hold sessions every other week. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Polo shirt | No evaluation | Although we have no formal evaluation procedure, participants are asked by e-mail or during the last session about how the program can be improved. | 20 | 10 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 0 | 1 | Yes | $125 | $200 | Yes | Government website; Newspaper articles; Utilities mailing insert; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply; Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Participant fees cover the cost of food and gas for van tours. | Administration | Daniel Weeks | ||||||||
82 | 61 | January 2015 | 44,359 | City of Kannapolis | North Carolina | Kannapolis Citizens Academy | http://www.kannapolisnc.gov/living-here/get-involved/ | 2006 | 14 | Twice per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | Our deputy city manager had an academy at the city he was at previous to coming to Kannapolis and instituted it here when he arrived. We have only suspended the program once in 2009 due to budget cuts. Our Police Department started a department specific academy last fall (2014). We host a citizens academy in the spring and fall; we also host an employee academy in the fall (same presentation; for new hires). | March - April; September-October | Tuesday | Citiens 6:00 - 8:00p; Employee 11:30a - 1:00p | 9 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, 'Catch All' | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Counties (Rowan & Caburrus); Visitor's Bureau | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Local Government Overview; Finance; Planning & Zoning; Economic Development; Parks and Recreation; Fire; Police; Public Works/Water Treatment; Catch All (final questions for each department; invite some outside organizations in share general information) | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Coolers, Lapel Pin, Portfolio, Jacket, Beach Towel (veries from series to serires) | Session by session evaluation each week | We send out a 'SurveyMonkey' survey after each session. They rate the presenters skills, ability to answer questions, the meal provided, the meeting space, etc. They also have the opportunity each week to give an overall score. The overall score is used to award the PEACOCK AWARD to the department with the highest average. This is actually a trophy with a figurine shaped like a peacock sitting atop a wooden base. The wooden base has name plaques that are engraved after each session with the winning department. | 15 | 17 | 12 | None; <18 - a guardian has to be enrolled | Priority to residents but others interested on a waiting list | 10+ | 4 | Now our academy precedes the application process for our boards and commissions which is really good timing. Academy participants are introduced to the boards and commissions and are encouraged to apply to serve. Moving the academy to this time slot has increased our boards and commissions applications. | No | N/A | N/A | 8000 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | As part of our survey at the end of the academy classes, both our employee and citizen participants vote on which presentation was the best. The winner receives the Peacock Award which is an actual trophy in the shape of a peacock sitting atop a wooden base. The wooden base has name plaques that are engraved after each session with the winning department. | City Manager's Office | Elizabeth Cox |
83 | 62 | July 2013 | 18,042 | City of Lenoir | North Carolina | Lenoir 101 | www.cityoflenoir.com | 2012 | 2 | Once per year | Lenoir 101 began as part of our city's overall communications plan for developing citizen engagement. | September-October | Monday | 6:30-8:30 | 7 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), tours; interactive activities | Final session graduation and dinner with City Council | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt, refreshments, departmental giveaways | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 12 | 12 | 3 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 0 | Yes | $20 | No | $350 | Yes | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | snacks at sessions; dinner at graduation | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Communications and Resource Department | Kaye Reynolds | |||||||
84 | 63 | September 2010 | 3,340 | Town of Maiden | North Carolina | Maiden 101 | N/A | 2008 | 3 | Once per year | Lack of interest | Discontinued the program in 2011 | January-March | Tuesday | 6-7:30pm | 8 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Lapel pin; Ink pen | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 15 | 10 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $500 | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Social media tools; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | A few participants took (but never completed) the program in hopes of running for elected office. | Town Manager | Todd Herms | |||||||||
85 | 64 | September 2010 | 29,384 | Town of Matthews | North Carolina | Town of Matthews Citizens' Academy | N/A | 2005 | Once per year | No need to offer program every year | In 2006, we suspended the program, with the notion that it would come back again in the future. We just didn't see a need to offer the program every year. | October-December | Thursday | 6-9pm | 6 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Town pin | No evaluation | 25 | 17 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | No | News/press releases | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | Town Clerk | Jill Pleimann | |||||||||||
86 | 65 | October 2010 | 990,977 | Mecklenburg County | North Carolina | Civics 101 | N/A | 1996 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | February-April | Tuesday | 6-8:30pm | 5 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | N/A | No evaluation | 60 - 65 | 60 - 65 | 5 - 15 | 18 | First-come, first-served | Yes | $65 | $4,000 | No | Word of mouth; Newspaper announcement | Snacks | None | Our program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County but is co-taught by county officials. We also offer a youth Civics 101 program. (Additional contact: Janet Brinkley, LWV Co-President; (704) 399-6600; janetbrinkley@gmail.com) | Public Information | Roger Kortekaas | ||||||||||||
87 | 66 | September 2010 | 33,975 | City of Monroe | North Carolina | Citizen's Academy | N/A | 2009 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-October | Monday | 5:30-7:30pm | 7 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | T-shirts; Department giveaways; Superlative awards with gift card prizes | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 | 15 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | >$2,000 | Yes | Newspaper articles; Television ads (PAID); Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Our dinners used to be provided by local vendors but now each department is responsible for the food for their session. | Human Resources/Diversity Advisory Committee | Debra Chestnut Reed | |||||||||
