Class No. 1 of the inaugural City of Bartlesville Citizens Academy, along with facilitators Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders, far right, and Chief Financial Officer Jason Muninger, far left, paused for a photo at Adams Golf Course during a recent session. The academy was an opportunity for citizens to learn more about municipal government and local City facilities, services and operations.
Twenty Bartlesville residents graduated on Monday night from the City of Bartlesville’s inaugural Citizens Academy.
The academy is a free interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services and operations that comprise Bartlesville city government.
“The Citizens Academy was a deep dive into City government,” said Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders, who coordinated and co-facilitated the academy. “This was our first class so we really didn’t know what to expect, but we quickly found there is a lot of interest from the public. We had approximately 50 applicants and selected 20 participants for this class.
“We showed them how we operate and how tax dollars are spent. We spent time in just about every department learning how things work, going on tours and meeting City staff. Our graduates now have a better understanding of how we work and how that helps to build a stronger community.”
Graduates of the inaugural academy included Debra Cook, Shonda Crites, Dianne Crow, Hailey Davis, Harry Deathe, Andy Dossett, Jennifer Ennis, Lonnie Gillman, Sarah Hester, Lauren McKinney, Robert McWilliams, Chenin Patton, Amos Radlinger, Ryan Reynolds, Stacie Sauber, Quinn Schipper, Barbara Shoff, Rachel Showler, Rachelle Wilson and Russell Zora.
Sanders said she hopes Citizens Academy graduates feel inspired to become even more active in their municipal government.
“My hope is that they will now want to join our boards and committees to bring their ideas, voice, and input forward in a positive and meaningful way,” she said.
The program was offered at no cost and took place biweekly beginning April 11 and running through June 20. The course culminated with the graduation ceremony at Monday’s City Council meeting, where each graduate was recognized.