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Staunton: City offers spots in Citizen University, a look inside local government

Rebecca Barnabi
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The City of Staunton is excited to announce the return of Staunton Citizen University (SCU) for fall 2024, offering residents a unique, inside look at how local government operates.

Starting Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the city will host the 10-week interactive course designed to give students streamlined, but robust exposure to key departments of the city and several regional agencies.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday Aug. 5, 2024 the city will begin accepting online applications for SCU. A maximum of 25 participants will be accepted into the program, giving Staunton residents preference. Sign up early because spots have filled up quickly in previous classes.

“We are thrilled to bring back Citizen University. It provides residents with valuable opportunities to learn about their city, getting them more involved and more engaged. It also gives us an opportunity to learn from them,” said City Manager Leslie Beauregard.

Every Tuesday between September 10 and November 12, 2024 (Election Day class will be held Wednesday of that week), the city will host a two-hour evening session on topics that include economic development, budget and taxes, public safety, parks and recreation, courts and corrections and public works.

The program also includes tours of the city’s water treatment plant, fire station, police department, the library, the Middle River Regional Jail, and a riding tour with Parks and Recreation.

Staunton Citizen University will kick off with a virtual orientation on September 3, 2024 and culminate with a graduation ceremony on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

An overview of the program and complete listing of topics are available online. The city plans to offer the Citizen University program annually. For help with the online application, call the City Manager’s office at 540-332-3812.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.