CLEARFIELD -- People now have the chance to learn about the inner workings of a city through an eight-week class.
Clearfield University is free to residents and has room for 20 participants.
The class, to be held every Thursday starting in March, will be taught by elected officials and city staff, and will include tours, simulations, games and lectures.
Weekly topics will include city services and functions, such as public utilities, police operations, city budget, land use, emergency management and more.
Part of the experience includes touring facilities and seeing the inside operations and technology used in the day-to-day functions of the city.
Assistant City Manager J.J. Allen said officials plan to make it interesting.
"Participants won't just be sitting in a classroom being lectured to," Allen said. "It will be interactive and fun and entertaining. People will come away having not just had an educational experience, but something that was really worth their time."
City Manager Adam Lenhard said other cities, such as South Jordan and Park City, already have such programs in place. He explained that the idea is to provide a forum for residents to get an in-depth look at city operations.
"We want people to know what it takes to run a city of this size," Lenhard said. "This is a good chance to learn."
Right now, officials are trying to gauge public interest in the program and see if enough people are willing to try the class.
Meanwhile, staff and officials are already preparing curriculum and organizing presentations and tours.
"We recognize that people are busy, but we want to move forward with this," Lenhard said. "This could be something we offer on a regular basis."
Lenhard explained that people are unaware of many day-to-day responsibilities the staff is charged with to ensure the city is functioning.
"This is a great opportunity to learn more about the city they live in," he said. "There are so many issues that take place every day."
Allen said, "We hope it encourages people to get involved in their local government. As they become educated, they may want to be more involved in commissions, boards and committees. We want to have people interested and invested in their community. This class is one way to encourage that."
Notices were sent out with the city newsletter to let residents know about the class and inspire interest. So far, the city has received a dozen applications.
"We will cover information in the sessions that the general public is not aware of," Allen said. "This will be very eye-opening."
Call 801-525-2707 for more information.
The city wants people to sign up before Feb. 17.
Comments