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What is the Citizens Institute?
This Citizen's Institute consists of a series of sessions held twice a year in which citizens:
- Learn first-hand how the City works
- Meet and get to know their neighbors, City officials, and City employees
- Gain an improved awareness of available City services and community resources
- Discover opportunities to be involved with their local government
Who participates?
Anyone with an interest in Walnut Creek government is invited to sign up for the Institute. Classes are designed for 25 students to encourage discussion, involvement, and interaction. The classes are popular and usually fill up fast! To be put on a waiting list for future Institute's, contact Gayle Vassar in the City Manager's Office, 943-5899 ext. 189.
What does it cost to participate?
There is no cost to attend, although time and commitment are key to a successful program. Early enrollment is encouraged. Priority will be given to Walnut Creek residents and employees of local businesses.
What is involved in participating?
Participation in the program requires attendance at nine different sessions held at a variety of City locations (usually on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) and two Saturday morning sessions. The format includes discussion groups, presentations, tours, hands-on experiences, and other interactive activities.
The most important requirement for participants is to bring an eager attitude and an open mind in order to take the most away from their learning experience. A graduation certificate is presented upon completion of the program.
What Topics Are Covered?
Here is the curriculum for the Fall 2006 session. (Keep in mind that the order of topics, or the topics themselves, are subject to change.)
Saturday, Sept. 9 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Session One: Getting to know each other, Getting to know Walnut Creek!
Continental Breakfast Introduction/Orientation to Program Bus Tour: Walnut Creek’s Past, Present and Future
Wednesday, Sept. 13 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Two: Understanding the Big Picture
Meet Mayor Kathy Hicks Learn how the City Council, Commissions and advisory Committees work together Learn about the interplay between State and local governmentInteract with the City Manager as he explains the Strategic Planning Process that Walnut Creek uses to set its priorities
Wednesday, Sept. 20 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Three: Money Matters: The Scoop on City Finances
Get to know Administrative Services Director Carol SwindellLearn where the City gets its money and where the money goes Find out how the City uses its budget and Strategic Plan to set a course for the future
Wednesday, Sept. 27 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Four: Evolution of a City: The Role of Community Development
Get to know Community Development Director Valerie Barone Hear how planning decisions made in the past created the City as it is today, and where we hope to take Walnut Creek in the future Find out how you can get involved in the current General Plan Update and why citizen involvement matters
Wednesday, Oct. 4 6-9:30 p.m. (Note earlier start time!)
Session Five: Keeping Things Running Smoothly: The Role of Public Services
Hear an overview from Public Services Director Dan Richardson Learn about the wide array of Public Services functions, from managing Parks and Open Space to keeping streets repaired Take a tour of the Traffic Operations Center
Wednesday, Oct. 11 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Six: Double Header! Walnut Creek Traffic Challenges and Solutions/The Role and Challenges of School Districts
Learn about the City's traffic and parking challenges and solutions Visit our state-of-the-art Traffic Signal Control room Then switch gears and find out more about education in Walnut Creek!Meet three Walnut Creek principals from the elementary, middle and high school levels and learn about the special challenges and opportunities facing education today.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Seven: Enjoying Yourself in Walnut Creek
Learn about services that enhance quality of life (e.g., Recreation, Arts and Community Services programs) Take a backstage tour of the Dean Lesher Regional Center For The Arts Enjoy a reception in the Bedford Gallery
Wednesday, Oct. 25 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Session Eight: Getting to Know the WCPD
Meet the Chief of Police Tom Soberanes Tour the Walnut Creek Police Department Learn what Community Oriented Policing (COP) means to you
Saturday, Oct. 28 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Session Nine: Neighborhood Showcase/Bus Tour & Graduation Celebration
Share your knowledge and “tour-guide” skills while describing the history & highlights of your neighborhood. Learn about all the diverse neighborhoods in Walnut Creek.
Find out how you can get involved in the community and the City as a volunteer Enjoy Graduation Celebration - food, party, and conversation!
For further information, call Gayle Vassar, Community Relations Officer, at:
(925) 943-5899 ext. 189
Fax: (925) 943-5897
E-Mail: vassar@walnut-creek.org
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