City Announces 20-Year Celebration of Citizens’ Academy

Bloomington, Ind. – As part of this year’s Bicentennial observance, the City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department will host a celebration of another milestone:  the 20th anniversary of Citizens’ Academy. A ceremony to mark the occasion takes place Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall (401 North Morton St).  

For 20 years, Citizens’ Academy has offered residents an interactive learning experience about municipal government services, functions, and protocols.  Every fall, a cohort of 30 residents undergoes a nine-week rotation through City departments through the Citizens’ Academy program. Over the years, the program has served as a gateway to community involvement for many civic and political leaders, including five of Bloomington’s current councilmembers.

“It’s a special occasion when we can salute residents who have been so intentional about their civic duty as to learn how their city government works and get involved in making life in our community better,” said Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton.

The November 8 ceremony will honor all who have graduated from and supported Citizens’ Academy over the years, and feature remarks by Hamilton as well as Doris Sims, director of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, which administers the program.  Graduates of Citizens’ Academy are encouraged to contact Vickie Provine at provinev@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3505 to RSVP by October 31.  

“Working with the Citizens’ Academy classes has been the highlight of my career,” said HAND Program Manager Vickie Provine, who has facilitated the course for all but one of its twenty years. “Not only have I had a front row seat to learn about how our City operates, but I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to meet residents of our community who want to be civically engaged and make a difference.”

Citizens’ Academy is held for nine weeks every fall starting in August.  Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis, and are encouraged well in advance for guaranteed placement. Prospective participants may apply at the following link: https://bloomington.in.gov/citizens-academy  
 

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