BERRYVILLE, VA (Aug. 20, 2021) Clarke County government officials value civic engagement and want residents to learn more about how government offices, boards, and commissions function. Individuals ages 18 and up may enroll in the Clarke County Citizens Academy, a new program that begins in September and is designed to engage residents as well as elicit feedback. The program is ideal for both longtime and new county residents as well as owners of Clarke businesses.

Clarke County Citizens Academy participants agree to meet on the third Friday of each month for 10 months (September to June). Each program is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided. Clarke County Citizens Academy cohorts are small enough that individuals will get to know each other and network with the county officials who lead the classes. Field trips give participants rare opportunities to go behind the scenes at a number of facilities.

Program cost is $50. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6.

“We are excited to offer this program to the community,” said County Administrator Chris Boies, noting it was delayed a year because of the pandemic. “We want to help residents and business owners understand how county government works, and how they can become more involved as community members.” Boies, who is leading the implementation of the program, said topics are public education, law enforcement, community services, historic preservation and land conservation, recreation, and other subjects of interest to residents. “We want participants to walk away better informed about how Clarke County government operates.”

For instance, the first class on Sept. 17 includes a brief history of the county, a session with Town of Berryville and Clarke County officials who will explain the functions of each locality and how they collaborate, and a visit to the Clarke County Animal Shelter. The Oct. 15 class includes a session with the Clarke County Sanitary Authority and tour of the county’s water and sewer facilities as well as a tour of the regional landfill.

Find a brief 2021-22 Clarke County Citizens Academy application form at clarkecounty.gov/CitizensAcademy. Individuals accepted into the program will receive an email notification and class schedule from info@clarkecounty.gov. Payment is due on the first day.

For more information, contact County Administration at (540) 955-5100 or info@clarkecounty.gov.