Discover How Your Town Works – Join the 2025 Rutherfordton Citizen’s Academy!
Interested in learning how your Town Government operates or seeing where your tax money goes? The Rutherfordton Citizen’s Academy is your chance to go behind the scenes and connect directly with the people and departments that keep our Town running.
Now expanded to an eight-week program, the 2025 Citizen’s Academy offers a hands-on, interactive experience exploring Town services, programs, and decision-making processes. Each week, participants will visit a different Town facility and engage with staff in public safety, public works, community development, finance, and more.
The program concludes with a graduation ceremony during the November Town Council Meeting, where participants are recognized for their commitment to community engagement.
“Our goal is to create a meaningful, informative experience that fosters stronger relationships between citizens and their local government,” said Mayor Jimmy Dancy. “When residents understand how the Town operates, they’re empowered to help shape its future.”
Past graduates praise the Citizen’s Academy for its impact:
“Through participating in the Citizen’s Academy I gained greater knowledge of each of our departments, developed a stronger relationship with the senior management staff, and insight into the Town’s direction. This experience affords our citizenry the opportunity to participate in our Town at a higher level and provide input as to the direction of the Town.” – Alan Herrick
“The biggest takeaway I got from participating was the sense of community. In our class, we had people from all walks of life—college students, retirees, new residents, and lifelong locals. It brought us together in a way that was both inspiring and informative.” – Randee Sherrod, Class of 2019
2025 Citizens Academy Schedule
Sept 11 – Introduction to Town Hall
Sept 18 – Public Works Department
Sept 25 – Community Development
Oct 2 – Norris Public Library
Oct 9 – Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue
Oct 16 – Rutherfordton Police Department
Oct 23 – Rutherford Town Rising & Finance
Oct 30 – Wrap-Up & Reflections
Graduation: Nov 5 at 5:30 PM – Town Council Meeting
Class Times: Thursdays, 6:00–8:00 PM
Apply Here: https://www.rutherfordton.net/citizens-academy-interest-form/
