The City of Monroe is excited to announce that it is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 Citizens Academy. The nine-week, hands-on course offers a firsthand look into the inner workings of City government, including how departments operate, how services are delivered, and how decisions are made.
The program is free of charge, but space is limited to 20 participants. Interested Monroe residents must complete a registration form to be considered. Applications are open through Friday, August 8, and selected participants will be notified of their acceptance.
Participants will engage directly with City Manager Mark Watson and staff and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of City government. Topics covered will include police, fire, tourism, and more. Participants will visit City facilities, including the law enforcement center, fire stations, Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, Monroe Science Center, Dowd Center Theatre, and more.
The Citizens Academy begins in September. Participants will meet on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
“I participated in Monroe Citizens Academy before I became a City employee,” said Grant Administrator Lisa Kerner. “Like many people, I thought I understood how local government worked, until I saw it up close. The experience was eye-opening and gave me a deeper respect for the work happening every day.”
"It was the best opportunity I had to get to know all about the City of Monroe, and I met so many interesting people," said Libby Helms, a participant from the 2024 Citizens Academy.
The Citizens Academy reflects the City’s commitment to transparency, civic engagement, and community partnership.
To apply or learn more, visit www.monroenc.org/citizensacademy.