Would you like to learn about your local government? Consider applying to the Aurora Civic Engagement Academy. The Aurora Civic Engagement Academy is an eight-week program that helps residents deepen their knowledge of the city and its operations. The program aims to develop and cultivate leaders in the community and provide insights into the City Council’s decision-making process. The program is free for participants.
Check out what the graduates from the 2023 academy had to say about the program:
2024 Aurora Civic Engagement Academy
Dates/times to be announced. Check back in 2024. In the meantime, consider getting involved in city of Aurora boards and commissions.
Qualifications
Applicants must be:
- Aurora residents or employed at a business with a physical presence in Aurora
- 14 years or older (High school students may participate with parental consent)
Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis until the class limit of 25 participants is reached. Participants may not miss more than one class to complete the academy successfully.
What you will learn
- Different levels and forms of government
- Aurora’s council/manager government structure
- Duties and responsibilities of elected officials
- Overview of city departments and services
- Role of HOAs and other neighborhood groups
- How boards and commissions can influence policy
- Steps for a proposed ordinance to become law
- City council meeting process
- Importance of the city budget
Participants also will engage in a community project as part of this program.
Graduates will be recognized at a City Council meeting.
Application and Course Outline
The applications are reviewed by the Aurora Civic Engagement Commission and approved in the order received, considering the applicant's full availability to commit to the eight-week program and desire to engage in Aurora government.
The 2024 application is to be announced.