88 | 67 | September 2010 | 91,587 | Moore County | North Carolina | County Government 101 | http://www.co.moore.nc.us/index.php/learning-about-your-government | 2006 | Once per year | Program ended; energy now directed to Youth/Teen leadership program with 4-H | We started offering the program in the fall but found it difficult to schedule sessions with the holidays. | March-May | Tuesday; Thursday | 6-8pm | 14 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | N/A | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 25 - 30 | 22 - 25 | None | None | Priority to new residents and board appointees | No | N/A | N/A | $100 | Yes | News/press releases; Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | County 101 is open to county employees. Some departments cook full, hot meals for their sessions. We used to require attendance at a certain number of sessions in order to graduate, but now everyone receives a certificate for participating and attending. We also offer a four-week Youth 101 for county residents, ages 12-19. Before Youth 101, younger residents were allowed to enroll in County 101. We usually have a waiting list for Youth 101. | Public Information | ||||||||||||
89 | 68 | September 2010 | 34,887 | Town of Mooresville | North Carolina | Mooresville Citizen's Academy | N/A | 2004 | 3 | Once per year | Staffing shortages/restrictions | We suspended the program between 2009 and 2010. | March-May | Thursday | 6:30-9pm | 10 | Government Structure/Organization, Community History, Budget/Finance, Public Works, Public Utilities, Public Safety, Planning, Parks and Recreation | All sessions provided by staff | Lecture, PowerPoint, “Hands On” Activities | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Book on local government | Session by session evaluation each week | 20 | 17 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 2 | We use a waiting list only when it is needed. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | No | Government website; Newspaper articles; Utilities mailing insert | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | In order to achieve a class size of about 17 - 18 people, we will sometimes accept high school students. | Town Clerk | Janet Pope | ||||
90 | 69 | September 2011 | 21,932 | Town of Morrisville | North Carolina | Morrisville 101 | http://www.townofmorrisville.org/index.aspx?nid=285 | 2005 | 6 | Once per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | In 2009, we tried running the program over a one-weekend time span in April (all day Saturday, half day Sunday). This reduced the budget from $2,000 to $1,000 (mainly cut food expenses). We used to run sessions twice per month (every other week, usually). | March OR September | Thursday | 6-8:30pm | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Demonstrations and facility visits | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Pens, Bag, History of Morrisville book, Raffle giveaway at the end of the class | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 20 | 15 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | About a third | Almost all | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | ~$1,500 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Budget does not include staff time. | Administration | Stephanie Smith |
91 | 70 | October 2010 | 13,904 | City of Mount Holly | North Carolina | Citizen's Academy | N/A | 2009 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | January-May | Thursday | 6-8pm | 8 - 9 | We hold sessions every other week. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Golf shirts | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 15 | 13 | None | None | First-come, first-served | No | N/A | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines; Government website | Hot meal | None | In 2011, we began considering running an online version of the program. | City Clerk | Amy Miller | |||||||||||
92 | 71 | October 2011 | 95,093 | Nash County | North Carolina | Nash County Government Works | http://www.co.nash.nc.us/GOVERNMENT/CitizensAcademy.aspx | 2008 | 4 | Once per year | N/A | Our program purposes include educating community leaders about various aspects of county government and developing future volunteers for county boards, committees, etc. | January-May | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Aging, Cooperative extension, Soil and water conservation, Elections, Register of Deeds | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Nash County Tourism, Nash Community College, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Department demonstrations/tours | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Class Photo, Shirt, Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We issue press releases to newspapers to include graduating class photo, names, and a write-up about the sessions. | 20 - 25 | 21 | None | 14 | First-come, first-served | 14% | 3% | Participation each year has been reflective of the community and diverse in terms of age, gender, and tenure in the county, past/present education and work. | Yes | $30 | No | $5,000 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | We meet in various relevant locations across the county. | Manager's Office | Patsy McGhee |
93 | 72 | October 2010 | 213,267 | New Hanover County | North Carolina | New Hanover Citizens Academy | http://www.nhcgov.com/News/Documents/CIA%20Application%2009%2001%202011.pdf | 2011 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | January-March; September-November | Thursday | 6-9pm | 10 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Bags; Museum memberships | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 0 | 0 | Yes | $25 | Yes | Newspaper ads (PAID); Television ads (PAID); Radio coverage; E-mail/distribution list blasts | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | None | We have no further requirements of participants, officially, but expect strong attendance and that participants will be county residents. We created the program by blending elements of Durham County's program and our New Hanover County Citizen Sheriff Academy. | Human Resources/Community Relations | Carl Byrd | |||||||||||||
