San Marcos recruits for new Citizens Academy

NORTH COUNTY

SAN MARCOS

San Marcos is launching a new Citizens Academy to help residents learn about city government.

The free program, which kicks off in March, will introduce 20 residents to the workings of the city, allowing them to visit city facilities and learn about municipal services.

“The classes will help participants understand critical roles and functions in the city and how they interact to form a strong and effective government,” Mayor Rebecca Jones said in her State of the City address Tuesday.

The program will run for six months, from March 17 through Aug. 18, with meetings held from 6-8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. It’s open to anyone 18 and older, from students to seniors, with an interest in city government.

“We are hoping to attract citizens from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups for our inaugural class,” Communications Manager Robin Rockey said.

As part of the program, participants will “learn how decisions are made, how funds are allocated and how departments operate,” according to a notice posted on the city’s website.

They will get overviews of city departments, programs and services, and tour various departments to learn about their operations. Topics include development, traffic, growth management, parks and recreation, fire protection, the environment and others.

Citizens Academy is modeled after a similar program that San Marcos City Manager Jack Griffin was involved with while working in Chula Vista. Its goal, Griffin said, is “to help make city government more accessible and to give citizens the knowledge and tools they need to become more engaged with our democracy, if they so choose.”

The group starting in March will pilot the program, and the city may add subsequent sessions, Rockey said.

The Citizens Academy is open to San Marcos residents 18 years and older, and participants will be chosen at random from the pool of applicants. Applications are available online on the city job site, or at San Marcos City Hall, and must be submitted by noon Feb. 26. Call (760) 744-1050 for more information.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com