City government can seem distant at times, even for citizens who try to stay informed by following City Council meetings and watching the rollout of infrastructure projects like the recently completed Connie's Bridge.
In order to teach residents and educate those who may be interested in serving on a volunteer position or municipal board, the City of Globe's fall Citizen's Academy will begin on September 17.
Anyone who applies for the seven-week program, but is not accepted, will go to the front of the line for the upcoming classes in 2026.
“Citizen's Academy is a fun way to meet Councilmembers and staff and learn about the City,” says Globe's Economic Development Manager Melissa Steele. “It's an opportunity to meet the people, learn the process, and be a part of the City's progress.”
The Citizen's Academy takes place annually and provides an opportunity for residents to better understand City operations, services, and programs, as well as learning details on Council authority and the legal restrictions under which the City must operate.
It also helps to put a face on the people behind the scene that are vital to the functioning of municipal operations and governance.
“What we've found is a lot of people don't actually know what the city does, they just think we're down there collecting their water bill, and we're the guys that tell them 'no' all the time,” says longtime Councilman Fernando Shipley. “They know we put out fires and stuff, but other than that, many of our citizens don't know all the workings, responsibilities, and duties that we have.”
The program takes place each Wednesday from September 17 through October 29, and participants will attend seven 2-to-3-hour classes over the course of seven weeks. Each class will be hosted by a different member of Council, who will highlight the activities and challenges of each City department.
Each department director will give a presentation and answer questions while attendees participate in special activities related to the department.
At the end of the seven weeks, participants will take part in a graduation ceremony held during the November 12 City Council meeting.
Classes begin with an overview of the function of City Council and role of the City Manager. From there, each week the group will meet at various departments—the Active Adult Center, Globe Police Department, Public Works Building, Globe Fire Station, and City Hall Council Chambers—for a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of City functions.
To graduate, participants must be at least 18 years old, and must attend five of the seven classes, one City Council meeting, a board or committee meeting for one of the departments, and the graduating event at the following Council meeting.
“Citizen's Academy really opens people's eyes up to the fact that we have an Economic and Community Development Department and teaches them what they do,” Shipley says. “They start to see the whole scope of the things the City is trying to do and it starts to click for them that there are a lot of people doing a lot of stuff. They'll also learn that we're actually doing the best we can.”
Citizen's Academy is open to residents of Globe and the surrounding communities in Gila County, the Town of Miami, and the San Carlos Community.
Shipley says that in addition to creating a more engaged citizenry, the program can also serve to encourage people to participate by joining boards or commissions or even running for a seat on City Council.
It also shows that the people running the local government are the same people shopping in local stores or going to churches in the community.
“The most surprising thing that comes out is how much people care, how much they're trying to do a good job and do the right thing,” Shipley says. “When you hear somebody complaining, it's really easy to buy into it. But when you can put a face to it, and you know how hard they're working, and you know how much they care and how much work they do, you start to see people as professionals and friends.”
To complete a Citizen’s Academy application, reach out to City Clerk Shelly Salazar at ssalazar@globeaz.gov, (928) 200-8535, or (928) 425-7146 ext. 206. Applications are also available at City Hall, located at 150 N. Pine Street in Globe, or by going online to www.globeaz.gov.
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