Citizens Academy: Birmingham Offers Close-up Look At City Government

BIRMINGHAM, MI — The city of Birmingham will be holding a Citizens Academy again in 2017. The program, which is currently open for enrollment, is designed to allow residents an opportunity to get to know how their city is run and the roles the various departments have in serving the public.

This year, the program features an expanded curriculum with a night of culture, which will include a session dedicated to the Birmingham Museum and the Baldwin Public Library. Other classes include police, fire, finance, engineering, building, planning and public services, to give citizens a well-rounded experience.

“Our Citizens Academy program is one of the best ways to learn all about the city and what services it provides,” said Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita. “It’s a great way for our residents to become engaged in their local government.”

Enrollees in the 2017 Citizens Academy will meet Tuesdays and some Thursdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m., from April 25 through mid-June. A graduation ceremony takes place before the City Commission meeting on Monday, June 12, 2017.

City residents who are interested in civic participation or increasing their knowledge about local government can obtain an application for this program online at bhamgov.org/citizensacademy or they can pick an application up in the City Manager’s Office. Applications are on a first-come basis, and the deadline to apply is Monday, April 10, 2017.

The class size will be limited to a total of 20 people to ensure a quality experience for all participants. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Birmingham. For further information about the Citizens Academy, contact Joellen Haines, Assistant to the City Manager, at jhaines@bhamgov.org or 248-530-1807.

Photo courtesy of the City of Birmingham