2026 Citizen Academy
City of Florence – Citizen Academy Program
The City of Florence is excited to launch its first-ever Citizen Academy, an engaging and educational opportunity designed to give residents an inside look at how their local government works. This program is designed to strengthen connections between residents and the City while providing a deeper understanding of municipal services, decision-making, and community priorities.
This inaugural academy will be limited to 12 Florence residents, creating a small-group setting that encourages discussion, questions, and meaningful interaction with City staff and officials.
Program Purpose
The Florence Citizen Academy is designed to:
- Provide a hands-on learning experience about City government
- Increase understanding of municipal services and operations
- Encourage civic participation and community leadership
- Build positive relationships between residents and City staff
- Promote informed and respectful dialogue about local issues
The program emphasizes learning and collaboration in a respectful, educational, and bipartisan environment.
Who Can Participate
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Reside within Florence city limits
- Have an interest in learning about local government
- Be willing to learn and participate respectfully and constructively
No prior experience or prerequisites are required!
Program Schedule
Participants should expect to attend weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings, with each session lasting approximately 1–2 hours.
Sessions will include presentations, demonstrations, projects, and discussions led by City staff and department directors.
Participants must attend at least 70% of sessions in order to graduate from the program.
Program Agenda
*Session topics may be adjusted as needed to accommodate staff availability and operational needs.
Participants will gain insight into:
- Week 1: April 7, 2026
- Theme: Basic Civics 101
- Week 2: April 14, 2026
- Theme: City Clerk
- Week 3: April 21, 2026
- Theme: Finance/Budget Department
- Week 4: April 28, 2026
- Theme: Water Department
- Week 5: May 5, 2026
- Theme: Public Works
- Week 6: May 12, 2026
- Theme: PoliceDepartment
- Week 7: May 19, 2026
- Theme: Planning Department
- Week 8: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Your Graduation Party!
Graduation & Recognition
Participants who complete the attendance requirements will be formally recognized at a program celebration and by the City Council at a regular Council meeting.
Program Expectations
Participants agree to:
- Attend scheduled sessions regularly
- Participate respectfully
- Maintain a positive and constructive environment
- Ask questions and engage in discussion
- Support a learning-focused atmosphere
This program is intended to be educational, respectful, and nonpartisan, focusing on understanding how City government operates and serves the community.
Application Process
Interested residents must submit an application by:
Application Deadline: March 24
Selected participants will be notified via email from the City Clerk by March 25, 2026.