Deadline Approaches for City's 2007 Citizens' Academy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 11, 2007     For more information, contact:  Vickie Provine, Program Manager, Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, City of Bloomington, 349-3505   Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569        Deadline Approaches for City's 2007 Citizens' Academy     Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department announced today that the deadline to apply for its Citizens' Academy program is Monday, July 16. Citizens' Academy provides participants with an interactive learning experience about municipal government services, programs and responsibilities.     The course will meet weekly from August 23 through October 18. The session will be limited to a total of 30 individuals to ensure a quality experience for all participants.     Susan K. Bookout, Executive Director of Meadowood, was a participant of last year's Citizens' Academy.   "I highly recommend participation in the Citizens' Academy," Bookout said. "For nine weeks, we learned about the behind the scene workings of city departments through the eyes of very competent managers. Those experiences helped me better understand the systems and interdepartmental functions of our city government."    City residents interested in civic participation or increasing their knowledge about local government operation can apply online at the City of Bloomington's web site bloomington.in.gov/hand.     For an application and further information, call Vickie Provine at 349-3505.    # # #