Title
Special Recognition - City of Gainesville's Citizens' Academy 2007 Graduates.
(NB)
The City Commission recognize City of Gainesville's Citizens' Academy 2007 Graduates.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville Communications and Marketing Office began providing a Citizen's Academy in the fall and spring of 2005 with eight citizens graduating from the first academy. In an effort to increase citizen participation the Communications and Marketing Office surveyed citizens, revamped the program format and kicked off a new marketing campaign in the summer of 2007. Over forty citizens signed up for the revamped Academy, dubbed "Gainesville 101," with several citizens already on the waiting list for the next Academy, to be held this Spring.
The goal of the City of Gainesville's Citizens' Academy is to educate Gainesville citizens on the diverse services their City government provides and inform them on how they can become more involved in their local government.
Participants in this year's Citizens' Academy went behind the scenes of City government operations, met with government officials, toured facilities and asked questions at six biweekly sessions. A unique feature of this year's Citizens' Academy emphasized sustainability, fiscal responsibility and increased interaction. Handouts were provided primarily electronically via the Citizens' Academy Web pages and participants could review a summary of the session's activities, provide comments and ask questions on the "Gainesville 101 Blog."
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) recognize accomplishments of Gainesville 101, 2007 City of Gainesville Citizens' Academy graduates; and 2) hear brief comments from the class speaker on what they have learned.