The City of Concord has opened its application portal for the Spring 2020 session of the Concord Community Institute – an opportunity for people who live, work or own a business in Concord to learn more about the City. The program invites participants to take part in lively discussions and interactive exercises as they meet elected officials and staff, and to learn about how the city operates and how decisions are made.
Launched in the fall of 2017, the upcoming session will be Concord’s fifth institute. Since its inception, the city has graduated more than 85 participants.
“It’s easy to think that things are done magically, but to meet the people who do the work was awesome,” said Fall 2018 CCI graduate Lauren Babb. “It was good to get more information about the community I live in and learn about how to help."
For the Spring 2020 institute, six sessions will be held from April 18 to May 16. The first and last sessions will be held on Saturdays during the day, while the remaining four sessions will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. At the first session, staff will present an introduction to government at City Hall, followed by a bus tour of the city and lunch. The next four sessions will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. at various city facilities.
Topics include public safety, the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan, economic development efforts, community services (Parks & Recreations, Public Works), budgeting and finance, and the development review process. The final session on Saturday, May 16 will include a tour of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, a wrap-up and a graduation certificate presentation.
There is no fee to attend, but applicants must be at least 18 years old, and live, work, or own a business in Concord. Space is limited.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. For more information or to apply online, visit www.cityofconcord.org/CCI or contact Deputy City Clerk Marsha Moore, (925) 671-3085 to request an application.