St. Helena Launches Inaugural Community Academy

ST. HELENA, CA — The City of St. Helena announced the launch of its new Community Academy.

The no-cost academy is an eight-week program designed to provide those who live or work in St. Helena with a better understanding of the operations of City Government, regional industries, and community organizations.

The St. Helena Community Academy will include informational sessions on city departments, emergency management, Council-Manager form of government, elections, public safety, industry and community partners, the permitting and development processes, and it will feature walking tours throughout the city.

“This is a behind-the-scenes tour for City residents, business owners/employees with the intent to enhance collaboration,” said Anil Comelo, City Manager for the City of St. Helena. “The academy is designed to give participants an insight into City operations, demystify local government processes and limitations, and learn where and how tax dollars are spent. The academy is also the ideal start for someone who wants to serve the St. Helena community by being elected to the City Council or by being appointed to one of the City’s resident lead boards and commissions.”

The Community Academy will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays for eight weeks beginning Sept. 6. It will consist of lectures, discussions, tours, and interactive participation each week. At the end of the program, participants will design a solution for a public policy problem.

Participants will be a diverse collection of residents, business owners, or individuals who work in St. Helena and must be at least 16 years of age.

Weekly Topics

• Week 1 – Welcome! Introductions, meet-n-greet with Council Members and City Manager; Government 101: balancing bureaucracy, efficiency, and transparency.
• Week 2 – Community development and public infrastructure - permitting and the development process, city facilities and utilities, traffic patterns and regulations.
• Week 3 – City budgets, the structure of city government funding, taxes, and ballot measures.
• Week 4 – Industry in St. Helena: Wine, retail, and hospitality.
• Week 5 – Public safety and emergency management, and bias training.
• Week 6 – Community partnerships, quasi-governmental organizations, and shared services.
• Week 7 – Public meetings and protocols, effective decision making and laws governing Council conduct.
• Week 8 – How to effectively advocate for a policy change through volunteerism, serving on a Commission, or as an elected official.

Apply now to be part of the first St. Helena Community Academy at cityofsthelena.org/academy. Additional questions about the program can be emailed to Lesley Milton, assistant to the city manager, lmilton@cityofsthelena.org.