Civic Leadership Academy

Applications for next class opening July 2025! 

About the Academy

Have you ever wondered how potholes are repaired or how the fire department is able to respond so quickly to emergencies? How does the City of Lancaster prepare its budget or decide where a park should be located?

Citizens are welcome to learn the answers to these questions and more during our annual Civic Leadership Academy. Civic Leadership Academy is a 9-week program that teaches Lancaster residents about City of Lancaster operations.

Mission

  • To improve citizens' understanding of city government
  • To develop citizen understanding of their role in city government
  • To provide an opportunity for citizens to become more involved in civic democracy
  • To see how tax dollars work to improve quality of life for all residents
  • To provide an inside look at the operations of the City of Lancaster

Eligibility

  • Not campaigning or currently serving in a political office
  • Must be willing to commit to attendance of sessions
  • Must be a Lancaster resident or City employee
  • 18 year of age or older

2025 Academy Dates

Each class lasts about 2 hours.
  • Class 1: September 11
  • Class 2: September 18
  • Class 3: September 25
  • Class 4: October 2
  • Class 5: October 9
  • Class 6: October 16
  • Class 7: October 23
  • Class 8: October 30
  • Graduation: November 10

Click here to complete an application for the 2025 Civic Leadership Academy


Structure


  • Nine-week (including graduation) 
  • Weekly 2-hour classes (Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Participants will hear presentations from representatives of City departments and elected representatives.
  • Free to participants
  • Graduation Ceremony at a designated City Council Meeting