BISMARCK, N.D. – Beginning in January 2022 the city of Bismarck will launch its first Citizen Academy. The Bismarck Citizen Academy is an annual, 8-week program that will help participants gain a better understanding of what city government does and how the various departments play a vital role in providing services to the community.
The program aims to inform, develop and engage residents, students and business owners in the city of Bismarck municipal government experience. Participants will get a hands-on, in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how Bismarck City Government provides high quality service to the community and help them gain a better understanding of what it takes to operate a city.
The purpose of the Bismarck Citizen Academy is to expand participants’ knowledge and understanding of municipal government operations while learning more about the city of Bismarck’s priorities, challenges and services provided to the community. The Bismarck Citizen Academy meets the city’s strategic objective to enhance public trust and engagement through transparency of operations and government excellence. Program goals seek to achieve:
- Knowledge: To gain knowledge of municipal government operations.
- Engagement: Increased communication and relationship building with residents, business owners, students, and community organizations.
- Communication: The opportunity to connect with community leaders and city officials of all backgrounds to create relationships that foster communication.
- Government Excellence: Enhanced public trust and engagement through transparency of operations.
Participants in the program will interact with leaders in local government, visit city facilities and experience how the city works and builds a network with others who live, work and learn in the community. City commissioners will play a key role in the sessions. Facility tours will showcase the important role local government has in overall quality of life for the people who reside in the Bismarck community. The Citizen Academy will meet one night a week and classes are scheduled for two to three hours in length. There is no cost to participate in the academy.
The program will conclude with an overview of opportunities for resident participation in local government, course evaluation and a graduation ceremony. For more information about the Citizen Academy visit https://www.bismarcknd.gov/2029/Bismarck-Citizen-Academy.