94 | 73 | September 2010 | 13,043 | City of Newton | North Carolina | Newton 101 | http://www.newtonnc.gov/rotating_stories_detail_T65_R67.php | 2009 | 3 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-October | Thursday | 7-9pm | 7 | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | Certificate in frame/cover | T-shirts | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 25 | 24 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 2 | 2 | The waiting list is filled only by non-residents who are interested in participating. They are only invited to attend if the class isn't full. | No | N/A | N/A | $300 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering; Eliminated or reduced paid advertising | Yes | News/press releases; Social media tools; E-mail/distribution list blasts | Snacks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | We discontinued full dinners in 2010 to cut program costs. We also cut $300 in advertising in 2010 (from 2009). (Additional resource: http://www.americantowns.com/nc/newton/news/newton-101-citizens-invited-to-learn-about-their-city-in-2nd-annual-program-481327) | Administration | Gary Herman | |||||||
95 | 74 | January 2015 | 1,366 | Town of Pine Knoll Shores | North Carolina | Pine Knoll Shores' Citizen Academy | 2014 | 1 | Every other year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment | We developed a strategic plan, adopted in February 2014, that called for increasing government accessibility and also had some objectives centered around increasing civic engagement. We only had three graduates from our first year, so we are moving to an every other year schedule to build demand. We may experiment with other times as well, and anticipate surveying in the future prior to running the program again to ensure greater participation. | Sept-Nov. | Tuesday | 8:30-9:30 AM | 9 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation | Staff/Committee Volunteers | All lecture or PowerPoint | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Session by session evaluation each week | 10 | 5 | None | None | Attendance at session. No prior selection. | Too soon to tell | Too soon to tell | Both target and average number of participant figures are for non-elected attendees and staff. Our overall average for the program was actually 11, but 50% of that figure is staff and elected officials. | No | $50+significant staff time | No | Newspaper articles, News/press releases, E-mail/distribution list blasts | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Each session was open to the public and advertised, figuring that folks could come to those that interested them. Those that completed the program missed no more than one session. | Administration Department | Scott Sherrill | ||||||||
96 | 75 | September 2010 | 174,263 | Pitt County | North Carolina | Pitt County Citizens Academy | http://www.pittcountync.gov/apps/news/article.asp?PageID=672&DeptID=26 | 2006 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-November | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 6 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | T-shirt, mug, OR bag | Session by session evaluation each week | 20 | 20 | 2 - 5 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 3 - 5 | 0 | Participants can be younger than 18 if accompanied by a parent/guardian. | Yes | $25 | $2,000 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | No | Newspaper ads (PAID); Radio coverage; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply; Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | County Attorney | Nancy Wilson | |||||||||
97 | 76 | September 2010 | 431,746 | City of Raleigh | North Carolina | Raleigh Neighborhood College | http://raleighnc.gov/neighbors/content/CommServices/Articles/NeighborhoodCollege.html | 2003 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | March-May; September-November | Thursday | 6-8pm | 12 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY (in Council chambers with cap and gown) | Certificate | Lapel pin; Bumper stickers | Session by session evaluation each week | 25 | 25 | 1 - 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | Several alumni are involved in their neighborhood associations now. One graduate ran for the state House of Representatives. | No | N/A | N/A | $2,700 | No | News/press releases; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | We also offer a Citizens Leadership Academy, which has a similar structure, to develop citizens' leadership skills. | Community Services | Kevin Smith | ||||||||||
98 | 77 | March 2015 | 91,905 | Rockingham County | North Carolina | Rockingham County Government's Citizens' Academy | http://www.co.rockingham.nc.us/pview.aspx?id=17253&catID=411 | 2012 | 5 | Initially twice a year; now once a year | Rockingham County Manager Lance Metzler was interested in exploring new, exciting programs when he started his tenure in the Fall of 2011. County Commissioner Harold Bass presented the idea of a Citizens' Academy to the County Manager after trying to start a program for eight years. Metzler appointed a Steering Committee to develop a proposal to present to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners which included the Metzler, Bass, Rockingham Community College President, Strategic Manager Director, and Public Information Officer. The proposal and a budget were approved by the County Commissioners and the Public Information Officer was appointed to coordinate the Citizens' Academy with direction from the Steering Committee. The Rockingham County Citizen's Academy originated in the Fall of 2012 and was officially endorsed and sponsored by the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Citizens’ Academy is to inform, educate, engage, and empower local citizens with a thorough, behind-the-scenes view of Rockingham County Government in order to help grow and develop future County Governmental leaders; to personally meet and talk with County elected officials, department heads, appointed Board/Committee leaders, and staff to better understand how County Government operates; to gain a working knowledge about the County’s overall organization, vision, mission, goals, objectives, budget, policies, procedures, and day-to-day functions to create civic ambassadors who may enlighten others about County Government. Public Information Officer Mable Scott and the Steering Committee coordinated the Citizens' Academy until it transitioned to a citizens’ led Academy in the Spring of 2013. Graduates from the Citizens' Academy became the Steering Committee and were led by first by Sharon Penley and now by Leanna Lawson. The graduates handle the entire program but work with Scott regarding financial matters and communications support. Many Citizens' Academy graduates have run for office and are presently in leadership roles on County Governmental boards and committees. The major benefits of the Citizens' Academy include: producing ambassadors for County Government; creating citizens to help share the “good news” about County Government; and expanding the diversity of citizen involvement throughout Rockingham County. | 10-week program from Sept. to