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Albany Civic Academy

The City of Albany is recruiting a new cohort for its free, six-week Civic Academy. This course is designed to give community members hands-on insight into what civic leadership really looks like and how your local government works. You’ll get an inside look at City operations and learn how you can help shape the decisions that matter most in our community.

Whether you’re curious about how the City runs, interested in serving on a board or commission, or simply want to better understand what it takes to be a civic leader, Civic Academy is your front-row seat.

Participants will work together on a research project that will be presented to the City Council at a Council meeting.

When:

  • Six Thursday evening sessions, April 23 – May 28, 2025, from 5:30–8 p.m.
  • An optional tour will also be included (date/time TBA).
  • Council presentation run-through Thursday, June 4, starting at 5:30 p.m.
  • Council presentation and graduation, Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m.

Where:

Council Chambers
City Hall
333 Broadalbin St SW

Who:

Open to 12 participants, age 16 and over, verified as residing inside Albany city limits, who can commit to:

  • Attending all six sessions
  • Completing approximately 1–2 hours of homework between sessions
  • Participating in a presentation run-through on June 4
  • Presenting to Council at their June 10 meeting at 6 p.m.

Cost:

Free! Dinner is included for sessions (we will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions).

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How to Apply

Applications are accepted through 5 p.m. on March 19, 2026. Space is limited—don’t wait!

Applications will be evaluated anonymously, with priority given to individuals who are new to civic and community leadership. In addition to weighing the merits of individual applications, the selection committee will strive to select a cohort that, when viewed in its entirety, reflects Albany as a whole.

Those not chosen will be placed on a waitlist if vacancies arise before the first class on April 23.

If you require accommodations to participate, such as for ADA or dietary preferences, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible after you receive an acceptance to the academy.

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The Civic Academy is a new initiative of the City of Albany, in partnership with Portland State University's National Policy Consensus Center.
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