Release Date: August 9, 2002
Contacts: 

Interested residents are invited to participate in a Citizens’ Academy, a new, free program offered by the City and County of Broomfield, beginning Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

This new, educational opportunity consists of six sessions designed to inform and educate participants in the details of local government operation. While each session is open to any interested person, those completing all six sessions will receive a certificate of completion.

Sessions will take place one Thursday each month through January from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at One DesCombes Dr.

Each session will be televised live on Broomfield’s cable channel 8. Questions after each presentation will be taken from those in attendance, and from questions that viewers can e-mail directly into the "classroom."

"If topics are interesting enough, we hope viewers will decide to come to the Chambers," said Kirk Oglesby, Director of Communication and Governmental Affairs, the department instituting the new program.

The first session is titled "Local Government Structure and Broomfield’s Water Supply." Attendees will be briefed on Broomfield’s governmental history, the City

Charter and Constitutional Amendment, and organizational structure.

Also on the docket are the legal underpinnings of the City and County, including the general responsibilities and types of legal work handled by the Attorney’s Office. The work of the Information Technology Department will be discussed. Participants will learn about IT’s work in modernizing and wiring the government offices.

A separate section entitled "The Story of Broomfield’s Water" by the Public Works Department will close the first session. Attendees will learn about Broomfield’s early days and where water was obtained, and the progression of events over the years as Broomfield increased its water supply, including a section about the 2002 drought situation.

Organizers promise that they will be strict timekeepers and will end promptly at 9 p.m., but speakers will stay after that time to visit with residents and answer questions not addressed in the allotted time.

Ensuing sessions are: Sept. 26, "Living and Working in Broomfield"; Oct. 24, "Our Community, Our Neighborhoods and You"; Nov. 21, "Our Parks and Streets"; Dec. 12, "Health and Safety in Broomfield" and Jan. 30, "Leisure and Recreational Time in Broomfield."

While registration is not required, it is helpful to insure that sufficient materials are available. Interested residents may sign up for the Academy by calling the Community Assistance Center at 303.438.6390. More information is available by calling 303.438.6231.