Citizens Academy

The Citizens Academy is a free seven-week course offered to Snoqualmie residents so they can get a first-hand look at how Snoqualmie's government works. 

The sessions are led by Snoqualmie city leadership and department directors. Sessions are informal, interactive, and a lot of fun! 

Citizens Academy Class 2016

How to Participate

The Citizens Academy is offered each year beginning in September.  For more information, email Jodi Warren, City Clerk, or call her at 425-888-8016. 

Course Curriculum

Welcome and Introductions

  • History: Learn about Snoqualmie’s history along with a look to the future. Presenter: Dave Battey, Official Snoqualmie Historian
  • A Political Perspective: Presenter: Mayor Matt Larson
  • Mock City Council Meeting: Participate as council members and/or the public.
    Facilitator: Jodi Warren, City Clerk

Parks Division

  • Parks and Recreation: Learn about the City’s expansive parks system and the people who maintain it. 
  • Tour: Visit city facilities and test your knowledge through a game

Public Works Division

  • Public Works: Explore city infrastructure, streets, water, and wastewater. 
  • Tour: Visit city facilities

Police Services

  • Police Department: Explore the many ways the Police Department protects the community. 
  • This session is held on a Saturday at the Police Station where participants get a hands-on tour and enjoy lunch with the Police Chief.

Legal and Finance

  • Legal Authority: Learn about the organic authority of cities, separation of Mayor and City Council powers, open government, meetings, and the Public Records Act. 
  • Finance 101: Delve into where city revenue comes from, where property taxes go, how tax dollars support city services and programs, and how voter initiatives impact the city’s budget. 

Community Development

  • The Planning Universe: Examine the City’s long-range planning, land use management, zoning code development, and the development review processes
  • Background: Learn about the link between the Growth Management Act and the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations, State Shoreline Management; State Environmental Policy Act, Floodplain Management, and Sustainability Strategy
  • The Silent Defenders: Includes Building Code Enforcement information about fire protection, prevention, and suppression related to building inspections with the purpose to protect life and property. 

Fire and Emergency Services

  • Fire and Emergency Management: Gain insights into protecting life and property and managing disasters. 
  • Tour: Includes a tour of the Fire Station

Graduation!

Upon completion of the Citizens Academy, participants are presented with certificates at a Snoqualmie City Council Meeting.

Video

Watch this video of past Citizens Academy graduates talking about their experience. This video was the featured RISE (Recognize, Inspire, Share, Engage) presentation at the Sound Cities Association.