Bozeman Launches Civics Academy to Enhance Resident Understanding of City Operations
Bozeman, Montana, is launching a new Civics Academy this fall, designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of how the city operates. This program, the first of its kind in the state, aims to rebalance civic engagement by offering more opportunities for citizens to shape their city. The academy will consist of seven sessions, covering every city department, including fiscal, parks and recreation, information technology, and human resources. Mayor Joey Morrison noted that while civic engagement has grown with Bozeman's expansion, residents often lack a holistic understanding of city operations, leading to feelings of unheard voices. He explained that relying solely on city commission meetings provides an incomplete picture of the city's functions. The initiative seeks to address this gap, which Mayor Morrison believes has resulted in a loss of residents feeling connected to the bureaucracy of local government.
