Citizens Academy gives residents a look inside city

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Citizens Academy gives residents a look inside city

Around Osceola

Wednesday, 29 September 2010 00:00

By Rick Madewell
Assistant Editor
For the past five years, the city of St. Cloud has opened up its “home” to those interested in the inner workings of city government through the Citizens Academy, which started its newest class Monday night.
Those in the Citizens Academy will spend three hours every week over the course of the next eight weeks to learn about various departments and their functions.
There are 10 residents taking part in the academy this year – open to those submitting applications who live in or work in St. Cloud. At the end of the course, they will be presented with certificates for completing it by the mayor during a City Council meeting.
“It allows for the students to directly meet City Council, city manager, city attorney, city clerk, department directors and other staff members,” Sandra Ramirez, public information officer for St. Cloud, said. “City employees look forward to the dynamics of this program because they can demonstrate how working for St. Cloud government is not just another day at the office, but a way to contribute to the betterment of our community.”
According to Ramirez, the class meets at different locations every week — City Hall, St. Cloud Police Department, St. Cloud Fire Rescue and Civic Center — to learn from those associated with each of the departments.
The academy program has been managed and coordinated by the city manager’s office and Human Resources since its inception in 2005, with each department coordinating its own class day.
Ramirez said those within the academy get front-row seats for government in action.
“The primary goal is to give residents and city employees the opportunity to share the inner workings of city government,” she said. “The Citizens Academy provides an overview of all city operations and the opportunity for the community to interact directly with city employees.”
Graduates of the program take a great deal away with them, Ramirez said.
“This is a unique opportunity for citizens to learn about their municipal government. Informed citizens help to foster stronger working relationships between government and its citizens,” she said. “Graduates leave with a thorough understanding of city government, how various departments function, and how they can work with city staff and become more involved in programs and activities that make a great community even better. Based on student evaluations, they do have a better and understanding and appreciation for what city employees do on a daily basis and their dedication in doing so.”