City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Home Menu2024 COMMUNITY ACADEMY
Get to Know Your City.
The 2024 Community Academy is at capacity, and we are no longer taking applications for the waitlist. We thank you for your interest and encourage you to stay connected by signing up for e-notifications to receive updates about future academies, community events, and other ways to get involved in the City.
The San Luis Obispo Community Academy is a free six-session interactive program that provide community members the opportunity to learn about their city government. The program is held biennial on consecutive Monday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participants are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program was formally known as the Citizens Academy and provides an excellent opportunity for the community to increase their knowledge of city government and its impact. Participants will meet City Council members, department heads, and staff. Through presentations and interactive sessions, participants will learn how decisions are made, how funds are allocated, and how departments operate. The City looks forward to having more engaged community members after the program.
Over the course of six, Monday-evening sessions, participants will increase their knowledge about the City of San Luis Obispo and its services through the City’s goals and processes. The program will provide additional behind the scenes tours. Here’s a sneak peek into what the sessions will include:
Session 1, March 11: City Government
Session 2, March 18: Budgets, Tech & Sustainability
Session 3, March 25: Water, Streets, Plans & Parks
Session 4, April 1: Public Safety Night
Session 5, April 8: City Council & Elections 101
Session 6, April 15: Community & Beyond; Graduation!
Note: Exclusive tours will be optional and available for participants.
Applicant Criteria
- Applicant must be at least eighteen years of age or must be provided with parent/guardian consent if under the age of 18.
- Applicant must reside, work, or attend school within the City of San Luis Obispo.
- Applicant must commit to attending all six of the 2024 Community Academy sessions and notifying staff immediately if a scheduling conflict arises.