By 1808Delaware
City Hall doors are about to open a little wider.
Registration is now underway for the City of Delaware’s 2026 Citizens’ Academy, a free, in-person program that invites residents and workers to step inside the everyday mechanics of local government. It’s designed for people who are curious about how decisions get made, how services are delivered, and how a city actually functions beyond what shows up at a council meeting agenda.
How the Citizens’ Academy works
The Citizens’ Academy runs from February through June 2026 and combines classroom sessions, facility tours, and direct conversations with city leaders and staff. Participants hear directly from department heads, tour key facilities, and see how policies translate into day-to-day operations.
This isn’t a lecture series meant to impress. It’s practical, sometimes technical, and intentionally grounded in how the city actually operates. If you’ve ever wondered why certain projects take time, how budgets are built, or what departments do when the public isn’t watching, this program is built for that curiosity.
Who should consider applying
The program is open to City of Delaware residents and people who work within the city limits. Class size is capped at 25 participants, and applicants are asked to commit to attending all sessions.
That requirement matters. The Academy is cumulative, and missing sessions means missing context. This isn’t a drop-in civic event; it’s closer to a short course in local government. If your schedule is unpredictable, it may be worth waiting for a future year rather than taking a slot you can’t fully use.
What participants gain
Graduates leave with a clearer picture of how the manager-council form of government works, how departments coordinate behind the scenes, and where public input fits into the process. Many past participants find the experience useful whether they’re neighborhood advocates, business owners, nonprofit leaders, or simply residents who want to be more informed and engaged.
Understanding how City departments think and operate tends to change how people approach issues, questions, and even criticism. That alone can make the time commitment worthwhile.
2026 Citizens’ Academy schedule
Unless otherwise noted, sessions run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Session 1: Thursday, Feb. 12
Manager-Council Form of Government
Council Chambers
Session 2: Thursday, Feb. 26
Finance
Council Chambers
Session 3: Thursday, March 12
City Prosecutor and Economic Development
Council Chambers
Session 4: Thursday, March 26
Public Works and Transportation
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Public Works
Session 5: Wednesday, April 8
Public Utilities Wastewater Plant
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Session 6: Thursday, April 9
Public Utilities Water Plant
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Session 7: Saturday, April 18
Fire
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Station 301
Session 8: Thursday, April 30
Parks
Hidden Valley Golf Course
Session 9: Thursday, May 14
Police
Justice Center
Session 10: Thursday, May 28
Planning
Council Chambers
Graduation: Monday, June 8
6:30 PM
Council Chambers
How to register
The registration form and additional details are available through the City’s website at www.delawareohio.net/citizensacademy. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and space is limited.
If you’ve ever felt that local government seems opaque or distant, this program offers a practical way to close that gap. Just be honest with yourself about the time commitment. The value comes from showing up, asking questions, and staying engaged through the full arc of the Academy. For those who do, the payoff is a deeper, clearer understanding of how City of Delaware works from the inside out.
