Avondale highlights Citizens Leadership Academy graduates and inaugural ambassador cohort

City staff presented two community-development programs on Dec. 1: the Citizens Leadership Academy and the inaugural Avondale Ambassador Program.

Dillard Collier, management analyst in the city manager’s office, described the Citizens Leadership Academy as a roughly nine-week program (beginning Oct. 8) that offered behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations across city departments. Graduates Amanda Flores, Evan Ho and Alyssa Scrow said the program improved their understanding of budgeting, public safety and how to connect residents with city services. Flores, a government teacher at West Point High School, said she intends to share the experience with students; Evan Ho encouraged residents to "show up" and participate.

Dillard also presented the Avondale Ambassador Program, describing a year-long effort that enrolled 20 ambassadors who collectively attended about 19 city-sponsored events and volunteered roughly 276 hours (about 14 hours per ambassador). Ambassadors Janet Beason and Rhonda Bell recounted tabling at events, city tours, training on talking points and participation in outreach related to municipal bond propositions.

Council members thanked staff and encouraged more resident participation in both programs, noting the role of ambassadors as a community conduit to city services.