City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

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.

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The 24^th Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 14 – 31, 2025, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free, fun, and interactive program offers youth going into grades 6-8, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion, and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.

In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.

Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Elects Vice Mayor – Seeks to Fill Open Seat

At the January 27, 2025, Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Maureen Eke was elected Vice Mayor by the commission. This was due to Mayor Bryan Chapman’s resignation. Boomer Wingard, who was Vice Mayor, is now serving as Mayor.

As a result of former Mayor Chapman’s resignation, the City Commission has one vacancy to fill. Due to election parameters and timelines, an individual will be appointed to fill this seat. This appointment term will run from the appointment date until Election Day on August 5, 2025.

Applications for the appointed position are being accepted now through February 12, 2025, before 4:30 p.m. The Appointments Committee will consider applications and make a recommendation to the full City Commission at the February 24, 2025, meeting. This appointed term would expire on August 5, 2025, when the election for the vacancy will take place. Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office (320 W. Broadway Street) as well as www.mt-pleasant.org/boardapplication.

Nominating petitions to run for this open seat, which term runs from August 5, 2025 – December 31, 2026 are available at City Hall, office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Completed nominating petitions which require a minimum of 50, and a maximum of 80 certified signatures, may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, March 24, 2025. The deadline to file is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The city election will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The sixth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 15. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City. “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 15, February 22, March 15, March 22, April 5, April 12, and April 19. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 25 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2022. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

City to hold fifth Citizens’ Academy – accepting applications now

1/24/2020 UPDATE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS; CLASS IS FULL

The fifth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 18, February 25, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2020. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.