Nov. | Thursday | 5:30pm-8pm | 10 plus graduation/reception at County Commissioners' meeting | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Health/human services, Rockingham County Board of Commissioners meeting, Rockingham Community College, Museum & Archives of Rockingham County, Human Resources, Safety/Risk Management, Legal, Information Technology, Public Information Office, Engineering, Soil/Water Conservation. Code Enforcement, Animal Shelter, Social Services, Veterans Services, Youth Services, Head Start, Cooperative Extension, Tourism, Board of Elections, Public Libraries, Emergency Services, Pre-Trial Services, Register of Deeds, Geographic Information Systems, Taxes, Strategic Management | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Rockingham Community College President & Museum & Archives of Rockingham County Director | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), On-site visits, video vignettes, hypothetical/interactive situations, homework, group assignments & problem solving | County departmental heads developed creative scripts and unique video vignettes to capture the students' attention and summarize the information they were going to learn. Each night, the department heads led fun, educational, interactive exercises that involved every student. The class was able to actually walk in the County officials' shoes to make decisions and solve real County problems and issues. Following the interactive sessions, students had to complete homework assignments. In many instances, the on-site visits, hands-on approaches, and wide use of technology better explained how County Government actually operates. Students loved actually meeting and talking face-to-face with County leaders who could easily answer questions and/or provide excellent referrals. Stand-up lecturing was not promoted for these classes. In addition, the first 30-minutes involved a light dinner, meet/greet session. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Historic, initial class received T-shirts due to local donation | County lapel pin; trinkets from some departments; light dinner before each session | Session by session evaluation each week | Evaluations provided important information regarding the success of each session; attention spans; students wanting to stay after class to receive additional information; what foods they liked or disliked; how to ensure some aggressive students don't take up too much time talking; students' surprised at County employees' workloads and challenges affected by State and Federal mandates. | 25-30 | 20-25 | 5 | 18 | Residents, business owners, Rockingham County Community College students, or employees of Rockingham County | 12-15 | 1 | Board of Elections, Consolidated Health & Human Services Board, Planning Board, key Foundations, United Way, Rotary, major civic/social/fraternal/religious leaders, and other County advisory committees. If anything very important is happening in Rockingham County, you will definitely see someone associated with the Citizens' Academy. | No | $3,000 | Eliminated or reduced gifts, Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, 1st year, sought external vendor help for free T-shirts for graduates | No | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth, Slide shows; television morning show interviews; photos; staff visited some ministers | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation, Must complete homework/reading/assignment before graduation, Had several married couples to participate | Rockingham County Government’s Citizens’ Academy in the News! Fox 8 WGHP-TV: http://myfox8.com/2012/07/23/rockingham-citizens-academy/ NEWS 2 WFMY-TV: http://archive.digtriad.com/news/local/article/237074/67/Citizens-Academy-of-Rockingham-County\ Good Morning Show Slides: http://archive.digtriad.com/news/photo-gallery.aspx?storyid=237079 RockinghamNow News: http://www.newsadvance.com/rockingham_now/lifestyles_entertainment/apply-now-for-rockingham-county-citizens-academy/article_b298cde8-d958-11e3-99a7-0017a43b2370.html; http://www.newsadvance.com/rockingham_now/news/wentworth/county-citizen-s-academy-graduates-members/article_f5a5c13a-5227-11e3-b0e4-0019bb30f31a.html RockinghamUpdate at www.rceno.com; http://www.rceno.com/RCENO/sept-11-rockingham-county-citizens-academy-begins/ 2012 Class Videos at www.rceno.com; http://www.rceno.com/RCENO/rockingham-county-citizens-academy-2012-class-videos/ | Public Information Office | Dr. Mable Scott/staff; Leanna Lawson/grad chair | |||
99 | 78 | September 2010 | 56,954 | City of Rocky Mount | North Carolina | Citizens' Academy | http://www.rockymountnc.gov/academy.html | 2010 | Twice per year | N/A | N/A | March-May; September-November | Tuesday | 6-9pm | 10 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | T-shirts; Department giveaways | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25 | 25 | None | None | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | No | N/A | N/A | No | Newspaper ads (PAID); Government cable access channel; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | Planning | Ann Wall | |||||||||||||
100 | 79 | July 2015 | 29,470 | City of Sanford | North Carolina | Sanford Citizens' Academy | 2014 | 1 | Twice per year | The goal of this program is to increase resident engagement and better communicate about municipal services. | February-April, July-October | Monday | 5:30-7:30pm | 12 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Mostly 'Other' (below) | The program is very hands on. Participants rarely sit and listen. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 12 | 12 | 5 | None | First-come, first-served | 3 | 0 | We hope to increase the number of participants serving in elected office or on boards and commissions as more participants are graduated. We are currently heading into the second program, so it is still very young. | No | $2,000 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete, Only one participant allowed per household | Manager's Office | Kelly Miller | ||||||||
101 | 80 | December 2010 | 20,325 | City of Shelby | North Carolina | Shelby 101 Citizens' Academy | N/A | 2011 | Once per year | N/A | The idea for the program came from our finance director. It aligned with a Council goal to create a better informed citizenry. | January-March | Thursday | 5:30-8pm | 10 | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate | Polo shirt; Department giveaways | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 20 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $3,000 | Yes | Newspaper articles; ICMA brief; Staff outreach to individual citizens | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | We encourage local reporters to participate in the program. | Finance | Ted Phillips | ||||||||||
