The city of Dalton will hold its first-ever Citizens Government Academy next month to give Dalton residents a better understanding of how their local government works and how decisions that affect the city are made. As many as 35 people can participate in this first session and applications are now being accepted online.
The program will be held over the course of five Tuesday nights in October, starting with a session from 6-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. The program will give participants an up-close look at every aspect of the city’s operations including public safety, public works, parks and recreation, and more. Sessions will include presentations from city leaders and tours of city facilities.
"We think accountability is important, and this process helps us demonstrate to the community how we use the resources we receive," Dalton City Administrator Jason Parker said. "We think accountability is important, and this process helps us demonstrate to the community how we use the resources we receive."
The Citizens Government Academy is being designed to showcase the services being provided to Dalton’s residents and businesses. The program also aims to give a better understanding of how the city uses taxpayer funding to provide high quality services to residents and also an understanding of Dalton’s significant and positive impact on the region. Participants will get an up-close look at every aspect of the city’s operations and learn about the roles and functions of each city department. Organizers hope that the program will also show ways to participate and take an active role in shaping the direction local government.
"This is our first attempt at something like this, so we hope to be able to show citizens the quality of city services," Mr. Parker said.
Applications are now being accepted online at https://www.cityofdalton-ga.gov/govacad.