North Bend locals with a desire to peek behind the curtain of city governance now have their chance, thanks to the opening of applications for the 2026 North Bend Citizens Academy. The City has announced this eight-week interactive course to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of how the inner workings of their government come to life, from administration to emergency services, according to a release on the City of North Bend's official website.
The Citizens Academy, which is set to run from February 2 to March 30, with a special recognition event to conclude the program on April 7, 2026, offers weekly sessions that delve into the various facets of city operations. Each week, participants will embark on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of city administration, learning about historical context, legal frameworks, financial systems, and more. Included in the experience are hands-on tours of the parks, Eastside Fire and Rescue facilities, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of North Bend reports.
Intended for individuals 16 and older, this free program offers openings to the first 25 applicants, with a priority given to those residing within North Bend’s city limits. Aspiring participants are urged to apply quickly — the application window opened on November 6 and will close once the class is full. Applications can be submitted by emailing [email protected], stopping by the front desk at City Hall with a printed application, or mailing it to the specified address for the attention of Bre Keveren.
For residents living in the neighboring areas outside city limits, the application process is also welcoming their submissions, albeit with a separate notification process for acceptance into the program. As the city prepares to sift through applicants, those selected will be contacted to confirm their acceptance, ensuring everyone is kept in the loop, the City explains. For more details or to apply, those interested can visit the Citizens Academy webpage.
