To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Kristin Zagurski, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Presentation: Your Town Academy Graduating Class
Body
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Executive Summary
The Your Town Academy program was offered to the community again this year. 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. 26, and since then, the class has learned about all aspects of how the Town operates.
Tonight, we ask Mayor Gray to please present the following students their certificate of completion, which signifies their graduation from of the program.
Debra Beck Carol Bonetti Maureen Casper Paula Clarke
Wendy Davis Malia Doss J.D. Forinash Linda Gould
Christie Guthrie Marne Hansen Kira James Jess Lindberg
Maryann Morningstar Mike Morningstar Michael Morrison Diana Nemueller
Lyn Olson Naseem Qussar Marla Bowers Sullivan Paul Sutton
Jenny Young
The class received surveys each week to provide feedback on the program. Again this year, their comments were overwhelmingly positive and provided the project team helpful guidance on making the program even better in the future. Following is a sampling of the participant feedback received:
“It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and take for granted all that our town staff does for us. This experience is opening my eyes and, in turn, allowing me to reach out to neighbors and guide them towards resources.”
“Every Monday night, I am amazed at the time and effort each department puts into their presentation for us. I am thankful and humbled by the dedication of our town employees.”
“Thank you (to) the town for this wonderful opportunity that presents itself to the citizens. I think this is great in educating and informing voters and citizens on how the town works. … It takes a village to get this all done.”
“(We) are floored with the professionalism and competency of the leadership and staff. Their desire to be good stewards with the resources that they have been entrusted with is commendable.”
Staff plans to offer Your Town Academy again in 2020. Applications will again be solicited in summer for a class beginning in the fall. Updates will be posted at CRgov.com/YTA.