Contact: Donna Gray
Phone:  (336) 373-2723

City Academy to Return in September
Apply Now to be Part of the Fifth Annual City Academy

GREENSBORO, NC (May 28, 2008) – The City of Greensboro is gearing up for its fifth annual public education program Government Works: A City Academy to begin September 4, 2008. Applications are now being accepted for the program, which is recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors as one of the country’s premier government educational programs. To apply for the fall session, go online or call Public Affairs, Community Relations at 373-2723. Deadline to apply is July 15, 2008.

Government Works is open to any person who is a resident in the City of Greensboro. Twenty-five individuals representing all council districts and various backgrounds will be selected for the academy. Other selection criteria include:

• 18 years of age or older
• Must attend 80 percent of classes
• Written statement of desire to participate
• Preference given to those willing to serve on a board or commission

Efforts will be made to select individuals who represent “diverse” groups (race, religion, age, education, gender, sexual orientation, etc.)

City Academy teaches participants about City government through experiential learning and in-depth exercises. The program helps develop future leaders and build a better community through well-informed and civically engaged residents. Classes are held weekly from 5:45 to 9 pm from September 4 through November 18. This year continues the addition of an extra evening and Saturday elective Greensboro Police sessions that allow participants to experience hands-on programs at the Police Western Division station and Public Safety Training Facility. A graduation ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

There is no fee to attend the academy.

“We are excited that Government Works is celebrating the fifth anniversary. This program is designed to provide the class participants an insider view of City government,” says City Manager Mitchell Johnson. “This experience creates an atmosphere where residents and government staff work together to increase the quality of life that we all enjoy in Greensboro."

Class participants will take part in activities such as a simulated “balanced budget” exercise, tour of the Guilford Metro 9-1-1 center and J. Douglas Galyon Depot, vehicle extrication exercise, a visit to the firing range, and many more activities at different City-owned locations.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.