City Government Academy

To encourage community engagement, the City of Valparaiso is introducing their own City Government Academy, an opportunity for residents to learn about how city government works in their own community. The City Government Academy (CGA) is a free six-week program where participants will meet in no more than two-hour sessions and learn from members of the city’s leadership team.  We encourage residents within the City of Valparaiso to apply.

The first session will begin on September 12, 2018 and run for six consecutive weeks through October 17, 2018 with meetings beginning at 6:00pm and ending no later than 8:00pm.  Session topics include City Administration and the Budget, Utilities and Public Works, Development Services (Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Code Enforcement, Project Management), Economic Development, Public Safety (Police and Fire) and Parks.  Upon completion of the program, participants will be recognized at a City Council meeting.

The goals of the CGA are to
  • engage residents in local government through an interactive forum to learn first-hand how the city is structured and managed; 
  • provide an opportunity for residents to better understand the City’s decision-making processes and challenges including budget limitations, mandates and maintaining day-to-day operations; and 
  • increase awareness on how to access needed services and encourage participants to share this information by serving as a resource for their neighborhoods.

If you are interested in participating in the 2018 City Government Academy please apply online.  There are 30 spots available, filled on a first-come, first-reserved basis, however, there will be special consideration to having representation from each city council district.  Please ensure that you are available during the program dates to participate in each session. Interested applicants will be notified if they are in the class by August 30, 2018. 

View the application form.

If you have any questions or comments please contact Maggie Clifton, Community Engagement Director at mclifton@valpo.us or 219-462-1161.