Citizens Academy

The 10-week City of Sanford Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about City government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services and activities. (This is a free public information program).

The Citizens Academy is held weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Participants are expected to attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions in order to receive a Certificate of Completion at a graduation ceremony at the City Commission Meeting, 300 N. Park Ave. Sanford, FL. The Graduation Ceremony will be held Monday, November 11th, 2024.

Class 21 full. 

Program at a Glance

  • Objective – To inform citizens and stakeholders of the operations of city government and what is involved in delivering and maintaining services to the citizens of Sanford.

  • Benefits – Learn first-hand about Sanford’s city government and to create an environment of informed citizens who can become volunteers for appointed boards, task forces and commissions.

  • Class Size – Classes are limited to 35 participants. The Citizens Academy is open to anyone interested, must be 18 years old to participate.

  • Curriculum – A 2 hour weekly session, Wednesday nights for 10 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony at the City Commission Meeting. Each session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. Please note the various locations (locations subject to change):

For more information please contact:

Curriculum

Location: City Commission Chambers, 300 N. Park Avenue
  • Introductions
  • Meet the Mayor/City Manager
  • Overview of Government Organization
  • Communications/Public Art
  • Clerk’s office/Agendas and Public Records
  • City Attorney’s Office
  • Tour City Hall

Public Safety Complex, (Emergency Operations Center 2nd Floor) 815 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford

  • Fire Operations and EMS Services
  • Fire Prevention
  • Emergency Preparedness
Location: Public Works Complex, 800 Fulton Street
  • Street Maintenance
  • Fleet Maintenance
  • Building Maintenance
  • Stormwater Division
  • Solid Waste/Recycling
Meet @ City Hall 300 N. Park Avenue
  • Bus Tour/Economic Development Overview
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
  • Overview of the Utility Department
  • Regulations/Rules Governing the Utility Operation
  • Customer Service/Obtaining Service
  • Water Production, Treatment and Transmission
  • Wastewater Collection, Treatment and Reuse 
Location: Sanford Civic Center, 401 E Seminole Boulevard/Bus Tour
  • Events/Recreation Programs: Youth, Adults, Seniors
  • Recreation Facilities
  • Parks and Grounds
  • Community Relations/CDBG Program/Neighborhood Engagement
  • Human Resources/Risk Management

Accordion Content

Location: Public Safety Complex, 815 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, Sanford (Community Room 1st Floor)
  • Police Programs and Operations 
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
  • Land Use Planning/Zoning Regulations
  • Building Division
  • Code Enforcement
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
 
  • Overview of the City’s Operating Budget/Budget Process
  • Financial Services
  • Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR)
  • Grant Management
  • Accounts Payable/Receivables
  • Purchasing
  • Information Technology (IT)
City Commission Chambers, 300 N. Park Avennue
  • Ceremony to be held during regular City Commission meeting at 7pm

Graduation Ceremony – City Commission Meeting 7pm, City Hall, 300 N. Park Ave., Sanford

City of Sanford, FL | The Friendly City