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Home > City Departments > Citizens Services > Citizen Participation and Information > Mayor’s Citizens’ Participation Academy

Mayor’s Citizens’ Participation Academy

“Educating, Empowering, & Enlightening Citizens to Strengthen the City of Buffalo”

What is the Mayor’s Citizens’ Participation Academy?

  • This free 10-session course, offered during the fall and spring, is available to City of Buffalo residents age 18 and older. 
  • Classes for the spring 2011 Academy will be held every Wednesday evening from 6-9pm and one Saturday morning between April 20th and June 15th.
  • Participants learn how city government is designed, supported and managed and how to empower other community members to access needed services and vital resources.
  • The curriculum is designed to educate participants on numerous structures of city government, provide interaction with public officials, and engage members in hands-on activities and discussions surrounding vital issues in our community.  
  • Academy sessions host diverse themes including education, public safety, and economic development with presentations are made by an assortment of public officials from a range of departments, including the Departments of Public Works, Police, Fire, Community Services and Office of Strategic Planning to name a few.

 

Participants are also required to complete 3 of the following tasks throughout the duration of the Academy:

  • Perform a police ride-along or visit a police precinct
  • Take a complaint in the Mayor’s Call and Resolution Center 
  • Attend a Common Council Meeting or attend a CitiStat session
  • Volunteer at a fire house or community center (at the discretion of Community Services)
  • Participate in a Save our Streets Task Force Clean Sweep

What are the goals of the Mayor’s Citizen’s Participation Academy?

  • After completion of the Academy, graduates are able to serve as liaisons between block clubs, community based organizations, local businesses, and City Hall. 
  • Academy graduates are encouraged and invited to become active volunteers within city government.

How do I apply?

  • Contact the Division of Citizen Services at 851-5989, or via email at cpa@city-buffalo.com  if you need any further assistance or information on the Academy.