| CITY OF LAKELAND OFFERS CITIZENS ACADEMY |
HANDS ON PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CITY GOVERNMENT |
LAKELAND, FL (January 13, 2009) -- The City of Lakeland is offering the 8th Annual Citizens Academy to local residents starting February 25, 2009. The Citizens Academy is a free, hands-on, interactive public information program that allows citizens an insight into City services and the functions of City departments. The class size in limited to the first 30 residents that sign-up because of the interactive nature of the program.
The Citizens Academy program will consist of six (6), two (2) hour evening sessions, with one session per month. The program will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning on February 25, 2009.
2009 Citizens Academy Sessions
February 25, 2009 – Governing the City, History & Finance
March 25, 2009 – Lakeland Police Department
April 22, 2009 – Lakeland Fire Department
May 27, 2009 – Growth – Community Development & Public Works
June 24, 2009 – Electric and Water Utilities
July 22, 2009 – Parks & Recreation - Graduation
Lakeland’s Citizens Academy is a free public information program. The purpose of the Citizens Academy is to familiarize citizens in the community with Lakeland’s City government. The program will include the function of City departments, explain the relationship between the City Commission and City Administration, allow an overview of the budgetary process and it will provide an outlet for citizen input. The Citizens Academy is an interactive program that is open to anyone interested.
All participants interested in the Citizens Academy are encouraged to attend all of the sessions in order to get the most from the program. All sessions, unless otherwise noted, are from 6-8 p.m. and will be held in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 228 South Massachusetts Avenue (refreshments will be served). During the course, several sessions will meet away from City Hall. There will be maps and directions for each City building or facility that houses a Citizen Academy session.
The Citizens Academy is a hands-on experience that will allow Lakeland residents to get a behind the scenes look of how city government operates. The class will graduate with a certificate in “Governmentology” and a key to the city at the end of the last session. The contact for the program is Kevin Cook at 863/834-6264 or kevin.cook@lakelandgov.net.
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2008 Lakeland Citzens Academy - Graduating Class |
| Congratulations to the 2008 Lakeland Citizen's Academy Graduating Class! |
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