Media Release

February 22, 2005

Media Contacts:

Rosann Doran                                                 

Public Information Officer                    

‘What’s that all about?’ to be answered at Citizens’ Academy sessions

(BROOMFIELD) Residents in Broomfield, Colorado, closely monitor their local government.  Broomfield is known locally, in the region, and nationally for governmental innovations that were the result of the historic inception of the combined city and county government that opened in 2001 with the permission of statewide voters who had approved an amendment to the Colorado Constitution making Broomfield Colorado’s 64^th county.

As its population grows, the ins and outs of the still-new local government are frequently the topic of questions received from people through the Web site, by personal visits to a Community Assistance Center, or via telephone to individual departments.

Anyone wondering what Broomfield government is all about gets those questions answered up close and personal at the annual Citizens' Academy, a series of two-hour seminars on the various segments of Broomfield’s government. This year, the academy runs over six consecutive Thursday evenings.

Marketed through local media to residents and members of Broomfield’s volunteer boards and commissions, the Citizens’ Academy sessions offer informational presentations by staff to explain who does what and why. The academy provides a neat training ground for curious, civic minded residents or those who might be interested in throwing their hats into the local political ring.

This year’s annual informational series started Thursday, Feb. 17, with information on the “how, why, what and who” about local government, and why Broomfield is not “all wet” when it comes to water – a session widely acclaimed in previous academies.

Speakers with colorful PowerPoint presentations talked about Broomfield’s charter and its definition of the duties of the city and county manager, municipal judge, attorney, the mayor and City Council. A few minutes on the Broomfield Municipal Code and what it contains was also included.

Human Resources presented information about hiring and firing in Broomfield, employee benefits, volunteer opportunities, and the fiscal responsibilities all employees share.  The story of Broomfield’s water supply was next, with a little information about Colorado water rights and Broomfield’s already-completed and future projects that will safeguard the adequacy of Broomfield’s drinking water supply.  Each segment wrapped up with a question-and-answer session.

The Feb. 24 session will deal with Broomfield’s infrastructure, and the Public Works Department that is charged with keeping everything working.  On March 3, the departments that most closely touch people, Health and Human Services and Combined Courts, will present overviews of their innovative activities.

March 10 will feature the fun stuff.  Broomfield’s Community Resources Department will brag about its assets.  Attendees will learn about the library, open spaces, recreational assets and the city’s cultural offerings.  On March 17, planning ideas, innovation and involvement will come to the fore with information about Community Development, Central Records and Finance.

The final session on March 24 will focus on Broomfield’s safety net – police and fire services.