Citizens Academy applications sought

The city of Sarasota is now accepting applications for its 2012 Citizens Academy.

The academy will be held on Thursday evenings during February and March. City of Sarasota residents and business owners interested in learning about the inner workings of their municipal government are encouraged to submit an application to Neighborhood & Development Services by Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.

The Citizens’ Academy is an interactive eight-week course designed to educate residents about the functions of City Hall. The sessions are engaging and informative, including numerous behind the scenes tours of various city departments.

City operations scheduled to be highlighted include: Public Works, Police Department, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Neighborhood & Development Services, Human Resources, Bobby Jones Golf Complex, Office of Housing & Community Development, Financial Administration, Office of the City Manager, Office of the City Auditor and Clerk and the City Attorney’s Office.

An informal discussion with city commissioners will also be a part of the academy.

A tentative course schedule and application are available at www.sarasotagov.com.

There is no charge for the course; however, participants are asked to commit to attend all eight evening sessions.

The Citizens’ Academy is scheduled to begin Thursday February 9 and conclude Thursday, March 29. The academy will culminate with a graduation ceremony during the commission meeting on Monday, April 2.

For more information, visit www.sarasotagov.com/npo or contact Nancy Kelly with Neighborhood and Development Services at 954-2612.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].