102 | 81 | September 2010 | 25,432 | City of Statesville | North Carolina | Statesville 101 | http://www.ci.statesville.nc.us/Resident/CitizenInvolvement/Statesville101/tabid/88/Default.aspx | 2008 | Once per year | N/A | N/A | September-October | Thursday | 6:30-8:30pm | 7 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | Small items with city logo | Session by session evaluation each week | 24 | 20 | None | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 6 | 0 | We have never had enough people apply to the program to exclude them based on our selection method. | No | N/A | N/A | $700 | Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | Yes | Newspaper articles; Government cable access channel; E-mail/distribution list blasts; Utilities mailing insert; Word of mouth; Chamber of Commerce/other organization e-mail blast | Snacks | None | We cut program costs by eliminating tours through rental buses and now use recreation department vans. Our graduate 'ambassadors' often volunteer to staff various city events. | Public Affairs | Nancy Davis | |||||||
103 | 82 | September 2010 | 212,756 | Union County | North Carolina | Union University | http://www.co.union.nc.us/Government/PublicInformation/UnionUniversity.aspx | 2007 | Once per year | Inconsistent participant attendance | We discontinued the program during the first run in 2007 due to poor participant attendance. We never graduated a class. | September-November | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | No evaluation | 25 | 27 | None | 15 | 0 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | Yes | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | Public Information | Brett Vines | |||||||||||||
104 | 83 | September 2014 | 3,856 | Town of Weaverville | North Carolina | Weaverville Citizens' Academy | 2012 | 2 | Once per year | Apri-May | Thursday | 6-9 PM | 8 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | All lecture or PowerPoint | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 10/12/2014 | 9 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 4 | 0 | No | 2500 | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, Alumni referrals | Snacks | None | Manager's office | Michael Boaz | ||||||||||||
105 | 84 | September 2010 | 112,067 | City of Wilmington | North Carolina | Wilmington Citizens Academy | N/A | 2004 | Twice per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | We ended the program in 2006. | February-April; August-September | Wednesday | 6:30-8:30pm | 8 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate | Letter opener or bag with seal; Department giveaways | Overall evaluation at the end of program | 25 | 25 | 14 | First-come, first-served | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $4,000 | No | Government cable access channel; Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation | City Manager/Public Information | Rebecca Blue | ||||||||||||
106 | 85 | December 2014 | 49,628 | City of Wilson | North Carolina | All About Wilson: A Citizens Academy | https://www.wilsonnc.org/living/citizensacademy/ | 2005 | 9 | Once per year | N/A | All About Wilson: A Citizens Academy, originated in 2005 by our City Manager, who had started the program in the town where he previously served. The mission of our academy is to inform and educate citizens on matters that affect life in Wilson and to develop future leaders while building a better community through the efforts of well informed and civically engaged citizens. | September - November | Tuesday | 5:30pm - 8:30pm and 9:00am - 12:00pm | 6-8 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Parks and recreation | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Rolling Bus Tours | Through lectures, hands-on activities and interaction, participants gain insight into how the City operates on a day-to-day basis, as well as how it plans for the future. Participants learn how city government affects the quality of life in Wilson and the importance of their role as citizens in the community. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | No evaluation | The success of our Citizens Academy is measured by the number of volunteers we receive from the class each year that express interest to serve on one or more of our many boards and commissions. | 20-25 | 23 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 6-8 | 10-15 | Participants are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, but priority is given to citizens living within our city limits. In 2014, we offered our classes during the daytime, one morning a week for six consecutive weeks. We were able to attract a higher number of young professionals than we usually do when the classes are held in the evenings. In the future, we plan to offer daytime classes every other year. | No | $1,000 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Eliminated or reduced paid advertising | Yes | Government website, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | In our most recent class, we held two spots for newer employees interested in learning more about our organization. In the near future, in addition to our Citizens Academy, we plan to hold an Employee Academy to help educate our employees about the functions and responsibilities of every department. Knowing their organization better will allow them to serve both internal and external customers more efficiently. | City Manager's Office | Tonya West | ||||
107 | 86 | January 2015 | 236,441 | City of Winston-Salem | North Carolina | City of Winston-Salem University | http://www.cityofws.org/Home/Departments/MarketingAndCommunications/CWSU/Articles/CWSUniversity | 2003 | 13 | Once per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | N/A | January-April | Thursday | 6-9pm | 13 | City Link (call center), Public Safety, Finance/Budget, Stormwater, streets, DOT, Sanitation, Planning & Development Services, Community & Business Development, Human Relations, Veg. Management, Recreation & Parks, Utilities, Fairgrounds, Marketing & Communications | Staff | Lecture with PowerPoint, Hands-on activities, tours. | Classes are held at various city facilities including City Hall, Public Safety Training Center, Employee Training Center, Water Treatment plant (with tour), a recreation center. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt with program logo | Session by session evaluation each week | We also recognize our graduates at a separate City Council meeting. | 20 | 20 | None | 18 | Chosen based on demonstrated community involvement | 15(est) | 1 (known) | We usually receive about 55 applications per program. | No | N/A | N/A | $6,000 | N/A | Yes | Government website; Newspaper ads (PAID); Television ads (PAID); Alumni referrals; Word of mouth; Facebook | Hot meal | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete; Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation; Must tour a city facility (4 choices given); Must complete and present a group budget project. | Marketing and Communications | Sue Spainhour | ||
