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.
- Application Form
Applications for the Citizens Academy can be faxed to the Citizen Assistance at 703.838.6426, mailed to 301 King Street, Room 1900 Alexandria, VA 22314, or hand-delivered to Citizen Assistance, Room 1900, City Hall. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 25.
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 15 - 20 students. The Citizens Academy is open to City Residents over the age of 18 years and/or a business owner within the City limits.
Curriculum
Two-hour sessions every week on Thursday nights for 8 weeks, plus graduation ceremony. Each session will begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please note the various locations.
October 1, Session 1: Getting to Know Your City Government
City Hall - Council Workroom
- 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
- Communications
- Information Technology Services
October 8, 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
October 15, 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
October 22, 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
October 29, Session 5: Finances and Support Services
City Hall - Council Workroom
- Overview 2008 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
November 5, Session 6: Public Safety and the Criminal Justice System
Public Safety Complex - 2034 Eisenhower Avenue
- Police Programs and Operations
- Office On Women Programs
- Sheriff and Jail
- Courts and Prosecutor
November 12, Session 7: Public Safety and the Criminal Justice System
Fire Administration - Station 204 - 900 Second Street
- Fire and EMS Services
- Building Controls/Code Enforcement
- Emergency Preparedness Maintenance
November 19, Session 8: Health and Human Services
Club House - 4480 King Street
- Child Welfare Services
- Assistance Programs
- JobLink
- Youth Programs: Pre-School and School
- MH/MR/SA Services
- Public Health
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Services Unit
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