Municipal residents will get a look at the functions of their local government with the return of the Citizens’ Leadership Academy next month.
The latest cohort of the CLA will convene for an eight-week course starting Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. The class continues every Wednesday through April 5 with a course completion certificate awarded to each participant who attends at least six of the eight classes. Each week will focus on a different area of municipal government, from finance to public works, emergency services to zoning. Representatives from Montgomery County government and the Norristown Area School District will also speak to residents about their respective functions in the community.
Ahead of the municipal elections this year — which asks voters to elect their local leaders — the CLA will help inform residents about local government functions, and how elected officials and municipal staff work to support the municipality. Each week will have a group project to give a hands-on experience as to what municipal staff work on daily.
The CLA will meet Feb. 15 and 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5.
With the Municipal Hall renovations ongoing, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit at 2 W. Lafayette St. will host the course. It will not be conducted virtually and participants are expected to follow any COVID mitigation guidelines in place at the MCIU.
The CLA is a free program limited to 16 participants. Applications for the CLA will be accepted through the municipal website, in person at Municipal Hall or by mail/e-mail on a first come, first serve basis through Feb. 6.
Norristown Public Information Officer Kevin Tustin is returning to lead the Citizens’ Leadership Academy.
Since its inception in 2014, over 100 people have completed the Norristown CLA. This program is focused on residents who want to develop skills as a community leader with an understanding of how municipal government operates. Those who complete the class can use their leadership skills by serving as members of municipal boards, commissions, or council. More information is available at https://norristown.org/174/Citizens-Leadership-Academy, or by calling 610-270-0429.
