The City is now taking applications for the 2025 City Management Academy (CMA), and this year’s program is packed with insights into the intricate workings of local government. According to an announcement from the Sacramento City Express, the academy is not just an opportunity to learn — it's a platform to enable residents to meaningfully engage with their municipal leaders.
Starting September 3 and running through November 5, the CMA will hold weekly sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Hall. Engaging directly with the cogs of the City's apparatus, participants will get the lowdown on everything from how budgets are crafted to the policies that keep Sacramento ticking. Ari Green, the Community Engagement Analyst, emphasized the academy’s role in creating informed residents who can "make a tangible impact in their neighborhoods and beyond," as stated by the Sacramento City Express.
This hands-on program includes presentations from more than 20 departments and divisions, spanning various topics such as public safety, budget development, and infrastructure. A central part of the program’s appeal is the chance it offers for direct interaction with those who pull the levers of power at a municipal level. Dinner is also part of the deal, offered at 5:30pm before the sessions begin, as reported by the Sacramento City Express.
For those with the educational itch and a stake in the City—be it as residents or business owners—the academy is broadening its reach by providing childcare for children between the ages of 6 and 12. This move ensures that families aren't left out of the picture when it comes to engaging with local governance. A $50 materials fee is required for participation, though this fee can be waived in certain cases, as per the Sacramento City Express.
Eligibility for the CMA is simple: You need to live in Sacramento or own a business there, and you’ve got to be at least 16 years of age. Those interested in joining the fold can apply by 11:59 p.m. on July 18. Head over to the City Management Academy's webpage to get all the details you need to apply, according to the Sacramento City Express.
