Alachua County is excited to once again offer residents an exclusive opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government through its highly praised Citizens Academy.
Registration for the 2025 sessions is now open through March 16.
This free, eight-week program provides a behind-the-scenes look at county operations, partnering with various local agencies, including the sheriff's office, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of the court, the health department, school district, judicial system and much more. Participants will gain firsthand insight into how their tax dollars are utilized and how local government functions.
The program begins on April 3 and will be held on consecutive Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sessions will feature presentations from top county officials and staff, offering attendees a fast-paced and engaging learning experience.
"Citizen engagement is essential to effective governance," said County Manager Michele Lieberman. "This program is truly a unique opportunity for residents to learn more about the county's operations and discover ways to actively participate in shaping our community's future."
To view the full schedule and learn more about the program, visit the Alachua County Citizens Academy website. The registration form can be found at the bottom of the home page. Residents interested should not wait to register, as classes do reach capacity.
See last year's feature stories on last year's academy.
For more information, contact Alachua County Citizens Academy Coordinator Shannon Hahn at 352-264-6916 or shahn@alachuacounty.us.