By Managing Editor Noah Worton
ALABASTERA: The fourth annual Alabaster Government Academy is now accepting applications. This event will give interested individuals an opportunity to learn about the duties involved in running the city of Alabaster.
In order for Alabaster to choose a group of residents with a variety of backgrounds, the city has already received applications and will continue to welcome more until the end of August.
The six-month Alabaster Government Academy program gives locals an opportunity to learn firsthand about various agencies and operations around the city. About 25 to 35 people will get the opportunity to see several city buildings, talk to staff and department heads, and discover more about the services the city offers to its citizens and businesses.
Alabaster City Administrator Brian Binzer stated, “We try to make it a fun event for folks as they go to each event and as they travel to different locations.” People can actually obtain a hands-on experience that gives them a comprehensive understanding of how the city administration functions.
Following the submission of applications, academy members will be chosen and meet twice a month on various nights to showcase a new member. The program strives to be comprehensive in its scope, covering everything from educational breakdowns of the sewer department and Alabaster City Schools to learning about the fire and police departments.
It’s a fantastic chance for people to learn more about and become involved in the community. Neal Wagner is the public relations manager at Alabaster.
After deciding they desired a more direct approach to engaging with individuals, Wagner and Binzer worked to bring the academy’s first installment to fruition in 2022. Another advantage of the program is that it gives the city access to a pool of seasoned residents who may serve on the different boards and committees in Alabaster.
“We are constantly seeking a member for the Planning Commission or the Beautification Board because we have so many different boards,” Binzer stated. We wish to connect those individuals with extensive knowledge of the city’s operations to our boards so they may support the city in a variety of ways.
Beginning in mid-September, the Government Academy will meet twice a month until the middle of February. Residents who are chosen to participate will receive a complete schedule.
The goal of the city’s selection procedure, according to Binzer, is to choose a representative sample of the Alabaster community as a whole.
Binzer stated, “We want to try to have representation throughout the city.” Without a doubt, we wish to pull into various communities. In order to have a good representation from the neighborhood, it’s great if we get people who have participated in their HOAs, community churches, and other activities. When we make announcements across the city, we really strive to use this group so that they may spread the information in their areas.
Registration for this year’s Government Academy is available at cityofalabaster.com/556/Alabaster-Government-Academy.
