Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit

Citizens Academy encourages city resident participation in governmental process

Tuesday, October 11, 2005, By News Staff
Share

Citizens Academy encourages city resident participation in governmental processOctober 11, 2005

University College of Syracuse University, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse and the City of Syracuse Mayor’s Office recently launched the Citizens Academy, a 10-week series of interactive educational sessions designed to improve citizens’ understanding of the workings of local government and encourage involvement in the community. The academy was created after analysis of similar programs across the country, through which residents and local governments worked together to improve and maintain quality of life.

Thirty-three city residents are currently participating in the inaugural academy. They were chosen after applying through F.O.C.U.S.. No prior civic involvement is required to attend the Academy; rather, organizers seek citizens motivated to understand a city’s infrastructure and foster change based on that understanding.

“The inaugural Citizens Academy includes a wonderfully diverse, dynamic collection of Syracuse residents,” says Sandra Barrett, director of community programs at University College. “It’s exciting to see the exchange of information and ideas at each session. The knowledge each citizen gains will benefit not only the individual, but will add a new dimension to citizen participation in our community.”

Recent sessions have focused on: the history and organization of local government; city government budget and funding; and health and safety core services. Presenters have included F.O.C.U.S. member Judith Mower; Karen Kitney, director of the Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency; City of Syracuse Budget Director Ken Mokrzycki; City of Syracuse Finance Director Brian Roulin; Syracuse Fire Department Chief John Cowin; Commissioner of Water Michael Cole; City Engineer Mary Robison; Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Cynthia Morrow; Onondaga County Department of Water and Environment Protection Commissioner Richard Elander; and Deputy Public Works Commissioner Jeff Wright.

The next session, which takes place Oct. 19, focuses on family programs and partnerships. Presenters will include Marilyn Pinsky, director of the Onondaga County department of aging and youth; Syracuse Parks Commissioner Pat Driscoll; and Fernando Ortiz, commissioner of community development.

For more information on Citizens Academy, call (315) 448-8732 ore-mail focus@ci.syracuse.ny.us.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Syracuse Stage Announces Changes to the 2020/2021 Season
    Sunday, January 17, 2021, By Joanna Penalva
  • Hehnly Lab Awarded $1.2M NIH Grant to Research Critical Tissue Formation
    Sunday, January 17, 2021, By Dan Bernardi
  • Important Information Regarding Proof of Eligibility for and Access to the COVID Vaccine
    Saturday, January 16, 2021, By News Staff
  • COVID-19 Update: Vaccination | Testing | Important Reminders | Zoom Sessions
    Friday, January 15, 2021, By News Staff
  • Important Update: Spring 2021 Pre-Arrival Testing Requirements (Students from New York State and contiguous states)
    Thursday, January 14, 2021, By News Staff

More In Uncategorized

Syracuse Views Fall 2020

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience using #SyracuseU on social media, fill out a submission…

2022 Senior Class Marshal Application Now Open

A prestigious honor bestowed upon two seniors each year, the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience is actively seeking applications and nominations for the Class of 2022 senior class marshals. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Jan. 31. “Our…

Nina Kohn’s research featured in “Britney Spears’ conservatorship can be both totally legal and quite bad for her. Many are.”

The research of Nina Kohn, the David M. Levy Professor of Law and Faculty Director of Online Education in the College of Law, was cited in the NBC News opinion piece “Britney Spears’ conservatorship can be both totally legal and…

“Why We Love Bad Christmas Movies.”

Makana Chock, associate professor of communications in the Newhouse School, was quoted in the Huffington Post story “Why We Love Bad Christmas Movies.” Chock, who studies media psychology, says people like these movies so much because they help provide an…

“How conspiracy theories infect influencers.”

Whitney Phillips, assistant professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was quoted in the Vice (France) story “How conspiracy theories infect influencers.” Phillips, an expert in misinformation, says that it may be too…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.