Fredericksburg Citizen University

Objective:

The City of Fredericksburg would like to give citizens the opportunity to become familiarize with the structure, functions, and activities of the City of Fredericksburg government, encourage citizens to become involved in the City’s government, and enhance their ability to communicate effectively with City officials.

Citizens are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Fredericksburg Citizen University. They will acquire a better understanding of their City government and services as well as form intergovernmental relationships. City officials will, in turn, gain valuable insights into citizens’ priorities and needs from their involvement.

Benefits:

• Informed citizens are better able to become involved in community activities, such as serving on Council-appointed boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, as well as becoming involved in the City’s governance.
• This is an opportunity for citizens to learn about the City of Fredericksburg government first-hand and gain exposure to the wide range of City services, functions, activities, and issues.
• City officials will obtain feedback from citizens regarding governmental programs and services.

Class Size:

Classes are limited to 15-20 students. Fredericksburg Citizens University is open to the City of Fredericksburg residents.

Participant Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be registered voters within the City of Fredericksburg
• Have been a resident for at least one year
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Not be running for local political office during class time

Curriculum:

The Fredericksburg Citizens University will consist of 11 sessions over the course of eleven months, with graduation to be held at the December 17, 2024, City Council meeting. Each session will be approximately an hour to an hour and a half.  Sessions will begin on January 23, 2024.

Sessions are planned for 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Application Deadline:    December 13,  2023

Application                     Online Application

Staff contact:   Shelley Goodwin, City Secretary, Fredericksburg City Hall, 126 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

(830)997-7521 Office
City Secretary email

Link to the breakdown of Sessions.

SESSION 1 - GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CITY AND CITY GOVERNMENT

Session 1 - Getting to Know Your City Government, Mayor, City Council, and City Manager
Location:  John William Klein Meeting Room at Market Square
Date:  January 23, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 2 - CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY SECRETARY

Session 2 – Learn more about the City Attorney and City Secretary                                   Location:  City Hall Conference Room located at 126 W. Main Street
Date:   February 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY – FIRE/ EMS DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Session 3 – Learn more about the services of the Fire/EMS Department and Emergency Management                                                                                                                                                             Location:   South Station, located at 221 Friendship Lane                                                                   Date:  March 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 4 - PUBLIC SAFETY - POLICE DEPARTMENT/CODE ENFORCEMENT/ANIMAL SERVICES/MUNICIPAL COURT

Session 4 – Public Safety/Code Enforcement/Animal Services                                                Location:   Law Enforcement Center located at 1601 E. Main Street                                                 Date:  April 23, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

 SESSION 5  -PARKS AND RECREATION/SPECIAL EVENTS

 Session 5 – Parks and Recreation/Special Events                                                                                   Location:   John William Klein Meeting Room at Market Square                                                   Date:  May 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 6 – DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Session 6 – Learn about the different duties of Development Services                                       Location:    City Hall Conference Room located at 126 W. Main Street                                     Date:  June 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 7 - PUBLIC WORKS, ENGINEERING, AND CIP

Session 7 –  Public Works, Engineering, and CIP                                                                                    Location:    Consolidated Warehouse located at 233 Friendship Lane                                               Date:  July 23, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 8 – PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE/IT/HR/hEALTH

Session 8 –  Public Information Office/IT/Human Resources and Health Department                  Location:     Golf Course Cardinal Room, located at 341 Golfers Loop                                         Date:  August 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 9 – TOURISM/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Session 9 –  Learn where Hotel Occupancy Tax goes, Tourism advertisement, Economic Development efforts regarding new development, and benefits of the Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau.                                                                                 Location:    Convention and Visitor Bureau located at 302 E. Austin St.                                    Date:  September 24, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

SESSION 10 – FINANCE/BUDGET/UTILITY BILLING

Session 10 –  Learn about how the Budget is created and the operations of the Finance Department                                                                                                                                                                       Location:    City Hall located at 126 W. Main Street                                                                               Date:  October 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

 SESSION 11 - OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Session 11 – Opportunities to Serve, Question & Answer Session, and City Report Card      Location:  John William Klein Meeting Room at Market Square                                                     Date:  November 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.