Newnan residents wanting to learn more about how local government operates have the perfect venue coming their way beginning in September. Registration is underway for a hands-on Citizen Academy that cover topics from city ordinances to economic development and public meetings to public safety.
City Public Information Officer Gina Snider said the annual Newnan Citizen Academy is held in the fall. The academy this year will begin Sept. 12 and run through Oct. 25. Snider said registration for this year’s Newnan Citizen Academy is underway and will close on Aug. 31.
“The academy is a series of classes for citizens to educate and inform the citizens of Newnan about every aspect of city government in Newnan,” Snider said. ”The course will be an intensive, hands-on program on how city departments operate and how critical decisions are made that affect the quality of life in Newnan. Participants are given the opportunity to tour city facilities and hear directly from department managers, professional staff, and elected officials.”
Those interested in participating might want to act quickly since the academy is limited to 30 residents.
A sampling of the academy agenda includes a government overview and a tour of city government and historic buildings, a public works overview and city beautification initiatives, arts and cultural happenings, a public safety overview with tours of the city’s facilities and meetings with building inspectors and planning and zoning staff.
“The city is also implementing a group project this year,” Snider said. “This will give citizens even more of an opportunity to learn and retain the information from the academy. It will be very hands on and I hope citizens will take advantage of this exciting opportunity. We always have a lot fun every year,” Snider said.
The Citizens Academy was started in the Fall of 2004 and has proven to be so successful that we are starting our ninth session. Over 150 people have graduated from the Academy, and many have gone on to serve on various city boards and commissions.
For more information contact Gina Snider at gsnider@cityofnewnan.org or 770-253-2682 ext 203 to register or for more details.
