A new program aimed at creating a more informed populace starts soon.
Are you passionate about creating strong neighborhoods? Do you have a lot to say about what Morgantown could be? Or, maybe you’d like a deeper understanding of how the city spends money. The City of Morgantown is looking for inquisitive residents just like you to join its inaugural class of the Morgantown Citizens Academy. If you’re interested, there’s no time to waste. The application deadline is February 17.
“What it comes down to is improving direct communication with our citizens and building our relationship with them,” says city Communications Director Andrew Stacy.
In general, Morgantown residents are very engaged, Stacy says—and they know what they want in terms of growth management, arts and culture, the environment, and more. And nationwide, citizens are becoming increasingly apathetic and frustrated with bureaucracy and government in general. The Citizens Academy addresses both of those conditions.
“Increasing the citizens’ knowledge and function of how municipal government works will help provide them with the power to create change in their neighborhoods, thus improving their relationship with local government,” Stacy says. “It is obviously something that citizens are craving, because we announced the program less than a week ago and already have 20 applicants. I think that will only grow as citizens graduate and word gets out about the program.”
Academy “classes” are set to start March 17 and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings at various locations around the city. The program has been carefully designed to provide a “behind-the-scenes look” at how the city and its departments operate and address issues important to Morgantown residents.
Fill out the application here.
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