108 | 87 | September 2010 | 9,530 | Town of Winterville | North Carolina | Town of Winterville Citizens' Academy | http://www.wintervillenc.com/docs/general/WintervilleCitizensAcademyApplication.doc | 2009 | Twice per year | Lack of citizen interest/low enrollment; Competing enrollment with police academy | We discontinued the program in 2009. We plan to have another session in spring 2011. | Tuesday | 6-8pm | 7 | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Notebook | 10 | None | 18 | First-come, first-served | 1 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $500 | No | Government newsletters/magazines; Newspaper articles; Word of mouth | None | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | We have a dinner at the graduation session. | Town Clerk | Jasman Smith | ||||||||||||
109 | 88 | November 2011 | 297,517 | City of Cincinnati | Ohio | Citizen's Government Academy | http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/pages/-35730-/ | 2008 | 3 | Twice per year | Budget cuts/restrictions | The Government Academy was instituted by the City Manager as a way to engage citizens and provide the opportunity for people to learn how our government works. The program was suspended in 2009. | March-May, September-October | Monday | 6-9pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Site visits to the Metropolitan Sewer District, Water Works, salt storage facility, vehicle repair facility, and Emergency Operation Center | By having participants visit various facilities, such as the salt dome and Emergency Operations Center, they get a better appreciation and understanding of what it takes to run a city on a daily basis. Our police and fire departments have had various vehicles on site, in addition to mounted and canine patrol teams. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | N/A | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 30 | 30 | 2 - 3 | None | First-come, first-served | 0 | 0 | Some of our alumni now volunteer with community councils. | No | N/A | N/A | $1,250 | N/A | No | Government website, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | Some non-profits in the area provide hot meals at some sessions. | City Manager | Amira Beer |
110 | 89 | January 2015 | 36,459 | City of Delaware | Ohio | Delaware Citizens Academy | http://www.delawareohio.net/departments/Manager/citizen_academy.aspx | 2010 | 5 | Once per year | N/A | Our program aims (1) to have residents educated about their city and (2) to make residents better able to participate in and impact local government. | March-June | Thursday | 6-8pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Exercises and drills | N/A | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | City lapel pin, Class photo | graduate survey at conclusion | N/A | 20 | 20 | 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | less than 10% | 1 | Our first two annual classes already have generated a sitting City Council member, two city board and/or commission members, one City Council candidate. | No | N/A | N/A | Staff time only | N/A | some walking tours | Government website; Social media tools; E-mail/distribution list blasts; Utilities mailing insert; Earned media; Homeowners' Association contact lists | some departments donate snacks, drinks | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply; Urged to attend all nine sessions (not required) | We hold as many of the sessions as possible away from City Hall, within the actual departments. The session on finance is always last and serves as a way to sum up how what they have seen is paid for. | Community Affairs | Lee Yoakum |
111 | 90 | January 2015 | 10,366 | City of Montgomery | Ohio | Montgomery Citizens' Leadership Academy | http://www.montgomeryohio.org/citizens-leadership-academy/ | 2008 | 14 | Once per year | N/A | The City of Montgomery has a evolved a goal of creating two-way dialogue with our citizens to a goal of community engagement which addresses three outcomes of engagement: a more welcoming community, a connected community, and an involved community. The leadership academy was the first big initiative in this vein which was designed with business, school, and civic organizations as partners to address all three areas. | January-March | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 5:45pm-9:00pm | 10 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Parks and recreation | Some provided by staff/some provided by external party(ies) | Bethesda North Hospital, Sycamore Community Schools, Ohio National Financial Services, Twin Lakes Senior Living Community | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), hands on demonstrations | Our next step is really uniting and focusing our alumni to continual action with impact locally. Our last session or graduation includes a group of representatives from local service organizations. They address the graduates on how they can plug in with their organization to give back to the community. This has been well received and reiterates our "learn and do" message. | Final, not separate session: dinner/reception | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo Shirt | Overall AND session by session evaluations | We also hope to establish a graduate level course of work. We are currently discussing this concept and hope to unveil the program in 2015 | 25 | 25 | 3 | 15 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 40 | 2 | Our next step is uniting and focusing our alumni to continual action with impact locally. We survey our alumni to determine their involvement beyond working with local government as volunteers. | Yes | $99 | No | 4500 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Sought external partnerships | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Hot meal | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply, Must attend ALL sessions to complete | N/A | Community and Information Services Department | Faith Lynch |
