By Lauren Browne, Citizen Engagement Coordinator
Sedona AZ (January 10, 2019) – As a resident of Sedona you probably know that the city has a lot of big issues we’re working on such as traffic, affordable housing and sustainable tourism, just to name a few. These topics are the types of issues that affect quality of life in Sedona, ones which are the topic of many a dinner party discussion with friends and neighbors. If you would like an inside look at City Hall operations, and to gain an understanding of how each city department approaches its day to day operations, in addition to tackling big community issues, the Sedona Citizens Academy might be right up your alley.
As part of the Citizen Engagement Program, the Citizens Academy is a free, 8-week evening class for residents wanting to know more about City Hall, city departments and how city decisions affect residents. Participants will hear from each department head, including the city manager, and each of the six city councilors and the mayor.
Topics you can expect to learn about include:
- An overview of the Community Development Department. City planners will tell you the city’s philosophy for planning and the future citizens envision for Sedona. Code enforcement officers will talk about everything from fence heights to barking dogs.
- A look into the city’s finances, with an understanding of how money is spent including details of the operating budget.
- A full class dedicated to the Police Department. You’ll talk with the police chief and other officers about the types of policing efforts specific to Sedona. You’ll also get a tour of the police facility.
- A summary of Municipal Court operations and the most common cases the magistrate judge hears.
- An explanation of the many infrastructure projects planned by the Public Works Department. This will include Sedona in Motion transportation construction projects.
- An understanding of our wastewater treatment process. You’ll learn about how the city’s wastewater makes it to our Wastewater Treatment Facility five miles out of town. Staff at the facility will take you on a tour where you can see for yourself what happens to the one million gallons of water that is treated daily.
At the end of the class you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how your city government works and the projects being planned and carried out, making you more informed about the future of Sedona.
Although the exact dates are not yet set, the 8-week academy will begin in March 2019, held at City Hall every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 20 people, with priority given to Sedona residents. Signing up is easy: Fill out the application online at sedonaaz.gov/citizensacademy.
For more information contact me at 928-203-5068, text 928-821-6958 or email lbrowne@sedonaaz.gov.