The Citizen’s Academy Class 2022 {Courtesy of City of Coconut Creek}
Agrippina Fadel
Coconut Creek residents can learn how their city is governed and operated through its Citizen’s Academy, a free ten-week interactive program.
Registration for the class of 2023 is now open, and the first session will start on Tuesday, February 21. Classes are run from 6 to 8.30 p.m. to accommodate students who work.
The Citizen’s Academy teaches residents how city government is run, and each class is taught by staff from each of the city’s departments and culminates with a mock commission meeting. The topics include sustainable development, city maintenance, fire rescue, police services, and parks and recreation programs.
According to the City of Coconut Creek, the goal helping interested residents become civic “ambassadors” within Coconut Creek neighborhoods and serve as trusted and reliable sources of information for their neighbors. The graduates become a diverse group of citizens who can offer “ex-officio” advice and feedback to city officials on current projects, initiatives, or events.
The Academy also helps build a civic leadership network that increases residents’ participation in local politics. Ideally, some of the graduates will go on to run for elected office or sit on appointed boards.
Graduates receive their certificates of completion during the city commission meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
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