NORTHAMPTON cityschool 2008

NORTHAMPTON cityschool is a 9-week program designed to introduce citizens to the workings of their City government. The goals are to provide opportunities for public employees and members of the community to share information, to encourage participation in the electoral and political process, to increase public understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various city departments, boards and commissions, and to build awareness of volunteer opportunities within the city.

Modeled on the successful Citizen Police Academy, cityschool will introduce Northampton residents from all walks of life to the people who are elected, appointed and hired to work on their behalf. They will learn about the local, state and federal laws and regulations which define the work of many of our departments. Representatives from various City departments and volunteer boards will speak about their mission and the ways that members of the community can be involved.

Cityschool represents an unprecedented convergence of the dozens of City departments, boards and commissions for a single project. “Over the years, many of the calls coming into my office begin with the words, ‘I’m not sure who I should call about this, but…’ We’ve noticed a need for better communication about the role of government in our community, and how the two dozen or so city departments interact with one another. We consulted with representatives of many of the City’s neighborhood citizen groups and we got very positive feedback, and good suggestions on how to proceed,” said Mayor Higgins.

Cityschool classes will begin on October 29th, and run through January 14th, meeting on Wednesday nights from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a week off at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Registration is open to any Northampton resident, and participants can sign up in the Mayor’s office. “I understand we are asking people to make a commitment,” the Mayor notes. “But I think the folks who participate will gain a great deal of understanding when we are done, and like the Citizens Police Academy, it will appeal to those people with a great deal of interest in public policy and the time to devote to this kind of endeavor.”

Mayor Higgins notes that she hopes cityschool will be a recurring event in Northampton. Residents who are interested in participating in the future should also contact the Mayor’s Office to be notified when another date is set.