The 10-week City of Sanford Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about City government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services and activities. (This is a free public information program).
The Citizens Academy is held weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Participants are expected to attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions in order to receive a Certificate of Completion at a graduation ceremony at the City Commission Meeting, 300 N. Park Ave. Sanford, FL. The Graduation Ceremony will be held Monday, November 10th, 2025.
Men’s Health Huddle
Registration for Class 25 Is Now Open - Register By August 15, 2026
Get ready to sign up for class 24.
Go behind the scenes of your local government
Starts: Application Opens December 1, 2025
Submission Deadline: January 22, 2026
Class starts in February 2026
Open to all – must be 18 years of age or older
Learn. Engage. Make a Difference.
Program at a Glance
- Objective –
To inform citizens and stakeholders of the operations of city government and what is involved in delivering and maintaining services to the citizens of Sanford.
- Benefits –
Learn first-hand about Sanford’s city government and to create an environment of informed citizens who can become volunteers for appointed boards, task forces and commissions.
- Class Size –
Classes are limited to 35 participants. The Citizens Academy is open to anyone interested, must be 18 years old to participate.
- Curriculum – A 2 hour weekly session, Wednesday nights for 10 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony at the City Commission Meeting. Each session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. Please note the various locations (locations subject to change):
For more information please contact:
Curriculum
Location: City Commission Chambers, 300 N. Park Avenue
- Introductions
- Meet the Mayor
- City Manager / Overview of Government Organization
- Assistant City Manager
- Communications / Public Art
- Performance Management
- City Clerk
Location: Public Safety Complex, (Emergency Operations Center – 2nd Floor) 815 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford
- Fire Operations and EMS Services
- Fire Prevention
- Emergency Preparedness
Public Safety Complex, (Community Room – 1st Floor) 815 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford
- Police Programs and Operations
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
- Overview of the Utility Department
- Regulations/Rules Governing the Utility Operation
- Customer Service/Obtaining Service
- Water Production, Treatment and Transmission
- Wastewater Collection, Treatment and Reuse
Location: City Hall, 300 N. Park Ave. Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, Sanford
- Land use Planning/Zoning Regulations
- Building Division
- Code Enforcement
Location: Public Works Complex, 800 Fulton St., Sanford
- Street Maintenance
- Fleet Maintenance
- Building Maintenance
- Stormwater Division
- Solid Waste/Recycling
Location: Sanford Civic Center, 401 E Seminole Boulevard/Bus Tour
- Events/Recreation Programs: Youth, Adults, Seniors
- Recreation Facilities
- Parks and Grounds
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
- Community Relations/CDBG Program/Neighborhood Engagement
- Human Resources/Risk Management
Meet @ City Hall 300 N. Park Avenue
- Bus Tour/Economic Development Overview
Location: City Hall, Utility Training Room, 1st Floor, 300 N. Park Avenue
- Overview of the City’s Operating Budget/Budget Process
- Financial Services
- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR)
- Grant Management
- Accounts Payable/Receivables
- Purchasing
- Information Technology (IT)
City Commission Chambers, 300 N. Park Avennue
- Ceremony to be held during regular City Commission meeting at 7pm
Graduation Ceremony – City Commission Meeting Monday, November 10, 7pm, City Hall, 300 N. Park Ave., Sanford
