The City of Scotts Valley is offering residents a chance to get more involved with local politics through the Citizens Academy 2026. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file)
Scotts Valley Citizens Academy 2026
- 5:30-8 p.m. on Monday evenings from March 30 to May 18.
- Open to Scotts Valley residents.
- Applications are due Feb. 20. Apply online or request a paper application.
SCOTTS VALLEY >> Scotts Valley is offering residents an opportunity to learn more about how the city operates directly from local leaders and city staff.
The Citizens Academy is a seven-week program that includes evening classes on a variety of civic topics, ranging from public safety, city planning, parks, finances and more. Attendees will also hear from leaders of the fire district, school district and water district.
The academy is open to all Scotts Valley residents — long-time locals, newcomers to the area, future political leaders and curious residents looking to network. Sessions will take place on Monday evenings, from March 30 to May 18. All meetings are from 5:30-8 p.m. in Scotts Valley.
Fill out an application online or contact Scotts Valley City Clerk Cathie Simonovich at [email protected] or 831-440-5608 for a paper application. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20, and decisions will be made by March 6.
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Alexandria Bordas is the Managing Editor at Santa Cruz Local. She is an award-winning investigative journalist and editor. She worked as a reporter on the San Francisco Chronicle’s Investigative Team from 2020-2023 to report on dozens of sexual assault allegations against a Sonoma County mayor and winery owner. Alexandria was named journalist of the year in 2022 by the Society of Professional Journalists. She is also a professor of journalism.
