Citizens Academy consists of a series of eight weekly sessions held each fall from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at various government and community facilities throughout the city.

Locations include Syracuse City Hall, the Onondaga County Justice Center, the Metropolitan Sewage Treatment Facility, and other public and nonprofit meeting places.  A light supper is provided at the start of each session to give participants a chance to relax and get to know each other.

Session Topics include:

  • Overview and Expectations
    Local governments past, present, and future
  • What’s the Plan for Sustainability?
    Planning, land use, and transportation
  • Community Vitality
    Community development, health, and human services
  • Economic Vitality
    Jobs and economic development
  • Environmental Stewardship
    Water and waste management
  • Schools, Scholars, and Resources
    Education and the future
  • Public Safety
    Law enforcement and public safety
  • Dollars and Sense
    Local government budget and finance

The sessions are led by local elected officials and city and county department heads who describe the workings of local government and answer questions from Citizens Academy participants.