A Guide for Creating a Citizens' Academy
Programs for Adults
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City of Cape Coral’s Citizens’ Academy
Number and Frequency of Sessions: Twelve, four- to six-hour sessions. Sessions are held weekly. This course is held twice a year (in January and July).
Cost to Participate: None
Maximum Class Size: 20. Registration is on a first-come basis.
Cape Coral’s Citizens’ Academy gives residents an opportunity to learn more about their city government and the services delivered. The program is intended to provide participants with insight on how local governments work, promote open lines of communication and offer a clearer understanding of a municipal government. The course is open to anyone living in Cape Coral who is willing to devote 50-plus hours to learning about the city. The program costs the city approximately $60 per person. Snacks are served during each session, and at the end of the 12 week, participants receive a certificate and a polo-style shirt.
The schedule is: Session 1: Orientation – City Council and Manager's Office; Session 2: Financial Services; Session 3: Parks and Recreation; Session 4: Attorney’s, Auditor’s and Clerk’s Offices; Session 5: Economic Development and Community Redevelopment; Session 6: Police Department; Session 7: Department of Community Development; Session 8: Fire Services; Session 9: Information Technology Services and Human Resources; Session 10: Public Works; Session 11: Charter Schools; and Session 12: Mock Council Meeting, Summary.
For more information, visit www.capeacademy.com.
City of Delray Beach Residents Academy
Number and Frequency of Sessions: Six, three-hour sessions. Sessions are held weekly. The program is held twice a year (spring and fall).
Cost to Participate: None
Maximum Class Size: 25. Registration is on a first-come basis.
The academy provides residents with the information, resources and tools to become knowledgeable community members and effective neighborhood leaders. At the end of the six-week semester, participants should have an increased understanding of the organizational structure and operations of the various city departments that impact the quality of life in the City of Delray Beach. Graduates of the Residents Academy will be prepared to take a positive role in the future of their neighborhoods and the city overall through government/citizen interaction. The academy is open to City of Delray Beach residents who are 18 years or older.
The schedule is: Session 1: At the Helm – City Manager, City Commission, City Attorney, City Clerk and Human Resources; Session 2: Who Ya Gonna Call – Fire Department; Session 3: Serving with Pride – Police Department; Session 4: Basic Necessities – Environmental Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Risk Management and Finance/MIS/Utility Customer Service; Session 5: Building for Tomorrow – Community Improvement, Planning and Zoning, and Community Redevelopment Agency; Session 6: Graduation held during a City Commission Meeting.
For more information, visit http://www.mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Departments/Community+Improvement/For+Residents/Residents+Academy.htm.
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City of Gainesville’s Citizens’ Academy: Gainesville 101
Number and Frequency of Sessions: Six, three-hour sessions. Sessions are held weekly.
Cost to Participate: Free
Maximum Class Size: 40. Registration is on a first-come basis.
At Gainesville 101, citizens go behind the scenes of city government to experience first hand the diverse operation of the departments that provide roads, utility service, parks, emergency response services and a host of other services.
The six sessions include: Governing the City; Quality of Life; Building a Vibrant Community; Infrastructure and Communication; Budget and Energy; and Public Safety.
For more information, visit www.academy.cityofgainesville.org.
City of Lakeland Citizens’ Academy: GOVERNMENTOLOGY 101
Number and Frequency of Sessions: Six, two-hour sessions. Sessions are held monthly.
Cost to Participate: Free
Maximum Class Size: 30. Registration is on a first-come basis.
Lakeland’s Citizens Academy is a public information program that gives citizens insight into city services and the functions of city departments. The program includes the function of city departments, explains the relationship between the City Commission and city administration, gives an overview of the budgetary process and provides an outlet for citizen input.
The schedule is: Governing the City, History and Finance; Lakeland Police Department; Lakeland Fire Department; Growth – Community Development and Public Works; Electric and Water Utilities; and Parks and Recreation – Graduation. The class will graduate with a certificate in “Governmentology” and a key to the city at the end of the last session.
For more information, visit www.lakelandgov.net/news/citizensacademy.html.
City of Lauderdale Lakes Citizens’ Academy
Number and Frequency of Sessions: Six, one-and-a-half-hour sessions. Sessions are held weekly.
Cost to Participate: Free
Maximum Class Size: 20. Registration is on a first-come basis.
The Lauderdale Lakes Citizens’ Academy is for residents who want to increase their knowledge about local government operations and have a desire to become more involved in the shaping and development of their community. The course is designed to provide a first-hand look at how the city's many services and programs work to create a livable community.
The schedule is: Week 1 – City Government 101: City History and Organization; Week 2 – Dollars and Sense: Budget and Funding, and Other City Functions; Week 3 – Developing and Maintaining the Community: Community and Economic Development; Week 4 – We Build This City: Public Works, Engineering and Construction; Week 5 – Keeping Citizens Safe: BSO Police and Fire Rescue; and Week 6 – Something for Everyone: Parks, Leisure and Social Services.
For more information, visit www.lauderdalelakes.org/ and click on “Citizens’ Academy.”
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