Applications open for third annual Alabaster Government Academy

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Applications are now open for Alabaster’s third annual Government Academy for any citizens interested in learning about what it takes to run a city.

On Monday, July 15, the city announced it has opened applications for the 2024-2025 Alabaster Government Academy and the city has already received multiple applications within the first few hours of applications being open.

“We started the Government Academy in 2022 as a way to more directly connect residents with their city,” Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner said. “Since then, we’ve had dozens of participants graduate from the program, and several of them are now serving on various city boards. It’s a fantastic opportunity for residents to get an in-depth look at everything it takes to operate a city.”

The very first edition of the academy initially came about thanks to the efforts of Wagner as well as City Administrator Brian Binzer.

The Alabaster Government Academy will provide interested residents with an up-close and hands-on look at each city department. Approximately 25 participants will have the chance to tour various city facilities, speak with employees and department heads and learn more about how the city provides services to its residents and businesses.

“During the program, they visit and hear from every department in the city, including our partners at Alabaster City Schools and the Alabaster Water Board,” Wagner said. “We’ve gotten great feedback from past participants who say they never knew how much went into operating a city. We also give them opportunities at each academy night to ask as many questions as they’d like and share any ideas they have with us. We’re really looking forward to starting our next class in September.”

The Government Academy will begin in mid-September and meets twice a month through mid-February. A full schedule will be provided to the residents selected to participate.

Those interested in signing up for this year’s edition of the Government Academy may visit cityofalabaster.com/556/Alabaster-Government-Academy.

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