The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is accepting applications for the 2019 Citizens Government Academy. The nine-week program runs on Wednesday evenings, March 27 through May 22, from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. The Citizens Government Academy seeks to provide participants with an in-depth overview of a number of local government services, functions, and activities centered around the Mayor and Commission's six strategic commitments to the residents of Athens-Clarke County:

• Informed and Engaged Community

• Economic Prosperity

• Healthy, Livable, and Sustainable Athens-Clarke County

• Transportation Mobility and Connectivity

• Safe and Prepared Community

• Accountable and Responsive Government

The program is coordinated by Assistant Manager Jestin Johnson and the Manager’s Office. Sessions will take place at a number of Unified Government facilities. The Citizens Government Academy includes a historical and organizational overview of the Unified Government, tours of several local facilities, topical presentations by department directors and department representatives, and a number of interactive learning experiences. 

Applicants must be Athens-Clarke County residents ages 18 or older. The program is limited to 25 participants. The deadline to apply to the Citizens Government Academy is Friday, March 8 or until all available spaces are filled.

"Local government operations are complex," says Assistant Manager Jestin Johnson. "At the end of the first two Citizens Government Academy we've conducted so far, the students who have been involved came out more engaged, more informed, and having a broader understanding of how local government works. We hope a diverse group of residents will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our functions, programs, staff, and goals."