Think City Government is all about Tuesday night’s council meeting, pot holes or swimming pools? City Government is a business and its Board of Directors is the City Council. Learn about the ins and outs of our city by attending Topeka 101: A Citizens Academy! The City of Topeka invites you to participate in the “Topeka 101: A Citizens Academy” series. This is a very unique opportunity for citizens to learn about their government first hand. The program begins June 9 and ends August 3 and is free to the public. Each session is designed to give you a basic understanding of how departments within the city function.
You will be given a behind the scenes tour of several city locations including the Water Treatment Plant and the Topeka Zoo. This year you will have the opportunity to tour some of the city’s newest Energy Star construction. We are excited to pass this opportunity along to you. There is no cost to participate. If you have any questions about the program call City Communications at 368-0900. You can also register below.
Topeka 101: A Citizens Academy 2010June 9, 2010
Session 1 –“Topeka 101” (General)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison
Session Outline:
Introduction by City Manager Norton Bonaparte
Introduction/Comments by City Staff
Distribution of class syllabus
Brief introductory film/PowerPoint
Provide survey to gauge perceptions of City government.
June 16, 2010
Session 2 – “Show Me the Money” (Finance)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison
Session Outline:
Budget presentation including total City of Topeka budget number(s), explanation of different revenue streams, CIP discussion, and how our mill levy compares to other governmental mill levies.
Break out into smaller groups to play “Topeka Monopoly.” Each player will be given the list of services the City provides, a cost estimate for each service, and a set amount of play money. The object of the game is to work as a group and come up with a budget.
June 23, 2010
Session 3 – “Building Blocks”
Time: 6-8pm
Place: City Hall
Event: Walking tour of downtown/DTI
June 30, 2010
Session 4 – “Topeka 911” (Emergency services)
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Fire Department Conference Room
July 3, 2010
Special session – Tour of the Zoo. (Fun day)
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon.
Place: Topeka Zoo
July 7, 2010
Session 5 – “Refreshingly Topeka” (Water & Water Pollution Control)
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Water Treatment Plant
Event: Tour of the facility, discussions on water conservation, operations, sample of water, tour of water garden.
July 14, 2010
Session 6 – “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
Time: 6-8pm
Place: HND/Holliday Bldg.
Event: Van tour-Tour neighborhoods that are being revitalized, in progress and have been worked on, and tour Energy Star homes.
July 21, 2010
Session 7 – “Summer Splash” (Parks & Recreation)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: Blaisdell Pool
Session Outline:
Parks and Recreation Presentation
Train tour of Gage Park.
Note: Free pool passes for a day.
July 28, 2010
Session 8 – “Coming Together”
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Council Chambers
Event: KS Ave realignment. Discuss Partnerships. Take post-survey on perceptions.
August 3, 2010
Session 9 – “Graduation”
Time: 6pm
Date: Tuesday, August 3
Place: Council Chambers
To register go to:
http://www.topeka.org/Communications/topekacit.shtml
The Frugal Life
