The Citizens Planning Academy, a free, educational course that covers the basics of city planning and development, is accepting applications until Jan. 10 for its 2020 session. With only 30 spaces available, City staff is expecting the course to fill quickly.
The course, which runs March 9 to May 26, is offered by the City’s Community Development Department. It is open to City of Sacramento residents or anyone who owns a business within the city.
Topics of the course include urban design, economic development, application of City codes as well as regional and transportation planning, affordable housing and more.
Sacramento citizens who are active in their community and want to know more about the planning process are encouraged to apply.
“The Citizens Planning Academy creates strong advocates for a well-planned community,” said Tom Pace, the City’s interim community development director. “Some of our graduates have gone on to serve on City commissions and even City Council.”
Classes are held at 300 Richards Blvd. and include 11 weeknight sessions and two Saturday morning sessions. Those who complete the course are invited to participate in a graduation ceremony and special presentation at a City Council meeting.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 10. More information — and applications — can be found at the Citizens Planning Academy website.
More than 300 Sacramento citizens and business owners have graduated from the Planning Academy since it began in 2002.
“One of the most exciting things about this course is that we offer a chance to get to know and learn from planning and urban design experts,” said project manager Greta Soos. “Participants can engage with City leadership in a more intimate setting than any public meeting.”