Ever wondered how a new stoplight gets approved? Or a dog park is proposed and built? Or what developers have to go through to build new housing?
Answers to those questions and more are just part of How Orinda Works (HOW), a new city program that allows residents to go behind the scenes of city government.
The centerpiece of HOW is the Citizens’ Academy, a weekly program that will begin Aug. 13, and is open to anyone interested in understanding the nuts and bolts of how the city is run.
The free academy sessions are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Thursday night at the city offices through Sept. 17, and offer an “interactive, and hands-on experience exploring the inner workings of local government,” according to the city. In addition, dinner will be provided at each session.
The academy seeks to replicate and build upon the recent success of a similar program hosted by the Orinda Police Department.
“It was incredibly popular,” said Mayor Brandyn Iverson. “People raved about it.”
The city’s academy is intended to strengthen community engagement, increase transparency about how the city works and improve understanding of how the city actually operates. It features interactive demonstrations, games, tours and conversations with city staff and partner agencies.
Plans call for academy participants to “get a firsthand look at how roads are maintained, emergencies are managed, development is planned, budgets are balanced and essential public services are delivered every day,” according to the city.
Cole Haselip, assistant to the city manager, said that participants are given the opportunity to meet and engage with partner agencies, including the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, Republic Services and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.
Haselip said the new academy is open to curious and engaged community members of all backgrounds. Longtime residents to newcomers, students interested in public service, business owners, or simply people who want to better understand how the city works are all welcome.
Participants are given the opportunity to ask a lot of questions, connect with city staff, meet fellow community members and gain an understanding of the work that goes into keeping the City of Orinda a safe, functional and vibrant community.
