The City of Gastonia annually hosts a Municipal Government Citizens’ Academy beginning in January of each year. Participants will meet two Mondays per month from January through June with each meeting beginning at 6:00 PM. Sessions will be held at a variety of City of Gastonia facilities including City Hall.
The Municipal Government Citizens’ Academy is an important component of the City’s “Citizens First” philosophy. Its purpose is to provide a forum where participants develop a basic understanding of municipal government, learn the duties of the various City departments, and meet the people behind the scenes that make Gastonia a great place to live, work, and play.During the ten sessions of the Academy, various personnel within City government, along with special guests, will cover a variety of subjects ranging from the municipal election process to the inter-workings of the City’s public safety component. Through this experience, participants will gain valuable knowledge of the operation of the City and the importance of their involvement in the governmental process.
Each Academy session will include informative lectures, hands-on activities, group discussion, financial information, essential services and facility tours. Academy participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and interact with the City’s leaders and staff. Each session may last from 2 hours to 2.5 hours.
(OPTIONAL) An integral part of the public safety component of the Academy is the participation in a police patrol ride-along. This event will be scheduled to take place outside of the scheduled session times at mutually convenient times for staff and participants. An additional three-hour time slot will be scheduled for the participant to ride and accompany the patrol officer on service calls. This experience is important in creating a true understanding of what an officer’s job is like and contributes to an exciting and interactive learning experience of the role of the community’s law enforcement as well as the City’s geography.
Upon successful completion of the Academy, each participant, and their loved ones, will be invited to attend the Academy Graduation Ceremony held during a City Council Meeting.
Applications are available throughout the year and must be submitted by the end of November to be considered for the upcoming Academy session. In the weeks prior to the Academy start date, the Academy Coordinator will contact you to confirm your selection to participate in the next Academy.
Potential candidates must:
• Be at least 18 years of age; and
• Live within the City of Gastonia, Work for the City of Gastonia; or Business Owner within the City of Gastonia; and
• Attend 8 of the 10 Academy sessions.
Any requirement may be waived or modified upon review and approval by the Asst. City Manager and/or Academy Coordinator.
There is no participant fee associated with the Academy. Recognized Community members through the City’s Alliance for Community Enrichment (A.C.E.) program have priority in participation in the Academy.