Alexandria Citizens Academy
Get to know your City! The 8-week Alexandria Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for residents to learn about City government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services, activities and issues. The next Citizens Academy will be held each Thursday evening from Feb. 9 through March 29, 2012.
- Application Form
Applications for the Citizens Academy can be faxed to the Office of Communications and Public Information at 703.838.6426, mailed to 301 King Street, Room 1900, Alexandria, VA 22314, or hand-delivered to the Office of Communications and Public Information, Room 1900, City Hall. For more information, call 703.746.4800. The deadline for registration is Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.
Objective
Learn how to access City government, familiarize citizens with the structure, functions and activities of Alexandria’s government, encourage citizens to become involved in the City’s government, and enhance their ability to communicate effectively with City officials.
Benefits
- Create a cadre of informed citizens who will be better able to become involved in community activities, will volunteer for Council-appointed boards, commissions, and task forces or will otherwise become involved in the City’s governance.
- Provide an opportunity for citizens to learn about the City of Alexandria’s government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services, activities and issues.
- Obtain feedback from citizens regarding governmental programs and services.
Class Size
Classes are limited to 20 students. The Citizens Academy is open to City residents over the age of 18 years and the owners of businesses within the City limits.
Curriculum
Two-hour sessions every week on Thursday nights for 8 weeks, plus graduation ceremony. Each session will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please note the various locations.
February 9, 2012: Session 1 - Getting to Know Your City Government
City Hall - Council Workroom
- Meet the Mayor and City Manager
- Purpose of the Citizens Academy
- Brief History of Alexandria
- Demographics of City and Human Rights
- Overview of Government Organization
- Council-Appointed Boards and Commissions
- Overview of Citizen Financial Responsibilities
- City Employment
- Communications and Public Information
- Information Technology Services
February 16, 2012: Session 2 - Community Development
City Hall - Council Workroom
- Land Use Planning
- Zoning: map; regulations; processes
- Historic Preservation/BAR
- Affordable/Subsidized Housing
- Promoting the City’s Economic Development: AEDP and ACVA
February 23, 2012: Session 3 - Transportation and Environmental Services
City Hall - Council Workroom
- Transportation Policy
- Traffic Management System
- Transit Services
- DASH
- Street Maintenance
- Garbage Collection and Recycling
- Environmental Quality Controls
- Virginia-American Water Co. and Alexandria Sanitation Authority
March 1, 2012: Session 4: Leisure and Cultural Activities
Ramsay Recreation Center - 5650 Sanger Avenue
- Recreation Programs: Youth, Adults; Seniors
- Parks, Centers, Pools and Other Facilities
- Open Space Plan
- Library Services
- Historic Sites and Museums
- Arts
March 8, 2012: Session 5 - Finances and Support Services
City Hall - Council Workroom
- Overview of 2011 Real Estate Assessments
- Overview of the City’s Operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budgets
- Overview of Budget Process
- Revenue Base
- City Support Services - Capital Projects, Facilities and Vehicle Maintenance
March 15, 2012: Session 6 - Public Safety and the Criminal Justice System
Police Department - 3600 Wheeler Avenue
- Police Programs and Operations
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Services Unit
- Sheriff and Jail
March 22, 2012: Session 7 - Community and Human Services
Club House - 4480 King Street
- Child Welfare Services
- Assistance Programs
- JobLink
- Youth Programs
- MH/MR/SA Services
- Public Health
March 29, 2012: Session 8 - Public Safety and Code Administration
Fire Administration / Station 204 - 900 Second Street
- Fire and EMS Services
- Building Controls/Code Enforcement
- Emergency Preparedness
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