ANN ARBOR — The Ann Arbor Community Academy (A2CA) is returning for its eighth year to provide a closeup look at local government. The popular program, free and open to community members 18 years of age and older, will again be conducted with a hybrid approach. Weekly sessions will be held either online or in person, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesdays throughout March and April. In-person tours will take place on select Tuesdays with a separate signup, and on a first-come basis. More information on the in-person tours will be provided after participants sign up.
A2CA connects participants with city staff and officials to discover what goes into both long-term planning and day-to-day operations throughout Ann Arbor. The 2025 curriculum will focus on operations of:
- City Administrator
- Greenbelt Advisory Commission, Natural Area Preservation and Parks and Recreation
- Fire Department
- Office of Organizational Equity
- Community Television Network (CTN)
- Systems Planning Department
- City Planning Department
- Wheeler Service Center and Public Works Department
- Information Technology
- Sustainability
- Police Department
- Transportation
- Wastewater Treatment Plant/Services
- City Clerk’s Office
- City Council
Registration is now open! The deadline to register is Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
“Following completion of the community academy,” explains A2CA Coordinator Sarah Alanis, “we hope participants will be motivated to get involved with the city and play a more active role in shaping the future of Ann Arbor.” Alanis notes many graduates from this program have gone on to serve the community by participating in City Council, Municipal Water System Advisory Council, City Planning Commission, Ann Arbor Public Art Commission or working as an election inspector.
For details, visit www.a2gov.org/A2CA or contact Alanis at salanis@a2gov.org.
