The City of Monterey is now inviting residents ages 16 and older to apply for the Spring 2026 First City Academy, a free civic education program designed to give participants an inside look at how local government works—and how residents can play an active role in their community.
The Spring 2026 academy includes nine weekly sessions, held on Thursdays from 6:00–8:30 p.m., beginning March 4 and concluding May 14, 2026. A two-week break is scheduled on March 26 and April 2 to align with school spring break. Sessions are led by City staff and focus on Monterey’s programs, services, and day-to-day operations, with opportunities for discussion, questions, and hands-on learning.
Participants will explore a wide range of topics, including:
- City management and community engagement
- Parks, recreation, libraries, and museums
- Public works and infrastructure
- Police, fire, and emergency management
- Community development and sustainability
- Economic development
- Budgeting, technology, and human resources
The program also features a guided field trip highlighting City facilities, neighborhoods, parks, and business districts, as well as a graduation ceremony to celebrate participants at the conclusion of the academy.
“The program is a chance for residents to explore and learn about the inner workings of California’s First City,” said Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira. “Participants leave with a stronger connection to what makes Monterey so special and how their city government delivers outstanding services for the community.”
Application Details
- Applications open: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
- Apply online: monterey.gov/firstcityacademy
Past participants report that the First City Academy has inspired them to stay involved and informed long after the program ends. Graduates consistently praise the openness, professionalism, and passion of City staff, noting that the experience deepened their understanding of how Monterey serves its residents.
Program Schedule
- Session 1 – March 5: City Management
Charter City overview, vision and strategies, service delivery, organizational structure, agenda process, and community engagement - Session 2 – March 12: Community Services
Parks, beaches, trails, recreation, sports center, library, museums, forestry, campground, and cemetery - Session 3 – March 19: Field Trip
Tour of City facilities, neighborhoods, parks, and business districts - March 26 & April 2: Spring Break (No Sessions)
- Session 4 – April 9: Public Works: Streets and sewers, facilities maintenance, capital improvements, harbor, and parking
- Session 5 – April 16: Police
- Session 6 – April 23: Community Development: Land use, zoning, permitting, housing, property management, and sustainability
- Session 7 – April 30: Fire and Emergency Management
- Session 8 – May 7: Economic Roundtable
- Session 9 – May 14: Human Resources, Budget Deep Dive, and Graduation
For more information or questions, visit monterey.gov/firstcityacademy or contact the City Manager’s Office at (831) 646-3760 or suggest@monterey.gov.
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