Citizens Academy

Are you curious about how your city government works? Are you interested in participating in discussions and decisions that affect your quality of life? Want to see what the inside of a sewer pipe really looks like?

The Victoria Citizens Academy draws on learning from successful citizen academies across the nation. These academies are often modeled after citizens police academies, which began in the mid-1980’s as a tool to foster stronger citizen commitment to police department and community, in an effort to reduce crime. Citizen police academies are now popular in communities large and small throughout the country.

The first citizens academy was held in winter 2020. Here’s what participants had to say about the experience.

  • "I thought it was well organized and appreciate the effort the make the presentations interactive with the participants."
  • "I learned a great deal about the complexity of planning and building streets that I had no idea about."
  • "With all the new development around town, it was good to hear what goes into the design."
  • One participant particularly enjoyed the public works department presentation, where “we got to see the kind of invisible city of planning and infrastructure…” 
  • “I came away with a greater appreciation for what the city does.”
  • “I highly recommend that you consider enrolling when the program is offered next year.”

THANK YOU to Victoria business supporters who provided treats and prizes for participants!

Citizen Academy Materials