Would You Like To Learn How City Government Works in Pittsfield?

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Pittsfield’s Citizens Academy, which will begin in late August.  

The Citizens Academy, now in its third year, is a free, 10-week session program designed to help community members understand the operations of local government. Participants will gain awareness of the various functions of city departments within municipal government, tour designated locations, and engage in breakout activities. Attendees also will learn more about service opportunities available within local government.  

Catherine VanBramer, the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, has spearheaded the academy since its inception in 2018. She looks forward to a new class.

I am very excited to welcome a new class of participants for the class of 2021. I hope that anyone who wants to learn more about how government operates or wishes to become more engaged with our community applies for this program.

 

Ten weekly sessions will be held every Wednesday evening between Aug. 25 and Oct. 27. The sessions will be held 6-8 p.m. at various locations throughout the city to be determined.  

Get our free mobile app

To be eligible for Citizens Academy, applicants must be at least 18, live or work in Pittsfield, and be able to attend each of the 10-week sessions to the best of their ability. 

Scheduled topics include, but are not limited to, the following: 

•  Introduction to Municipal Government and Overview of the City of Pittsfield 
• City Clerk and Human Resources 
• Financial and Budget Overview 
• Police Department 
• Department of Public Services and Utilities 
• Fire Department 
• Community Development/Recreation/Business Development 
• Airport 
• Building Department and Health Department 
• Cultural Development and Library  

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and be publicly recognized for their participation. Program details are available on the city’s website: 

https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/government/citizens_academy.php 

• To apply online, visit HERE 
• For applications in Spanish, visit HERE 
• To apply by mail, please HERE 
• Paper copies are also available in the Mayor’s Office within City Hall, 70 Allen Street