Monterey hosts academy to learn about city procedures
MONTEREY – The City of Monterey is inviting residents to apply for the inaugural First City Academy, a free eight-week program aimed at building a deeper understanding of local government and fostering community involvement.
Slated to be held weekly on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Academy will run from Aug. 28 through Oct. 23. Participants ages 16 and older can attend interactive sessions exploring the city’s history, government operations, budgeting, public works and public safety, culminating in a graduation celebration.
City staff came up with the idea last year when exploring opportunities to reach out to members of the community who are less engaged with the city.
“A similar program existed in Monterey many years ago back in 1998-1999,” said City Manager Hans Uslar. “It stopped because we couldn’t find anyone to do it anymore.”
Each week, the program will spotlight different departments and city functions, beginning with an overview of city governance and concluding with a celebration of civic involvement. Participants will hear directly from city staff and leadership, tour city facilities and explore key topics, such as sustainability, budgeting and public safety.
“There will be a mix of every department from city manager to public works and other city presenters who are subject matter experts in their fields,” Uslar said.
There will be hand outs and light refreshments, but Uslar said the program will be at little to no cost to the city.
“I see this as another engagement tool with residents who haven’t gotten a chance to participate in city government,” Uslar said. “My vision is in five to six years to have about 200 people who have graduated from this program and have them participating with the city or sharing their ideas for how to improve.”
Program Schedule Highlights:
• Aug. 28: City Governance and Leadership
• Sept. 4: Monterey History and Field Tour
• Sept. 11: Budgeting, HR, and Technology
• Sept. 18: Community Development and Housing
• Sept. 25: Public Works and Infrastructure
• Oct. 2: Parks, Recreation, Library & Museums
• Oct. 9: Fire and Emergency Services
• Oct. 16: Police Department
• Oct. 23: Graduation and Community Celebration
The First City Academy is free to attend, and space may be limited. Applications are now open and available at monterey.gov/firstcityacademy.
For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at (831) 646-3760 or email suggest@monterey.gov.
