City taking registration for leadership academy

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The City of Maricopa is hoping to both identify and train new city leaders in the upcoming Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy. The program is free of charge, but participants must live or work in Maricopa. [Bryan Mordt]

Maricopa, which is attempting to identify and cultivate future leaders, will conduct a four-week course to prepare them for such roles.

The Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy will provide residents with a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of municipal government as they engage directly with elected officials and city staff, a city news release on the program said.

Participants will get a glimpse into Maricopa’s history, gain insight into the development process, and examine how the city’s police and fire departments function. The program will give participants an in-depth look into what it takes to build and maintain one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

“The academy accomplishes many things, among them educating residents on how the city works, allowing them to ask the questions they’ve always pondered and receiving actual answers and encouraging residents to share actual information,” Mayor Nancy Smith said. “And spurring interest in serving with the city, whether that be as a volunteer, committee member, elected official or even working for the city.”

Councilmember Amber Liermann added the leadership academy gives participants an opportunity to engage, educate, equip and strengthen their passion ”to make Maricopa the best city in America to live in.”

“Programs like this increase confidence and connections that can lead to powerful outcomes,” Liermann said.

The academy is free. Classes will be Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Maricopa Public Library and Cultural Center, 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive.

The four-week course will begin Feb. 15 and continue each Wednesday through March 8. Only 30 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and city officials expect the slots to fill quickly.

Participants must live or work in Maricopa. Missing more than one of the four classes will forfeit the participant’s ability to graduate. All class members will be required to perform one hour of community service or attend a City Council or a boards, commissions and committees meeting.

Register here:

Any registrants over the 30-person seating capacity will be placed on a standby list in the event a spot opens.