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The city of Covington, Kentucky, is launching a new initiative aimed at enhancing civic engagement and understanding among its residents. The Covington Mayor’s Academy is an eight-month program designed to offer participants insight into the workings of city government through interactions with officials and staff. The academy will feature eight evening sessions, each lasting between 60 to 120 minutes, covering various topics such as city administration, public safety, legal matters, human resources, public works, and parks and recreation.
Applications for the program are open until June 15. "The Covington Mayors Academy’s monthly sessions are designed to provide residents with comprehensive knowledge regarding the City’s departments and staff," said Mayor Washington. The mayor hopes that graduates will feel empowered to increase their community involvement after completing the program.
Covington City Manager Ken Smith highlighted the educational benefits of similar programs based on his experience in a police citizen academy in 2009. “While I was an involved resident, I had no connection to city government or the police department,” he said. Smith found it valuable for meeting fellow residents and understanding daily challenges faced by officers.
To be eligible for the academy, applicants must live in Covington or work within its businesses or organizations. Applications can be submitted online at covingtonky.gov/engagement from May 15 until June 15. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by the end of July.
Reflecting on his career path, Smith added: “Sixteen years ago, I never thought I would work for the City, much less be the City Manager. Who knows? Perhaps someone from the Covington Mayor’s Academy might want to run for council or work for the City in the future.”
