City Academy
The City Academy helps participants learn about local government through first-hand experience with a wide range of City functions, services, activities and issues. The Academy's goal is to educate the public and to increase awareness about what their local government does for
them, provide an inside look into government operations, and to develop a better understanding of their role in city government. This program will also prepare individuals for public service on a board, commission, task force or other involvement in the City's governance. For additional information, email Elaine Scott or call 703.746.4317.
Curriculum
Session 1: september 7, WEDNESDAY
Getting to Know Your City Government
City Hall - Council Workroom - 301 King Street
Presentation (8.9 MB)
- Welcome & Class Introductions
- Meet The Mayor and The City Manager
- Overview of Government Organizations
- Council-Appointed Boards and Commissions
- Brief History of Alexandria
- Communications and Public Information
- Voter Registration
- City Employment
Session 2: september 15, THURSDAY
Community Development
City Hall - Council Workroom
Presentation (19 MB)
- Promoting the City's Economic Development
- Visit Alexandria
- Alexandria Economic Development Program (AEDP)
- Housing and Housing Related Programs
- Planning and Zoning - Process and Principles
Session 3: SEPTEMBER 22, THURSDAY
PUBLIC SAFETY (FIRE)
FIRE ADMINISTRATION - STATION 204 - 900 SECOND STREET
Presentation (6.3 MB)
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire and EMS Services
Session 4: SEPTEMBER 29, THURSDAY
COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
ALEXANDRIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - 4480 KING STREET
Presentation (2.1 MB)
- Public Health
- Department of Community and Human Services
Session 5: OCTOBER 6, THURSDAY
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
FINANCE, REAL ESTATE
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)
CITY HALL - COUNCIL WORKROOM
Presentation (2.5 MB)
- Information and Technology
- Finance Department
- Overview of Finance Department
- Overview of 2016 Real Estate Assessments
- Office of Management and Budget
- Overview of the City's Operating and Capital Improvement program (CIP) Budgets
- Overview of Budget Process - FY 17/18
Session 6: OCTOBER 13, THURSDAY
Leisure and Cultural Activities
Beatley Central Library - 5005 Duke Street
Presentation (9.2 MB)
- Alexandria City Library Services
- Parks and Recreation
- Mobile Arts Lab
- Office of Historic Alexandria
Session 7: OCTOBER 20, THURSDAY
Office of Human Rights
The City's Judicial System
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER, 2001/2003 MILL ROAD
Presentation (3.5 MB)
- Human Rights
- Panel discussion with members of the City's Judicial System
- Sheriff's Office
Session 8: OCTOBER 27, THURSDAY
GENERAL SERVICES
CODE ADMINISTRATION
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
CITY HALL - COUNCIL WORKROOM
Presentation (4.8 MB)
- General Services
- Department of Code Administration
- Building Controls/Code Enforcement
- Transportation and Environmental Services
- Resource Maintenance and Operations
- Traffic
- Transit Services
- Infrastructure/Environmental Quality
Session 9: november 3, THURSDAY
Public Safety (police)
alexandria police department headquarters - 3600 wheeler avenue
Presentation (2.8 MB)
- Alexandria Police Department
Testimonials
"I have lived in the City of Alexandria for 20 years, and last Fall I took the Alexandria City Academy class. I highly recommend applying for and participating in the Academy, as it provides a broad overview of all City Departments and Services. Through the Academy, I gained a better understanding of how the City actually works! I thought I knew a lot about the City of Alexandria before the class, however, I was enlightened.
I also recommended the class to a friend, and she applied for and participated in the class. If you want to learn more about the City of Alexandria and gain a better understanding of the impact of your City tax dollars, or find out more about Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, the Police Department, Fire Department, Transportation & Engineering Services, Recreation & Parks, or any other City service, you should definitely take this class."
Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMP
City of Alexandria Resident and Small Business Owner
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"The City Academy presentations and handouts were interesting and informative. Even a 30-year resident like me learned many new things about the operations of the City of Alexandria."
Anne B.- Spring 2015 Academy Session
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"The Alexandria City Academy was a unique and enriching experience. I learned so much about the city, and the participants-students and educators alike-were super excited and informative. If you're interested in getting more involved in city affairs or simply learning more about them, I recommend you apply for this program."
Thomas S. - Spring 2015 Academy Session
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"The Alexandria City Academy affords citizens a detailed but personal perspective about the myriad city departments and services. Alexandria may be a smaller city, but it provides many services that citizens just don't know about. The academy outs citizens face to face with city officials and personnel who know the intricacies of our great town. I highly recommend the academy. I feel more informed, more in touch, and more knowledgeable."
Hendrick B. - Fall 2014 Academy Session
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"The 9-week course is so genuinely enriching and eye-opening regarding how the City operates that I would make it mandatory for all my employees if I could."
"With the class-size limit, it is a privilege and an honor to be accepted to the course, so I can only encourage them to apply and hope one or both get chosen!"
"I met some great people, established solid connections and am certainly a more informed citizen for having successfully graduated from the spring session."
Mary W. - Spring 2015 Academy Session