This year’s West Sacramento Community Academy cohort toured city facilities, engaged in interactive presentations from each of the city’s nine departments and gained valuable insight into how local decisions are made from March 18 through May 7. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The City of West Sacramento’s Community Academy recently completed its second year of informing select residents about how their city operates in a free, seven-session program, according to a June 12 news release from the city.

Throughout each session, participants toured city facilities, interacting with the city’s nine departments and their members. Presentations from law enforcement and first responders featured engaging activities with groups working together at tables while a presenter guided the audience thorough a demonstration.

“The number one thing that I’m leaving this academy with is a great sense of pride in the city and a great deal of confidence in where this city is headed,” West Sacramento resident Millie Luquin said in video posted to the city’s YouTube channel. “I used to tell people that my husband and I ended up in West Sacramento by complete accident but now I know it was by design.”

The first session started on March 18, focusing on “Local Government 101” and cycling through other sessions of public safety, finances, future planning and ending with “Community & Beyond” on May 7.

According to the city’s website, graduating participants will be more prepared to use their agency going forward to advocate for or against certain policies that they either support or oppose. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged by the city to apply, especially if they are looking to serve on an advisory commission, advocate certain issues or are generally interested in local government.

City of West Sacramento’s Community Academy participants left the program more informed, connected and empowered to contribute to shaping West Sacramento’s future. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

 

Eligible to those residing within the City of West Sacramento, all applicants must commit to attending all seven Community Academy sessions and immediately notify city staff if a scheduling conflict arises, according to the city’s website. Participants who miss one session might still receive their graduation certificate and “extra credit” opportunities will be made available.

The application process for the 2026 cohort will begin and be accepted throughout January. Selected participants will be chosen at random and notified by the end of February of their admission to the academy. The city’s website states that the selections are an attempt to “assemble a group that is geographically and demographically representative of the City’s diverse population.” 

According to the city’s website, the Community Academy’s goals are to increase the knowledge of residents, promote civic engagement, prepare future community leaders and provide networking opportunities in West Sacramento.

The majority of the seven sessions takes place at West Sacramento City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave., with other locations disclosed in its respective session.

Interested applicants can fill out a questionnaire at cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/city-manager-s-office/west-sacramento-community-academy. Applications are of no cost to the applicant and dinner is provided through all seven sessions.