To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Presentation: Your Town Academy Graduating Class
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
The Your Town Academy program was offered to the community again this year, marking its 10th anniversary. The eight-week class aims to “increase governmental transparency by increasing community awareness about Town operations.”
A class of 30 residents and business owners was recruited this summer. Classes kicked off Aug. 18. Since then, the class has learned about all aspects of how the Town operates.
Tonight, we recognize our graduating students:
Mark Blickenstaff Ann Bornholdt Mike Bowline Julie Bowline
Cindy Brown Sasha Bailey Selina Carr-McEwen Dino Ciufi Jr.
Holly Darrah Mark Davis Alex Delaney James Easley
Keri Easley Dennis Evans Lauren Ferrera Bob Gnaegy
Molly Gnaegy Caryn Hartl Sydney Kozel AnnMarie Maestas
Matthew Mariung Mark McCullough Andy McMillen Charlotte McMillen
Jeff Mosal Michelle Smith Ryan Soldanels Linda Sumner
Carolyn Upton
The class received surveys each week to provide feedback on the program. Again this year, their comments were overall positive and provided the project team helpful guidance on making the program even better in the future. Following are a couple examples of the participant feedback received:
“The information shared was informative and interesting. Officers were engaging and answered all questions. Enjoyed the hands-on opportunities and getting a glimpse into Police work and some of the tools used in keeping our community safe.”
“The class is amazing and I think everyone should take it every man woman child. It would probably help with understanding what’s going on in the town and also help with people that might want a future in doing this. I appreciate everybody that has put into this program and everyone who works in this town to make us a successful entity.”
“All of the information gleaned from Town Academy has not only been extremely interesting but makes me so proud to be a resident. Knowing the town's desire to invest in technology to make maintenance/upkeep more efficient and is incredibly forward thinking.”
Staff plans to offer Your Town Academy again in 2026. Applications will again be solicited in summer for a class beginning in the fall. Updates will be posted at CRgov.com/YTA.