2023 Neighborhood Leadership Academy Accepting Applications

Program Provides Citizens a Behind-the-Scenes Look at City Services

July 03, 2023

The switch of a hall light, a smooth commute, cheering on your kids at soccer – these are a few of the many ways residents engage with City of Tallahassee services each day. With nearly 4,000 employees, the City is proud to provide world-class municipal services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You are invited to go behind-the-scenes of your local government to learn more about budgeting, public safety, water quality, aviation, growth management and more. Simply apply to participate in the City's 2023 Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA). Applications are currently being accepted, and space is limited.

Organized by the City's Neighborhood Affairs division, the 2023 academy will begin Tuesday, Sept. 12, and will continue every Tuesday evening through Nov. 21, with the exception of Oct. 31. Activities will include tours of City facilities, active demonstrations, hands-on sessions and multi-media presentations. NLA equips residents with the knowledge, resources and networking capabilities to be effective, informed neighborhood leaders.

"A nationally recognized leader in the delivery of public service, the City of Tallahassee sets a high standard that other communities aspire to reach," City Manager Reese Goad said. "The Neighborhood Leadership Academy takes citizens behind the scenes to engage with our highly skilled employees and learn about the complex inner workings of our many services from aviation to parks to underground utilities."

Citizens interested in participating can apply online at Talgov.com/NLA. Registration closes August 11. Preference will be given to applicants who serve on their homeowners/neighborhood association boards and/or who are very active in their neighborhoods.

The academy is an instructional and interactive forum designed to empower neighbors with in-depth knowledge about how their local government operates. Residents will have the opportunity to engage with community leaders to increase their understanding of City programs and processes, while promoting governmental transparency and civic engagement.

At the conclusion of the program, graduates receive a certificate of completion and are officially recognized before the Tallahassee City Commission.

For more information about the Neighborhood Leadership Academy, please visit Talgov.com/NLA or contact the City's Neighborhood Affairs division at 850-891-8795.