Springfield launches Citizens Government Academy; first 10‑week class to start Jan. 20

City Manager Brian Heck announced a new 10‑week Citizens Government Academy on a city podcast, saying the program is designed to give residents an experiential look at how Springfield’s government operates. "Our best citizens are our most informed," Heck said, describing sessions that will pair classroom discussion with visits to city facilities.

The program will be capped at 25 participants for the inaugural class; Heck said more than 25 people had applied shortly after advertising. "City residents get first selection for those 25 seats," he said, and county residents who applied will be offered spots in a later session if a seat is not available.

Officials outlined the curriculum and presenters: an opening session on the commission‑manager form of government and the civil service hiring process with the human resources director; a budget and finance night led by Finance Director Katie Evison; separate nights on public safety with the police and Fire Chief Jacob King; and a leadership action roundtable with department heads and the city manager near the program’s conclusion. "You'll have an opportunity to meet your commissioners and have more candid, open dialogue," Heck said, and participants will take part in a mock commission meeting to practice governing procedures.

Sessions will occur at multiple locations to showcase city operations, including City Hall (Gothard Community Conference Room), Police Headquarters, Fire Station 8 on South Limestone, the service department on Lagunda, and the NOMC at the airport. Heck said Service Director Chris Moore will explain road paving choices and other public‑works functions; economic development topics will be led by Tom Friesen and Community Development Director Logan Cobbs.

Heck encouraged residents to use multiple channels to reach city staff and not wait for commission meetings: "You don't have to wait every two weeks for a city commission meeting," he said, and provided the city manager’s office phone and his email bheck@springfieldohio.gov as contact points.

Organizers plan future offerings if demand supports expansion. Heck said the city is considering running two academies per year and will hold applications on file for those who applied but did not get a seat. The first class date was announced as January 20; organizers said applicants will be notified in the coming weeks.

The academy is explicitly framed as outreach and education, not a hiring or appointment program; Heck and Graves said its aim is to increase civic literacy and give residents channels to remain engaged after graduation.