The City of Santa Monica is launching an initiative called “The People’s Academy” to provide a behind-the-scenes look at its government operations, partnerships, and innovations.
It is a free course that will educate people about how Santa Monica’s local government operates on a day-to-day basis.
The City said it is important to understand how tax dollars are used and how community priorities are set, but participants won’t do this by dissecting line items in the City’s biennial budget. The People’s Academy mixes local government basics with information relevant in everyday life.
Participants will meet with leaders from the City, School District, and College to understand each organization’s core mission, how they achieve it and support each other. They’ll discover new technology tools and ways to create new sustainable habits. They’ll learn to see the public right of way, open space, and other public infrastructure in a new light.
Participants will get tips from the Police and Fire Chief on personal safety.
Finally, they’ll wrestle with proverbial questions of transportation and land use and learn how urban planners approach these challenges in an urban existence.
Twenty spaces are available this spring.
Residents and business owners who are in any way intrigued in getting more involved in their community are encouraged to apply.
As space is limited, City staff will select a diverse group of people of varying ages, interests, life experience, and community involvement.
City staff is eager to share what they do and how they do it.
For more information or to apply, visit http://academy.smgov.net.
