Bloomington officials launched the Acadmy when they realized that even neighborhood association members, with active interest in community affairs, had little understanding of how the city operated, and how municipal policies affected neighborhood development. Acccording to Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez: “”For our system of governemnt to function at its best, every citizen should have input on how it operates.”" So now every year the city provides a free, nine-week course open to anyone interested in learning what the city does and how it does it.

The Academy is more than a lecture series. It provides interactive discussions with city officials, including the mayor and city department representatives; roundtable discussions on how programs can be improved; and tours of municipal programs and projects, such as the information technology and family services offices and even a wastewater treatment plant.

Citizens Academy participants graduate with a new appreaciation for government and much more importantly, a broader and more in-depth understanding of government to share with other citizens who want to help shape a better place to live. One graduate concluded, “”the experience convinced me that our city government is doing a lot of good work. It also reminded me that communities are built and maintained by people.”"

Click here to go to City of Bloomington website for more information.

Contact:Vickie Provine at 812-349-3505 or e-mail Provinev {at} city.bloomington.in(.)us

Excerpted from New Democrats Online “”Idea of the Week: Citizens Academies”" Dec 21, 2001.