The Importance of Kingman’s Citizens Academy

“In Kingman, we invest in you!” This intro on Kingman Economic Development’s website is not only for businesses starting, relocating, or expanding in the city. It’s a city-wide premise and action grounded in community advancement. Such action is shown by the city’s offerings of local academies like the Junior Police Academy, Leadership & Excellence Supervisor Academy, and Citizens Academy. 

Kingman’s Citizens Academy

As the adage goes, “The more you know, the more you grow.” In 2019, with plans to launch in March 2020, Kingman’s City Manager and City Council created Citizens Academy. The premise was simple: An informed citizenry can act as an arm of the city in helping ensure accurate information is shared within the community. Because of the pandemic, the launch was postponed through February 2022.

Kingman’s Citizens Academy is a free civic education program designed to help residents learn how the city operates. This comprehensive 7-week program offers classes every Spring and Fall. Each week, a different department hosts a session from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Sessions include presentations, tours, discussions with participants, and learning from department heads and staff. With the most recent session concluding May 7, 2025, the schedule was:

• Week 1 - City Administration, Attorney, and Finance
• Week 2 - Police
• Week 3 - Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Golf
• Week 4 - Economic Development and Tourism
• Week 5 - Public Works and Airport
• Week 6 - Engineering and Municipal Court
• Week 7 - Fire, Emergency Dispatch, and Development Services (Building & Planning)

Each term allows 25 residents to participate, who must complete a minimum of five sessions to receive a certificate. The current term started with 20 and ended with 15 participants. The well-informed residents will be recognized at the City Council Meeting on May 20, 2025, for their time and dedication to learning the inner workings of city government. 

Benefits of Citizens Academy

The benefits of the Citizens Academy go beyond learning. Remember, “The more you know, the more you grow.” Previous participants have become commissioners on various City Council-appointed boards and commissions. Other benefits include:

• Empowering residents to be more active, whether through volunteering, attending public meetings, or spreading the word on less attractive initiatives.
• Informed decisions result in higher votes for local initiatives.
• Reduced misunderstandings behind the how/why of city government choices. 
• Increased communication as informed residents will provide insightful and valuable feedback for improvements.
• Effective problem-solving as residents have a better grasp of city operations and why Kingman can and can’t fulfill specific requests. 
• Greater understanding of laws, regulations, and restrictions that residents may not have known existed.   

This type of transparency strengthens communities while offering the potential to increase economic development and growth. Transparency alone is a powerful deterrent against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

Be sure to join the City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, to celebrate the Spring 2025 Citizens Academy participants as they receive their certificates of completion.

Choose Kingman

Citizens Academy offers a unique plus for businesses looking to choose Kingman. It lends the idea that Kingman has good governance and stability as it supports economic development projects, infrastructure improvements, has greater accountability, and ensures resources are effectively accessed and allocated. 
If you’re ready to establish new roots and discover why Kingman offers the ideal environment for your new home and company’s success, contact Kingman ED.