The City of Lenoir is offering a free civic learning academy for the public starting next month. The course will allow you to learn about local government in Lenoir and the civic responsibilities of government and citizens.
Communication & Public Information Director Joshua Harris is leading the course. The academy is free and applications are open.
“Unfortunately, many people often graduate high school and college with a very limited understanding of how their local, state, and federal governments function,” Director Harris said. “The goal of Leadership Lenoir Civic Learning Academy is to explain those differences and give our residents the tools to understand how their government works in Lenoir.”
The Leadership Lenoir program will be one night a week for 12 weeks starting in March. Sessions will be held each Monday night, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at various City facilities. Leadership Lenoir graduates will be recognized during a City of Lenoir City Council meeting after the conclusion of the program. Space is limited in the class, and applicants will be selected based on their current involvement in Lenoir. To be selected, you must live or own/operate a business in the city limits of the City of Lenoir and be willing to commit the time to the program. Students must be at least 16 years old.
“The class will be an opportunity for people to learn a lot more about City of Lenoir government,” Director Harris said. “What services does the City provide? What’s the difference between city streets and state streets? What is the responsibility of the city, county, state, and federal governments? What are the various types of government taxes and revenues, and how is that money used?”
Mayor Joe Gibbons said the academy is a great idea and an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about Lenoir and how they can participate in local government.
“We had a citizens academy many years ago, but like so many things, public interest rises and falls,” Mayor Gibbons said. “I think we have plenty of people in Lenoir who want to know more about what the City does, and how we do it. I think it’s a great opportunity for people to learn more about their government, and I appreciate Joshua restarting the program. We probably have enough interest to fill classes for the next few years. It will also give our residents a better understanding of how they can serve in Lenoir, especially on our boards and commissions.”
Director Harris plans to have presentations from the City Manager and all the Department Directors. Topics will cover Downtown, Finance, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Police, Public Utilities, and Public Works.
Participants must be willing to commit the time to attend at least 10 of 12 sessions and coordinate their own transportation to the various class locations. Students who do not attend at least 10 out of the 12 sessions will not be certified as having completed the program.
City Manager Scott Hildebran echoed Mayor Gibbons’ comments.
“I agree that the learning academy will be a great opportunity for the public,” City Manager Hildebran said. “City Council likes and supports the program, and people will be able to learn a great deal about our departments, programs, and services.”
Applications for Leadership Lenoir are now open. People can apply at the following link, Leadership Lenoir Application.
“I think it will be, at least, a very informative course for people,” Director Harris said. “But, hopefully we can make it fun and interesting. There will be some games and prizes for the class. The first quiz is to find out if you live in the corporate limits of Lenoir. Here’s a hint, just because your address says Lenoir doesn’t mean you live in the city limits.”