Look Behind the Scenes of Your City Government!

City government touches so many facets of our everyday lives-from the streets we drive on to the parks we play in. We know that the City makes sure clean water arrives at our tap every day and that the police will be there in an emergency. But exactly how does your city operate, what all does it do, and how can residents contribute more to its success?

The City of Auburn Civics Academy will provide a look into the workings of the City and engage participants in a hands-on overview of city government. Over the course of the 11-week program, participants will learn about how decisions are made, where funds are allocated, and have an enhanced understanding of the organizational structure and operations of the various City departments that impact the quality of life in the City of Auburn.

Academy Objectives

We believe that when residents are better informed about how their city operates, how decisions are made and how funds are allocated they will make better decisions about the future of their city.

Course Objectives:

1. To involve and engage residents and businesses in learning about and understanding the operation of city government, and to improve communications between the City and those who live and work here.
2. To provide insight into how decisions are made, how City funds are allocated, and how City departments operate.
3. To empower and encourage a larger number of residents and business owners to become more civically engaged in the future decisions effecting Auburn's quality of life.

Who Can Apply?

• Any one who is an Auburn resident, business owner/employee or in school and not running or currently serving in a political office.
• Participants must be willing to commit to the attendance of all sessions (you can miss one and still graduate). The Academy will be limited to 25 participants each time it is held and is open to residents, business owners, and students 16-years-old and up.
• The application for the 2108 Civics Academy is closed. Check back in early summer 2019 for the 2019 dates and schedule.

Auburn Civics Academy 2018 at a Glance

• Classes met each Thursday from 6:30-8:30 PM with two Saturday sessions from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.
• September 6-November 15 and included two Saturdays (October 6 &20).
• Located at City Hall in Council Chambers, 25 W Main St. (with the exception of the Saturday Sessions which will be at other locations).

• View flyer (PDF)

  Week	Topic
  1: September 6	City Government 101: Organization, Vision, Mission
  2: September 13	Where does your money go and what does it do?: Finance Department
  3: September 20	Legal Department and Risk Management
  4: September 27	Planning and Building for Today and Tomorrow: Community Development
  5: October 4	We Build this City: Engineering Services
  5: October 6 (Saturday session)	We Maintain this City: Maintenance and Operations @ M&O Facility
  6: October 11	The Place to Play: Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department
  7: October 18	Connecting our Community: Community Services
  7: October 20 (Saturday session)	Keeping Citizens Safe: Auburn Police Department and Valley Regional Fire Authority @ Fire Station 33
  8: October 25	Emergency Management: Planning for Emergencies
  9: November 1	Let's Get Down to Business: Economic Development
  10: November 8	All Things Technology-Connecting and Mapping Auburn's Future
  11: November 15	Graduation Reception and Ceremony

*Please note, the Civics Academy is a non-partisan program provided through the City of Auburn. While the program may include topics regarding political activity in the city, campaigning, or political debate are not appropriate in this forum.