The City of Carlsbad Citizens Academy is a free, seven-week program designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their city government operates. Carlsbad Citizens Academy began in February 2001, and is held annually each fall. The program is typically held on Thursday evenings. in September and October, with one daytime session for a narrated bus tour. To date we have had 1,871 graduates.

Participants will:

• Meet City Council members, department heads and city staff.
• Learn how decisions are made, how funds are allocated and how city departments function.
• Gain comprehensive overviews of city departments, programs and services.
• Explore key topics like development plans, traffic, growth management, recreation, environmental initiatives and more.
• Engage in lively discussions and interactive group activities.
• Tour and visit various city facilities.
• Become a well-informed, involved citizen.

Registration details

To participate, you must:

• Be a Carlsbad resident, 15 years or older.
• Complete the required application and forms before attending.
• Commit to attending all seven sessions (substitutes are not permitted).

Applications are accepted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly, so we encourage you to apply early. If the current session is full, your application will be placed on a waitlist for future sessions.

To apply, please complete the online application form. Accepted applicants will receive a confirmation email from city staff.

If you prefer, you can download the application and send it by mail or fax to:

Carlsbad Citizens Academy
Communication & Engagement Department
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Fax: 760-720-9461
communications@carlsbadca.gov