Landis Launches Citizen Academy to Engage Local Residents

The town of Landis is set to launch a new educational initiative aimed at fostering connections between residents and local government. The Landis Citizen Academy Resource Education Series (CARES) will commence next month, offering a comprehensive 10-week course designed to educate participants about the various departments that serve their community.

Mayor Meredith Smith expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We are really looking forward to everybody having an opportunity to come and be a part of this program.” The initiative aims to supplement existing communication methods, such as social media and newsletters, by providing a platform where residents can engage directly with town officials.

Michael Ambrose, the Town Manager, highlighted the inspiration behind CARES, referencing a similar program he implemented in the Town of Waxhaw. “When we did that program, it seemed to bring a lot of community interest into local government,” he noted. Ambrose emphasized that the goal of CARES is to enhance transparency and help residents understand the functions and value of each department within the town.

Building Community Engagement

The CARES program is designed to break down barriers between local government and residents, inviting more citizens to participate in civic activities. Ambrose stated, “It was an avenue to open ourselves up and help with understanding what they do and how the budget is set.” He further indicated that past participants in similar programs were more likely to join local boards and committees.

Smith reiterated this sentiment, saying, “People want to step up and be a part, whether that is part of the DC and Frances Linn Park Committee or the planning board.” By creating opportunities for residents to engage, the town hopes to harness individual strengths while enhancing knowledge about local governance.

Participants in the CARES program will meet weekly from 18:00 to 20:00, on a day to be determined. The curriculum includes interactive presentations from department heads, who will explain their roles and responsibilities. Each session will last approximately one hour, followed by hands-on activities related to the specific department.

Ambrose provided examples of what participants might experience. For instance, the Parks and Recreation Department may lead a tour along a local trail, while the Finance Department could simulate a budget retreat. Human Resources will engage participants in exercises that illustrate various workplace scenarios, demonstrating how policies are applied in practice.

Registration and Future Impact

The program has garnered strong support from town officials, who view it as a pivotal step toward increased community involvement and informed citizenship. “The board is very excited for this and excited for the community to get involved,” Ambrose remarked. He believes this initiative will lead to more transparency and accurate information dissemination within the community.

Pre-registration for the CARES program is required, with limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested residents can register by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/landiscares.

As Landis prepares to launch this innovative initiative, the town looks forward to fostering a deeper understanding of local government functions and enhancing community engagement among its residents.