The City of Albany is launching its first-ever Civic Leadership Academy this fall! This free, six-week program is designed to give community members an inside look at how local government works—and how you can get involved in shaping decisions that matter.
Whether you’re curious about City operations, interested in serving on a board or commission, or simply want to understand how your community runs, the Civic Academy is your front-row seat.
The Academy is a new initiative of the City of Albany, in partnership with Portland State University's National Policy Consensus Center.
Program at a Glance
Program at a Glance
When: Tuesday evenings, September 23 – October 28, 2025, from 5:30–8 p.m. and a guided tour of Albany city facilities and services on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 1–4 p.m.
Where: City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St SW
Who: Open to a maximum of 12 Albany residents, ages 16 and up.
Cost: Free
What You'll Gain
What You’ll Gain
By the end of the academy, participants will walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of how Albany city government works
- Hands-on experience through a real civic project
- Practical skills in collaboration, communication, and decision-making
- Connections with City staff, leaders, and fellow community members
- Confidence to step into leadership roles—on boards, commissions, or other civic opportunities
How It Works
How It Works
The Civic Academy is built on a “learn by doing” model. Each week, you’ll:
- Explore a different part of City government
- Hear directly from City staff and elected leaders
- Work with your cohort on a civic project chosen by the City
- Team up with a “City Buddy” for behind-the-scenes insight
- Present your final project and recommendations to the Albany City Council on November 19, 2025.
Why Participate?
Why Participate?
The Civic Academy is for anyone who wants to:
- Get Involved: Build the skills to serve on boards, commissions, or community projects
- Get Connected: Meet City staff, elected leaders, and neighbors with shared interests
- Get Informed: Understand how decisions are made and how you can influence them
- Give Back: Help shape Albany’s future by bringing your perspective and ideas
Apply
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 1, 2025. Space is limited to 12 participants, so don’t wait!
Before you start your application:
- Participation is open to residents 16 and over verified as residing inside the city limits of Albany, Oregon, who can commit to attending all sessions.
- Participants are also asked to complete approximately 30 minutes of "homework" between sessions.
- Each session will include a meal for each participant.
- Applications will be evaluated anonymously (i.e., with your name removed) by a staff selection committee.
- A maximum of 12 Academy members will be selected, with priority given to individuals who are new to civic and community leadership.
- In addition to weighing the merits of individual applications, the selection committee will strive to select a cohort that, when viewed in its entirety, reflects Albany as a whole.
- Applicants chosen for this year's academy will be notified by September 9.
- Those not chosen will be placed on a waitlist if there are vacancies before the first class on September 23. Waitlisted applicants will receive an email notification ahead of time for next year's academy.
- If you require accommodations to participate, such as for ADA or dietary preferences, contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible after you receive an acceptance to the academy.
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A LEP Plan is a document that describes how an organization will provide services to individuals who are non-English speaking or have limited English proficiency. The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division has developed a set of five elements to include in the LEP Plan (needs assessment, language services offered, notices, training for staff, and evaluation).
The LEP Plan fulfills the City’s responsibilities as a recipient of federal financial assistance as they relate to the needs of individuals with limited English language skills. This plan was originally prepared in 2015, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq, and its implementing regulations, which state that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The City of Albany receives funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §5301 (1994) via the State of Oregon through its Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA).
Limited English Proficiency Plan, revised 2024
The first LEP plan was adopted by the City Council in 2015 via Resolution No. 6402.
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Our Mission
Providing quality public services for a better Albany community.
Our Vision
A vital and diversified community that promotes a high quality of life, great neighborhoods, balanced economic growth, and quality public services.
Our Values
The following list of value statements has been reviewed and revised by City employees and adopted by the City Council as indicators of what we expect from our employees and elected officials and as indicators of what our public should expect from us:
Transparent, Open, and Honest Government.
This value reflects our first and most important responsibility. Our competence is measured and, in fact, reinforced through active engagement of those we serve. We maintain an organizational reputation for openness, honesty, and integrity.
Dedication to Service.
Our primary duty is to the people we serve. We are accessible, responsive, consistent, and understanding. We provide assistance beyond our customers' expectations, and we find effective solutions to problems that they bring to our attention.
Fiscal Responsibility.
Proper use of public resources is a trust which we continually guard. In our management of this trust, we must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. In our management of public funds, we constantly strive for the greatest possible efficiency and effectiveness.
Personal Honesty and Integrity.
Each of us demonstrates the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty in our public activities to inspire confidence and trust in our government.
Excellence.
We continually pursue excellence by being creative, professional, taking risks, showing initiative, and being committed to our community and team. In this pursuit, we support continuing education and training for all team members.
Teamwork.
We are a team that emphasizes high levels of trust and cooperation and a commitment to, excellent communications within the organization. We encourage employees to exercise independent judgment in meeting customer needs through professional behavior that is consistent with our values.
A Humane and Diverse Organization.
We are a humane organization that honors diversity and protects individual rights. Open communication, respect for others, compassion, and a sense of humor contribute to our positive work environment. We make it possible for every employee to achieve his or her full potential. We value the cultural and social diversity that is reflected in our community, and we welcome the changes and new perspectives that this diversity brings to us. We protect those individuals whose basic rights are placed in jeopardy.
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General inquires
Matt Harrington
Communications & Engagement Manager
541-917-7735
Other department contacts
| Albany Fire Department | Sandy Roberts | Deputy Fire Marshal/PIO | 541-917-7734 | |
| Albany Police Department | Laura Hawkins | Community Engagement Officer | 541-917-3206 |
City Council and administration
- Albany City Council
- City Manager
- Citizen Advisory Groups
- City Council meeting materials
- Public Records
City news distribution
- Links to all City social media channels, emergency alerting, and email newsletter
- We also distribute occasional news releases by email. Contact us at
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