2020 Helen & Alan Berg Good Governance Award Nominees
Wilsonville - Citizens Academy
Each year, since 2015, the City of Wilsonville hosts a program designed to give civic-minded
community stakeholders a clear picture of how their local government operates.
Wilsonville's Citizens Academy includes classroom-style presentations, tours and conversationswith City staff and elected officials. The course provides an in-depth overview of City operations to prepare participants for future public service as volunteers, board members and/or elected officials.
The program focuses on the following priorities:
- Providing a transparent view of city government
- Offering the necessary insight and guidance that motivates participants to remain engaged with
- the City as ambassadors, volunteers and/or candidates for City boards and commissions.
The Citizens Academy accepts up to 25 local applicants each year, reserving one spot for a high
school student. When space permits, non-local members of the City's workforce are considered, but
priority is given to Wilsonville residents.