Apply for the Alexandria City Academy: Learn How Your City Works, Get Involved, and Lead

Page updated on August 31, 2026 at 5:15 PM
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Do you want to better understand how Alexandria’s government works and discover meaningful ways to get involved in your community?

Applications are now open for the Alexandria City Academy, a seven-week civic leadership course designed to cultivate informed, connected, and actively engaged residents who can serve as collaborative partners in advancing City priorities. Applications are due by Friday, September 18 at 11:59 p.m.

The Academy goes beyond learning how local government works. Participants will meet City leaders and staff, explore how public policy and City decisions are made, develop practical civic leadership skills, and participate in real City engagement opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

The Alexandria City Academy is for Alexandria residents age 18 and older who are interested in learning more about local government, connecting with their community, and finding meaningful ways to participate in civic life.

Whether you're interested in volunteering, serving on a Board or Commission, participating in City initiatives, strengthening your neighborhood or simply becoming more informed about your City, the Academy will help you discover opportunities to turn your interests into action.

Apply Today

Applications are now open. Learn more about the Alexandria City Academy and apply today.

Graduation is not the end of the Academy experience—it is the beginning of an ongoing connection to the City and opportunities for continued civic leadership.

What Will You Experience at City Academy?

Each week, participants will explore a different aspect of local government and civic life, including:

  • Civic Leadership & Local Government: Understand how Alexandria’s government operates and the roles of elected officials and City staff.
  • How Decisions Are Made: Explore City Council, public hearings, boards and commissions, ordinances, and resolutions.
  • Budgeting & City Priorities: Learn how the City develops its budget and turns community priorities into action.
  • Planning & Alexandria’s Future: Explore land use, housing, transportation, sustainability, and infrastructure.
  • Public Safety & Community Well-Being: Learn how City departments work together to keep Alexandria safe and support community well-being.
  • Community Engagement & Public Participation: Develop skills for constructive dialogue, effective advocacy, and meaningful participation in local government.
  • From Learning to Leadership: Apply what you’ve learned to a real community challenge, share recommendations with City leadership, and identify ways to stay engaged after graduation.

Get Hands-On Experience

City Academy participants won't just sit in a classroom. Civic participation is built into the program.

Throughout the Academy, participants will complete a Civic Engagement Portfolio that documents their participation in City government and the broader Alexandria community. Activities may include attending a City Council, Board or Commission meeting; participating in a City engagement opportunity; volunteering at a City-sponsored activity; submitting comments on a City initiative; or connecting with a City department or community organization.

Participants will also work together on a capstone project focused on a real community challenge, developing practical, community-informed recommendations to share with City leadership.