(WEST SACRAMENTO) – When local government opens its doors to explain the layered process of running a city, citizens need to heed the opportunity since knowledge is half the incentive, and free the other.
“I had a fairly good idea about the local government, but I did learn more things," Sunita J, 2024 graduate, said.
(Photo: 2024 West Sacramento Community graduate)
Sunita said she lived her ten years without knowing West Sacramento had a water treatment plant. Now the citizen says she drives by the plant knowing the importance of the treatment plant's function in assuring citizens have safe, clean water.
The City of West Sacramento is set for 2026’s Community Academy, a seven-session city government course with applications accepted throughout January for the March curriculum start. Open to all West Sacramento residents, the academy only asks that applicants fully commit to attending the sessions.
Workshops, presentations and city building tours offer a interactive, one-on-one experience for students. Extra credit will be available to those who miss only once. Each evening offers something different, as several departments will take turns hosting.
Cory C says the academy is important for “community involvement at the local level.”
(Photo: West Sacramento Community Academy program in action)
The citizen is correct.
A majority of our council, commission, and board meetings accept public comment. Academy participants become aquainted with staff and city hall. Standing at the microphone to speak about close-hitting topics might never be easy, but the connections made at the Community Academy mean it doesn't have to be scary.
(Photo: 2024 West Sacramento Community graduate)
Justin P said when he gets a “few tidbits” of knowledge, he spreads the word, noting “I text my finance and my sister who lives in West Sac and say, 'Did you know this?”
Beginning in 2024, the academy was deemed a success and repeated in the Spring of the following year. City staff choose applicants through a process of chance and deliberation. First, they select a large group at random, then they narrow it down. After careful consideration, the class is diverse in ways that reflect West Sacramento’s population.
(Photo: 2026 Community Academy Schedule)
Diverse students build relationships with staff and one another. Best part is it's not over after graduation, the local diploma lends the opportunity to climb up the political ladder, offering the applications to advisory commission roles or possible advocacy for programs.
One link begins a chain. When one member of a community makes an effort to better themselves, it affects those around them. People naturally share facts through everyday conversation.
Back in November, Teri Tracy covered the town of Gilbert, Arizona’s information sharing session. These types of community education align with this media outlet's mission statement. That knowledge and participation are precious tools for empowerment.
Deputy City Manager Doug Drozd was contacted for comment. Neither he nor any staff member responded at the time of this publication.
(Photo: Email Correspondence)
Officials and staff work hard to meet the needs of West Sacramento, but they can only change the issues they can see. Equally, if residents are unsure or unaware of how their local government operates, or if they are intimidated by the institution, that is a barrier to their participation. A healthy and effective city structure relies on open communication. The Community Academy is a way to bring that barrier down.
OpGov.ai looks forward to following the 2026 session. If you are this direct application is ready for your name.
If you have anything to add or correct in this report, please reach out to me at sarahlouise.s@lead4earth.org.
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