112 | 91 | November 2014 | 20,699 | City of Piqua | Ohio | Piqua Citizen Government Academy | www.piquaoh.org | 2012 | 5 | Twice a year in 2012 and 2013 and once in 2014 | The Piqua Citizen Government Academy enabled the City of Piqua to provide citizen engagement and involvement opportunities to improve the relationship between local government and it's citizens. The results were tremendously positive and allowed citizens to understand the jobs and responsibilities performed on a daily basis. The graduates have been strong supporters of local government. | April-July / August-November | Thursday | 6:00-9:00PM | 16 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Health/human services, Transportation, Law, Technology | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), On-site at each department with hands on experiences. | The last official session is a Mock City Commission meeting. Academy participants play roles of elected officials and staff. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo Shirt | Session by session evaluation each week | The academy graduates are presented certificates at a City Commission meeting. They wear their polo shirts as a class and can make comments about their experience with the academy. Graduates can participate in the Academy Alumni Group. | 20 | 21 | None | None | First-come, first-served | 15 | 0 | We anticipate there will be some academy graduates run for elected office during the 2015 election for City Commission. | No | $2500 - Each department funds it's session | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, Radio coverage, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | The hands on experiences of driving a snow plow, firing at a laser simulator, operating a fire hose, driving a riding mower, budgeting exercises, writing a grant, and enacting a mock ordinance have greatly enhanced citizen understanding of our local government. The accolades for the program have been overwhelming. | Community Development | William Lutz | |||||
113 | 92 | December 2011 | 81,236 | City of Bend | Oregon | Bend 101 | http://bendoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=446 | 2011 | 2 | As requested | N/A | Bend 101 is a mini citizens academy designed to explain what the City does with your tax dollars and why. | As requested | Tuesday | 6pm-??? | 5 (max.) | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), Equipment demos if possible | N/A | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | No graduation document | N/A | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | N/A | 20 | 12 | None | None | As requested by a group | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $1,000 | N/A | No | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Newspaper ads (PAID), Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Word of mouth | Snacks | None | Budget estimate provided on an annual basis. | Communications | Justin Finestone |
114 | 93 | June 2015 | 14,807 | City of Dallas | Oregon | Dallas Citizens' Academy | http://www.dallasor.gov/index.aspx?nid=742 | 2015 | 1 | Once per year | Our city wanted to explore additional ways to connect with citizens. This seemed like a fun and effective way to do so. | February-May | Thursday | 6:00-9:00pm | 6 class sessions including the graduation. | Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Dallas Public Library | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in frame/cover | Polo shirt | Overall evaluation at the end of the program | 15 | 15 | 18 | First-come, first-served | Too soon to tell. | 0 | No | $1,000 | No | Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, Official or staff visits to events or organizations, Social media tools, Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, Must attend a certain number of sessions to complete | City Manager's Office | |||||||||||
115 | 94 | September 2010 | 15,407 | Town of Addison | Texas | Citizen Academy | http://www.addisontx.gov/repository/unmanaged_content/reports/Human%20Resources%20Department/HR%20Reports/Addison%20Citizen%20Academy%20Flyer.pdf | 2000 | Every other year | N/A | Saturday | 9am-5pm | 3 | Final, not separate session: no special graduation ceremony | Certificate | N/A | Session by session evaluation each week | 30 | 20 - 25 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 17 | 11 | Yes | $50 | $14,000 | Yes | Government website; Government facility or other flyer postings; E-mail/distribution list blasts; Utilities mailing insert; All-resident letter | Full meals (for all day sessions) | Must attend elected/appointed board or commission meeting before graduation; Must reside in town for at least one year prior to applying | City Manager | Passion Hayes | ||||||||||||||
116 | 95 | May 2013 | 83,860 | City of Sugar Land | Texas | Sugar Land 101 | http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/index.aspx?NID=702 | 2003 | 10 | Once per year | Jan-Apr | Thursday | 6:00-9:00 | 12 | Government structure/organization, Community history, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation | All sessions provided by staff | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below), in class exercises | In addition to 10 class room sessions, we conduct a mock city council meeting with the Mayor as himself in city council chambers with class members re-enacting an actual meeting. We also conduct 2 tours on Saturdays covering services and then development. | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate in frame/cover | lapel pin | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 25-30 | 30 | 70 applicants | 18 | Chosen to represent a cross-section of community (e.g. gender, race, age, etc.) | 50% of boards positions are alumni | 3 | No | 2500 | Eliminated or reduced food costs/catering, Eliminated or reduced bus/van tours | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, News/press releases, Government cable access channel, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, pizza, etc.) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply, registered voter | Communications | Melissa Hoffman | ||||||||
117 | 96 | December 2014 | 148,892 | City of Alexandria | Virginia | Alexandria City Academy | http://www.alexandriava.gov/CityAcademy | 2006 | 20 | Twice per year - Two 9 week sessions - Spring & Fall | N/A - Suspended due to Reorganization | The Academy is designed to develop civic leadership and build a stronger city through well-informed and engaged residents and business owners. This program will also prepare individuals for public service on a board, commission, task force or other involvement in the City’s governance. Recently expanded from 8 weeks to 9 weeks. Pushing start time from 7pm to 6:45pm | March - May and September -November | Thursday | 6:45pm-9pm | 9 | Government structure/organization, City History, Budget/finance, Solid Waste, Recycling, Transporation, Public safety (Police, Fire & Sherriff), Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and Recreation, Overveiw Public Schools, Hosuing, Tourism, Health Department, Social Services, Human Resources, IT, General Services, Library, Historic Alexandria, City Judicial System, Human Rights, Code Administration | Majorityof sessions provided by Department Heads and/or staff execpt Toursim, Small Business Development & Courts/Judical | Alexandria Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVA), Alexandria Economic Dvelopment Partnership (AEDP), Court Staff, Public Defender, Commomwealth