The Citizens' Engagement Academy is a free 6-week program run by the Office of the Managing Director that aims to educate citizens about how the city government functions and encourage civic participation. Over the course of training sessions led by various city departments, residents learn about roles and challenges facing their communities. The goals are for citizens to better understand how to get involved in local issues and help sustain a high quality of life through engagement with city leaders and processes.

1. Office of the Managing Director
Citizens’ Engagement Academy

2. Objective of The
Citizens’ Engagement Academy
To improve citizens' understanding of the workings
of various city departments and agencies, and to
encourage their involvement in the community to
help sustain a quality of life for present and future
generations.
2

3. Summary
The Citizens’ Engagement Academy is a free 6-week course which provides
community residents with an in-depth overview of the roles and functions of
various city departments with a special emphasis on success and challenges that
are key to their neighborhood.
Throughout the duration of the program citizens are not only engaged in
discussions led by city officials, but are also active participants in city
government. It is with a commitment from both Philadelphia citizens and local
government officials that contribute to the City of Philadelphia’s mission of
becoming a more transparent government.
3

4. Benefits of The
Citizens’ Engagement Academy
• Gain a deeper understanding • Participate in dialogues with
of how local government government leaders about
departments work together successes and challenges
• Meet government leaders and • Serve as role models for other
department heads community residents
interested in social change
• Learn about government
operations through direct • Helps promote the awareness
exposure to experts in the of quality of life for all citizens
field
• Helps build a
• Understand how citizens can livable, sustainable
become engaged in public community
affairs
4

5. Citizens’ Engagement Academy
Training Sessions
Session 1 February 7th, 2011
Public Nuisance Task Force
District Attorney’s Office of Seth Williams
Session 2 February 14th 2011
Community Conservation
Keep Philadelphia Beautiful/City of Philadelphia Neighborhood Services Division
Session 3 February 24th 2011
City Council
City Council Session/Tour
Session 4 February 28th 2011
Neighborhood Infrastructure
Department of Licenses and Inspections
Session 5 March 7th 2011
Sanitation Responsibilities
Streets Department/S.W.E.E.P. Division
Session 6 March 14th 2011
City Government Accountability
PhillyStat/Philly311
Session 7 March 28th 2011
Closing Ceremony- Graduation
5

6. Contact Us
Rosetta Carrington Lue
Deputy Managing Director
Rosetta.C.Lue@Phila.gov
6