PHOTO #1: Communications Director Ashley Strevel welcomes participants to the 2025 Citizens Academy.
PHOTO #2: City Manager Jesús A. Garza prepares to give the first presentation during the 2025 Citizens Academy.
PHOTO #3: Victoria Fire Department Lt. Andrew Sherman teaches Citizens Academy participants about the equipment used by firefighters as part of an optional tour of the Victoria Fire Department training field during the 2025 Citizens Academy.
The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs is accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens Academy, a free, six-week educational program that will provide residents with an inside look at local government and show them how to get involved.
Sessions will be hosted 6-9 p.m. Jan. 29-March 5. City leaders will share presentations on public safety, economic development, infrastructure projects, City services, beautification, public involvement opportunities and other topics. Dinner will be provided.
After hosting Citizens Academy as an afternoon program during recent years, staff decided to test out an evening time frame to accommodate participants who are unavailable during working hours.
“We’re looking forward to this opportunity to educate residents about the inner workings of the City and the bigger picture of how it all impacts our community,” Communications Director Ashley Strevel said.
The program will also feature optional tours of the Victoria Office of Emergency Management, the Victoria Fire Department training field and the Surface Water Treatment Plant.
There is no cost to register. Space will be limited to 20 applicants. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at www.victoriatx.gov/citizensacademy. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
Residents who complete Citizens Academy will be awarded a certificate and recognized at a City Council meeting. Participants must attend every session to be recognized.
Residents who complete all three of the educational programs offered by the City—Citizens Academy, the Civilian Responder Program (formerly called the Civilian Fire Academy) and the Civilian Police Academy—will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award and will be recognized during a November City Council meeting.
For more information about Communications & Public Affairs, visit www.victoriatx.gov/communications.