Peoria – Peoria County and the City of Peoria are currently accepting applications for their Peoria City/County Citizens Leadership Academy. This free program offers citizens a unique opportunity to learn about municipal and county governments through a joint curriculum. Classes meet Wednesday evenings September 18 – November 6, with a graduation ceremony at the County Board meeting on November 14 and at the City Council meeting on November 12; a complete course schedule is attached. The course is limited to 25 residents of Peoria County. Residents can download an application at http://www.peoriacounty.org/communications/civic. Application deadline is now September 13, 2013.

The Citizens Leadership Academy provides participants a hands-on learning experience through mock activities, facility tours, and open discussions with elected and appointed officials. Class participants will learn about city and county governments, including public works functions, public safety, the judicial system, fire and rescue, and recycling.

The Citizens Leadership Academy creates a network of individuals who possess a commitment to improving their community and who demonstrate the necessary skills to emerge as leaders. Taught by elected and appointed officials, the free program inspires residents to take a more active role in guiding future policy decisions, be it through the elections process, by voicing concerns during public meetings, or by running for public office.

For more information or a paper application, call Meghan Smith, Peoria County’s Communications Specialist, at 495-4862, or Steve Fairbanks, City of Peoria’s Neighborhood Development Specialist, at 494-8250.