Attorney, Representative from Public School Sysytem | Some lecture, interactive discussions or PowerPoint/some 'Other', Equipment demos if possible | The Mayor & The City Manager greet and welcome the class on the night. Graduation Ceremony is held during a regular scheduled Legislative City Council Meeting with Council and other Senior/Executive Management in attendance. Fire Dept. session is all 'hands on' @ one of the Fire Stations. Meet an explosive sniffing K9 (Sherriff) The Mayor & The City Manager greet and welcome the class on the night. Graduation Ceremony is held during a regular scheduled Legislative City Council Meeting with Council and other Senior/Executive Management in attendance. Fire Dept. session is all 'hands on' @ one of the Fire Stations. Meet an explosive sniffing K9 (Sherriff) | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board | Certificate in cover along w/a City Lapel Pin | Tote bag, some departments have their own give aways. Lapel pin @ graduation | Session by session evaluation each week with a final oveall evalutionone the last night | Share evaluation comments with the presenters i.e. less lecture, more interaction/dynamic. Make note of specific comments made by class | 20-24 | 23 | Don't use waiting list anymore. Everyone has to reapply for next session | 18 | First-come, first-served | It's a work in progress. Council is trying to recognize graduates of the Academy | Unsure | The last 3 -4 classes (mainly young professionals and/or recent transplants to the area) bonded stay in touch with each other and with me. Share volunteer requests from the police department via email and several have participated there as well. Several alumni were already involved in their community or on another Board and are looking for additional insight to helping the City. Work closely with the Alexandria Citizens Police Academy coordinator and often students will finish one academy and sign up for the next session with the other Academy. The City Academy & the Police Academy run concurrently | No | N/A | N/A | $5,000 | Reduced give aways, more inhouse printing, entire presentation is available on-line, no more CD's or hard copies are distributed, reduced, refreshments scaled back. Buying supplies @ Wholesale places - cheaper than approved (contracted) supply company | No | Government website; Word of mouth; local community newspapers, Social Media (FB & Twitter) | Light meal (e.g. sandwiches, salad soda, water) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | As coordinator for the entire program, each department is responsible for their individual presentations limited by their alloted speaking time. Encouraging presenters to move away from PowerPoints and just reading the slides and move towards telling the story of their departments, the way forward, goals for the next 5 years, how they collaborate with other city departments etc.. Last class is either @ the Police Headquarters or at the Fire Deparment (very exciting). Four of the nine sessions are held away from City Hall | City Manager - Division of Community Engagement | Elaine Scott |
118 | 97 | November 2010 | 43,609 | Town of Blacksburg | Virginia | Citizens Institute | http://www.blacksburg.va.us/Index.aspx?page=830 | 2002 | Once per year | N/A | April-June | Monday | 5:30-7:30pm | 9 | Separate session: graduate at meeting of elected board followed OR preceded by reception | Certificate | Photo; Polo shirt (with logo); Engraved pen | Overall AND session by session evaluations | 20 - 25 | 20 - 25 | 10 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 5 - 6 | 0 | No | N/A | N/A | $1,200 | Eliminated or reduced paid advertising (newspaper ads) | Yes | Government website; Social media tools; E-mail/distribution list blasts; Word of mouth | Hot meal (provided by presenting department) | Must live/be a resident OR work or own business in community to apply | Community Relations | Heather Browning | ||||||||||
119 | 98 | December 2011 | 21,533 | Town of Christiansburg | Virginia | Montgomery-Christiansburg Citizens Academy | N/A | 2011 | 1 | Once per year | N/A | Both the Town of Christiansburg and Montgomery County (the county Christiansburg is located in) wanted to find a way to reach out and engage more citizens and help them learn about local government. The public information directors for each organization began meeting and put together a joint academy that would cover both local governments simultaneously. | August-September | Monday | 6-8pm | 7 | Government structure/organization, Budget/finance, Public works, Utilities, Public safety, Planning/inspections, Economic development, Parks and recreation, Transportation, Arts/cultural activities | All sessions provided by staff | N/A | Some lecture or PowerPoint/some 'Other' (below) | Our sessions ran long no matter how hard we tried; citizens were just too interested in the content and asked tons of questions! Future sessions will run from 6-8:30/9pm, depending on the topic. We will also probably switch the night it is held to Thursdays (and may keep switching it around in future years) to avoid other Council/Board meetings and hopefully make it available to citizens who couldn't make Mondays, etc. | Separate session: recognition and reception ONLY | Certificate | Notebook for their academy materials, E-911 long sleeve t-shirt, Blacksburg Transit bag, Pen, Notepad, Town of Christiansburg pen (all donated by departments) | Overall AND session by session evaluations | N/A | 20 | 20 | 3 | 18 | First-come, first-served | N/A | N/A | N/A | No | N/A | N/A | $1,500 | N/A | Yes | Government newsletters/magazines, Government website, Government facility or other flyer postings, Newspaper articles, News/press releases, Social media tools, E-mail/distribution list blasts, Utilities mailing insert, Alumni referrals, Word of mouth | Varied (mainly snacks, but a few sessions had a hot meal) | Must live/be a resident of community to apply (within Montgomery County) | N/A | Public Information Office | Becky Wilburn |
120 | 99 | March 2011 | 51,395 | City of Harrisonburg | Virginia | Harrisonburg Citizen Academy | http://www.harrisonburgva.gov/index.php?id=936 | 2006 | Once per year | September-November | Thursday | 6:30-8:30pm | 12 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 18 | First-come, first-served | 9 | 1 | No | N/A | N/A | ~$500 | Yes | Government facility or other flyer postings; News/press releases; Government cable access channel; Social media tools; Word of mouth | Snacks | Must live/be a resident of community to apply | While the PIO coordinates the program, all departments are responsible for their own curriculum. This has led to some really wonderful and unique evenings. Staff and participants cannot speak highly enough of the academy. | Public Information Office | Miriam Dickler |