Brighton Civic Academy

About

The Brighton Civic Academy is an eight-week program designed to foster civic engagement and empower residents with an in-depth understanding of key city departments. Participants will gain insights into city governance, budgeting and finance, utilities, public works, police, and parks and recreation, enhancing their ability to contribute to the community actively.

Program Objectives

• Promote Civic Engagement: Encourage residents to become more actively involved in their local government.
• Enhance Understanding of City Governance: Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the operations and functions of key city departments and how decisions are made.
• Build Knowledge of Budgeting and Finance: Equip residents with insights into the city's budgeting and financial processes.
• Strengthen Community Connections: Foster stronger connections between residents and city officials, enhancing collaborative efforts to improve the community.

Apply 

Our application period has closed for our 2025 academy. Check back next Spring for details on our 2026 Civic Academy  

2025 Academy Topics & Dates

All classes will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Locations will vary and a final schedule will be sent to participants before the program starts. A light meal will be provided for each session. 

Sept. 18: Get to Know Your City Government

Week 1 will offer an overview of Brighton's organizational structure, explain the council-manager form of government, outline the city's budgeting and finance rules and procedures, and review the City Council's strategic goals.

Sept: 25: Building a Thriving Community

In Week 2, participants will explore how Brighton promotes economic growth through the Economic Development Corporation and the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority. The session will also highlight the city’s ongoing sustainability initiatives and how they contribute to long-term community resilience.

Oct. 2: Planning a Livable City

Week 3's session will dive into how Brighton’s Community Development department plans for thoughtful residential and business development, balancing growth with quality of life. Participants will also learn about the city’s efforts to preserve historic properties in Brighton.

Oct. 9: Parks and Recreation

During week 4, participants will hear from our Parks and Recreation Department, including recreational programs, senior services, forestry, park maintenance, and cemetery. 

Oct. 16: Keeping our City Running

In Week 5, participants will get a first-hand look at the operations that keep our city running smoothly, including our utilities and public works departments.

Oct. 23: Public Safety 

In Week 6, participants will visit the Brighton Police Department and learn first-hand about the department's operations, community policing efforts, and five-year strategic plan. 

Oct 30: Serving the City and Roundtable with Elected Officials

In Week 7, participants will learn about the vital roles played by members of our boards and commissions, gain insights into the city election process, and receive a legal overview from our city attorney. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in roundtable discussions with City Council members and Brighton Youth Commission members.

Nov. 4: Graduation

Application Requirements

• Class size is limited to 25 participants, who must be residents of Brighton or employed at a business with a physical presence in Brighton.
• The Academy is free and open to those 18 or older.
• Participants may not miss more than one session to graduate.

Questions?

Contact Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky at kchernosky@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2061.

Brighton Civic Academy Class of 2024

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Brighton Civic Academy! On November 19, these dedicated participants were honored at a Brighton City Council meeting for successfully completing the program.