Registration Opens for Citizens Academy 2/9/2009

Get schooled on how Town government works for you. Join the inaugural Holly Springs Citizens Academy for an up-close look at laying the groundwork for our community’s future.

Six half-day sessions spread over four months provide a general education on how Town programs and services fit together. A graduation ceremony follows.

“The Holly Springs Citizens Academy will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about Town government first-hand and gain exposure to the wide range of municipal functions, services, activities and issues,” said Daniel Weeks, the Town’s project analyst.

Town leaders hope the academy will promote understanding of the workings of effective government and encourage citizen participation.

Applications for the first academy are due Feb. 24. Class size is limited to 25. Town residents get priority over people outside Holly Springs. Those accepted will be notified by Feb. 27.

The $100 cost covers all expenses, including lunch, refreshments and materials for all six sessions.

The academy sprang from Town Council member Hank Dickson’s idea for a leadership and education program for Holly Springs citizens about municipal government. The council approved the academy at its Feb. 3 meeting.

For more information on applying, contact Weeks at (919) 557-2924 or e-mail daniel.weeks@hollyspringsnc.us. An application is also available at www.hollyspringsnc.us. See the News Highlights box on the home page.

All sessions are on Wednesdays. They run 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., except for the opening session, which is all day. Participants must commit to all sessions so they get a broad picture of municipal operations and how one area affects others.

Sessions will be held at various locations. The schedule for the first academy is:

• March 11 – Orientation & Team Building
• April 1 – General Government (Governing Body, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, County Government)
• April 22 – Public Safety (Police and Fire)
• May 13 –Development (Planning, Building Inspections, Economic Development)
• June 3 – Public Infrastructure (Public Works, Public Utilities, Engineering)
• June 24 – Quality of Life (Parks and Recreation, Education, Medical Facilities)
• July 1 – Graduation Ceremony at Bass Lake Retreat Center (6:30 - 8 p.m.)

Academy participants will meet Town staff members, discuss successes and challenges with community leaders and learn about opportunities for partnership and community involvement.

“Depending on the success and demand of this initial program,” Weeks said, “we could foresee the academy becoming an annual or twice-yearly event”.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us