Special to ViewThe Citizen Leadership Academy?s class of 2006 is shown. This year?s class will go on a wastewater management trip and have the option to do a ride-along with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, attend a trial with a city attorney or take a tour of an animal shelter and the Clark County Detention Center.
Advertisement
The fourth annual Citizens Leadership Academy, hosted by the city of Las Vegas, is accepting applications now through July 31 at 5 p.m.
Applications are available by visiting the city's Web site at www.lasvegasnevada.gov/citizensacademy.
Participants in the program will learn how city departments operate, learn where their tax money goes, become more involved in the community and become more educated about city government.
By taking part in weekly tours and informational seminars, citizens will be introduced to city officials and learn in depth about different programs the city offers.
According to Maggie Plaster, management analyst for the city of Las Vegas, the academy was designed "to build a cadre of volunteers for the city" and for citizens to make friends with equally concerned individuals.
The eight-week program will be held in September and October, with classes held on eight Tuesdays and two Saturdays. Participants can miss only one class on Tuesday and one on Saturday and are required to sign a commitment pledge before entering the academy.
Saturday tours include a wastewater management trip and a jaunt to downtown. Participants also have the option to do a ride-along with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, attend a trial with a city attorney or take a tour of an animal shelter and the Clark County Detention Center.
"Citizens don't realize all that we're involved in," Plaster said.
A selection committee will choose up to 25 people based on their completed applications, and selected participants will be notified by mail during the week of Aug. 27.
Plaster said the most important thing to remember when applying is to have a "thoroughly answered resume, one that shows some thought to the responses."
First priority is given to city of Las Vegas residents, but anyone can apply. On Nov. 7, there will be a graduation ceremony in front of City Council for participants.
"We only offer it once a year," Plaster said. "It's a great opportunity to meet people."
"I thought it was a great experience and opportunity to learn about the city, being fairly new here," said Harry Lee, a graduate of the 2006 academy.
Lee, who recently moved to Las Vegas from Southern California, was looking for a way to learn about the city quickly, because he wanted to get involved in his new community. He now is on the Clark County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, has taken part in the Citizens Fire Academy through the Clark County Fire Department and is participating in the Citizens Police Department through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Applications for the academy can be faxed to 464-2611.
For more information, call the city manager's office at 229-6501.
Archived Editions| Advertising | Contact The Staff
