The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.
The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.
The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”
Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.
Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.
Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.
