The City of Aspen will hold its first “Citizens Academy” this fall. Municipal governments from across the country have used similar programs to help residents get to know the inner-workings of their local government, and Aspen is now following suit.
For some, signing up to go “back to school” for ten weeks of civics class might seem like a nightmare, but Aspenites are known for being civically engaged. From hours-long public comment periods at city council meetings to successful citizen referendums... people here love their town and take an active part in shaping it.
Michelle Holder was hired a year ago to create the course.
“It gives you a background and a context for our local government that otherwise is not out there right now,” said Holder. “So if you are interested in being an Aspenite this is an opportunity to become more involved in our city government.”
Throughout the course, the “students” will meet with the department heads of finance, community development, parks and housing. This spring city staffers served as “guinea pig” students, electing to sit in on test-runs of the course presentations.
City civil engineer Pete Rice says he sat through many of the mock-presentations and got an in-depth look at the city departments.
“I mean, most of it wouldn't pertain to my job per say but you are just fascinated with what people are doing and what they are involved in.”
Rice says as a relative newcomer, the class on the city’s history was the highlight because it helped him get to know Aspen better.
Lauren Clausen, of the city’s finance department, says the average citizen should want to learn how departments within the municipal government are run, because they are the financial backers of the operation.
“Well you are a taxpayer,” said Clausen. “You should know what your money is doing and how it’s being used”
Each three hour course will consist of presentations from department heads and staff, and then include time for group discussion. Assistant City Manager Barry Crook will be attending the courses as well, recording public input.
Applications are open through Monday, August 15th. Twenty students will be selected for the program.
