Citizens Academy

The Madera Citizens Academy offers residents an inside look into local government operations, covering departments, services, and functions through presentations and activities. It aims to educate, engage, and build relationships between residents and local government officials. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made, how taxpayer money is allocated, and how they can contribute to making their community a better place. Prior knowledge of the inner workings of local government is not required. The only prerequisite is that you have a passion for the City’s future!

Applications for the Summer 2024 Citizens Academy must be submitted by Friday, July 5, 2024. Applications received after July 5th will be added to a wait list for consideration during future Citizens Academies.

What is the Madera Citizens Academy?: Have you ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes in local government? Designed for leaders from neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations, the Citizens Academy is your one-stop shop for an all-in-one primer on how the City of Madera functions. There is only one prerequisite for those interested in applying: you must have a passion for the city’s future!

Citizen Academies aim to improve communication, provide education to citizens on public processes, and serve as a logical point of departure for individuals wanting to serve on boards, commissions, and elected office. The Madera Citizens Academy is designed to be an introductory program for individuals who have an interest in becoming more engaged with local government, but may have little or no experience. The Citizens Academy will include sessions on the role of the City Council, staff functions, public safety, parks, finance, and community development. All sessions will run for about one and a half hours, depending on how much time participants wish to discuss ideas or ask questions.
Academy Schedule: The next Vision Leadership Academy schedule is coming soon! Fill out an application below to be contacted when the next schedule is released to the public.
What is the price of admission?: There will be NO CHARGE or FEE to attend. The program will be open to all Madera citizens, although space will be limited. Anyone not selected for a class will be given priority consideration for the next class. If you want to be more involved in your community – this is a great place to start!
Is this the Madera Citizens' Police Academy program?: While the Madera Citizens Academy includes one session dedicated to Police Department operations, it differs from the Madera Citizens Police Academy, which is a separate multi-session program focused exclusively on police department activities.

Citizens Academy Application

First name*

Last name*

Address*

ZIP Code*

Phone*

E-mail address*

Employer

Occupation

Since applicants will be selected to represent different geographical areas of the city, please provide us with the nearest major cross streets to your residence.

How long have you lived in Madera? If new to Madera, in what city did you previously reside?

Why would you like to participate in the Citizens Academy?

What topics do you hope to learn more about?

What do you feel are some of the major challenges for Madera?

What do you like most about Madera?

Would you be able to commit to attending all sessions of the academy?

Do you require any special dietary restrictions?

Do you require any physical accommodations to participate fully?

What is your Polo shirt size? (Please specify gender and size)

Please designate an emergency contact: (Name, Relationship, and Phone Number)

I, , hereby grant consent to the City of Madera, and/or its agents or representatives to allow the City of Madera, and/or its agents or representatives, to consider my application for the purpose of facilitating my participation in the City of Madera's Citizens Academy program. I agree to indemnify, defend and hold the City of Madera, and/or its agents or representatives harmless from any and all claims, losses, damage, injuries, or other liability arising from the activity contemplated hereunder.

I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above Terms and Conditions