Citizens Government Academy

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The City of Moorhead's Citizens Government Academy is an excellent opportunity to increase civic engagement and education in our community. The Citizens Government Academy helps residents learn about the inner workings of municipal government, including operations and policymaking.

Attendees of the program must be Moorhead residents who are interested in learning more about how their government functions and what it does for citizens. Each week, attendees will participate in a discussion and activities led by City department leaders. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions of the City staff who will be presenting.

While attendees will have the opportunity to learn about how City government functions, it will also give City employees a better understanding about what intrigues residents.

Citizens Government Academy will run for eight sessions on Tuesday evenings, March 18 through May 13 from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. with two make up days built in. Graduation will occur at the Monday, May 27 City Council meeting. There will be no cost for this program.

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What happens after I graduate from Moorhead’s Citizens Government Academy?
Graduates are encouraged to apply for open positions on City advisory boards and commissions or find other opportunities to become more involved in the community.
What happens if I need to miss a class?
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions. If a participant knows in advance that a session will be missed, they should contact Addison Carlsrud.
Can I bring a guest/child?
Due to limited space, we cannot allow extra guests/children. Participants are encouraged to invite guests to the final graduation ceremony during a City Council meeting.
Where are the sessions?
Most sessions will be in the Hjemkomst Center’s Oak room. There will be sessions at the Law Enforcement Center and the Waste Water Treatment Facility; both have enough parking for all attendees. Any other tour/activity will have prearranged transportation.
How does the current Moorhead Citizens Police Academy differ from this new program?
Moorhead’s Citizens Police Academy has focused its presentations on law enforcement, while the Citizens Government Academy covers the functions and services provided by all City departments and services, including the Moorhead Police Department. These two programs complement each other, and residents are able to participate in both.
Who can participate?
Moorhead residents 18 and over are able to participate. Class size is limited to 30 applicants.
Why was this program created?
The program was created to promote a deeper understanding of what local government does and how it works. Participants will learn more about the functions of city government and ongoing programs and services.

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