Mayor Keith R. Sydnor is rolling out the red carpet for those looking to peek behind the bureaucratic curtain, launching the 2024 Fall Laurel Citizens University. As announced on the City of Laurel's official website, this program promises a deep dive into the inner workings of city operations, shining a light on everything from budgets and parks to emergency management and the police force.
Starting October 3, these sessions are your ticket to understanding the ins and outs, of local governance, aiming to connect you with staff and untangle the complexities of city management. The eight-week course, free for interested folks over the age of 18, is designed to foster community engagement. However, it's worth noting – the catch is that it's on a first-come, first-serve basis – and, only 20 spots are up for grabs.
Here's the breakdown of the weekly sessions – they all kick off from 6 to 8:30 pm, tackling a new city department each Thursday. Expect to hear from the Mayor's office first, followed by departments like Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and even the Police. It all wraps up with a graduation ceremony on Monday, November 25, where participants will score not just a diploma but also, a class photo to immortalize their government enlightenment journey.
If you need any special accommodations to ease your learning process, the city’s point of contact, Carreen Koubek, is just an email away. She's also the go-to for registering, so give her a shout at [email protected] or dial 301-725-5300 ext. 2109 by September 15.
