What is the Purpose of the Academy?
The City Services Academy is designed to provide those who work or live in the City with an opportunity to learn firsthand how the City of San Mateo is managed and operated.
Taught by City staff, the Academy will provide an interactive learning experience in which the instructors and students can learn from each other through case studies, site tours, class discussions, and hands-on experience. Participants will learn about challenges the City is facing and investigate how creative management and budgetary solutions have been used to address these challenges.
Academy participants will interact with department heads (such as the City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Director, City Librarian, Parks and Recreation Director, etc.) and City Council members to learn how new programs or ideas are implemented. City staff will discuss project challenges, budget and resource limitations, and how City Council policy decisions are implemented. Day-to-day operations will also be explored.
Who Can Participate?
The City Services Academy is open to anyone, 18 or older, who works or resides in the City of San Mateo and has an interest in City government. Participants must be willing to devote 1 night (Wednesday) per week for 12 weeks.