Participants in the Community Academy will build relationships with City staff and fellow residents, while learning from experts how the City of West Sacramento operates.

Whether you’re interested in advocating for issues that matter to you, applying to serve on an advisory commission, or just being a more informed voter and community member, this program has value for anyone who is interested in local government.

Applications for the 2026 Community Academy will be accepted throughout the month of January 2026. We are committed to notify all applicants the status of their application by the end of February 2026. If you'd like to be placed on an interested list, please complete this short questionnaire. Everyone on the interested list will be notified when applications open in January 2026. 

The goals of the Community Academy are as follows:

To Increase Knowledge of Residents

Participants will become better informed about the role and structure of local government and gain a better understanding about what is required to run a city. Participants will learn how decisions are made, how funds are allocated, and how departments operate.

To Promote Civic Engagement

Encourage civic engagement that promotes positive involvement and volunteerism for West Sacramento residents.

To Prepare Future Community Leaders

Participants will gain the necessary knowledge to contribute to their community through volunteerism, serving on City Boards and Commissions, committees, and other appointed or future elected positions.

To Provide Networking Opportunities

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other West Sacramento residents and City staff.

1. Applicants must reside within the City of West Sacramento.
2. Applicants must commit to attending all of the Community Academy sessions and notifying staff immediately if a scheduling conflict arises. 

All costs are covered by the City of West Sacramento. There are no application fees and all seven sessions will include dinner for participants.

Participants may miss one session and still receive a graduation certificate. To get the full benefits of the experience, it is important to be present for all sessions. "Extra Credit” opportunities will be available.

An application process will be used to determine the participants in the Community Academy. Following the close of the application period, City staff will randomly select applications for consideration, and will attempt to assemble a group that is geographically and demographically representative of the City’s diverse population. Selections and notifications will be sent to all applicants.