Mayor Linda Tyer presents to certificates to the graduates of the 12-week Citizens Academy that implemented during her first term. Mayor-elect Peter Marchetti says he will continue the program.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Citizens Academy will continue to facilitate civic involvement into the next administration.

On Tuesday, 21 graduates of the academy that gives a first-hand look at the workings of local government were celebrated in council chambers. The 12-week course visits various city locations and allows participants to communicate with department heads for a better understanding of their day-to-day activities.

Mayor-elect Peter Marchetti will take office on Jan. 2 and the program instituted by Mayor Linda Tyer will live on under his leadership.

"The Citizens Academy is a free program designed to teach community members about how local government operates while gaining insight into opportunities in how they can be more involved," Director of Administrative Services Catherine Van Bramer said.

"Almost 100 people have participated in Citizens Academy throughout the last five sessions. I'm happy to share that the Citizens Academy will continue with the support of the mayor-elect in 2024 for the sixth year."

In a communication, Tyer wrote that the 2023 graduates gained insight and fresh perspectives into the daily operations of several city departments, fostering a deeper understanding of municipal operations.

"It is my hope that this knowledge will serve to inform their thoughts and ideas as it relates to local government, and also inspire them to continue their civic engagement," she wrote.

Van Bramer, who leads the program, thanked Tyer for encouraging her team to try new things and find new ways to interact with the community.

"Civic engagement is an important topic to both of us and this academy has made a meaningful impact," she said.

"Programs like this involve the help of many people. I am deeply grateful to all of the department heads who hosted a session. Thank you for providing insight into your work and highlighting how we all come together to make this community a thriving and vibrant place."

She commended the cohort, adding that 12 weeks is a long time to spend learning about government.

Graduates were all smiles as they shook Tyer’s hand and received their certificates followed by a round of applause. A slideshow played during presentation of certificates that included photos of their site visits in the academy.

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