Renton Civic Academy
Applications Open!
2025 Civic Academy will begin on Thursday, February 13 and run through Thursday, March 20. Sessions take place from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Civic Academy will not meet on Thursday, February 20 due to Renton School District Mid-Winter Break.
The Renton Civic Academy is for Renton residents and businessowners who are ready to take the next step in being an informed and involved community member.
Renton’s Civic Academy five-week program offers residents an inside look on how the city operates. Residents will learn the basics of local government and understand the roles and drivers of the different departments. In interactive workshops, hands on activities, and conversation with city leadership, participants will deepen their understanding of the City of Renton. With participants expanded insight of Renton, graduates can help empower their community by using their voices.
Goals
- Increase knowledge of the role of local government and our governance structure.
- Increase awareness of city operations, decision-makers, and drivers
- What the city does
- How the city works
- Increase involvement in their government
- Improve trust and understanding with accurate information and awareness
- Where to go to ask questions or learn more
- How to navigate city websites and city communications to locate answers to questions
- Increase number of community members serving as ambassadors to city services.
- Make city government easier to understand and more accessible.
- Build positive relationships and improve civic engagement.
Structure
A 3-hour weekly session, Thursday nights for 5 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony prior to City Council Meeting. Each session will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Please note the Civic Academy will not meet on Thursday, February 20 due to Renton School District Mid-Winter Break. The Academy will meet at various locations around the city, this will be communicated in the registration confirmation email (locations subject to change).
Schedule
| Sessions | Date | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Feb 13 | Understanding Renton- Meet the Mayor |
| #2 | Feb 27 | Executive Services Department & Finance Department |
| #3 | Mar 6 | Community and Economic Development Department & Parks and Recreation Department |
| #4 | Mar 13 | Police Department |
| #5 | Mar 20 | Public Works Department |
Application Details
Applications are now available for the Renton Civic Academy. Interested participants are encouraged to apply early as the academy has limited spots for participants.
To participate, you must commit to attending at least 4 out of 5 classes. Participants that miss more than 1 class will not receive a Renton Civic Academy Certificate upon completion of the program. Priority is given to residents or workers within Renton City Limits. Only those who have successfully applied and received confirmation of acceptance will be allowed to attend this academy.
Access the application and submit the application directly or download and deliver or mail the completed application to Community Outreach Coordinator, Casey King:
Renton Communications and Engagement Department
Attn.: Casey King
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
If you have any questions, please email cking@rentonwa.gov
Applications close Friday, January 20.
Who's Listening
-
Community Outreach Coordinator
Email cking@rentonwa.gov