The Philomath Citizens’ Academy is back for another round with the city’s civic education program returning this fall. Sessions will run from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 3 to Oct. 29 at Philomath City Hall.
The nine-week series gives residents a chance to meet the people who keep the community running, learn how city services are planned, funded and delivered, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, programs and partnerships that shape life in Philomath.
As has been the case since the city eliminated registration requirements last year, no sign-up is necessary — residents can simply drop in and join the conversation. City officials have described the program as designed to be flexible, informative and welcoming, allowing participants to attend as many or as few sessions as their schedules allow.
The academy is open to anyone 16 or older, whether a longtime local or a newer resident looking to learn more about how the city operates.
Each week focuses on a different area of city government with presentations, question-and-answer sessions and tours led by city staff and community partners. Topics include police and fire services; city budget, finances and planning; schools, library and nonprofits; and city infrastructure and parks.
As in past years, residents who attend seven or more of the nine sessions will earn a Philomath Citizens’ Academy certificate.
City Manager Chris Workman introduced the program in 2017 as a way to build interaction between local government and residents, promote transparency and help address a shortage of applicants for city committees. After struggling to fill enrollment in prior years under a registration-based model, the city dropped that requirement in 2025, opening sessions to drop-in attendees instead.