Civic Academy

The Commerce City Civic Academy is a eight-week program that gives residents a chance to deepen their knowledge of the city and its operations. Attendees learn more about the role of municipal government, city operations, special districts, and emerging issues. The program aims to develop and cultivate leaders in the community by informing residents, increasing engagement, improving trust, and encouraging residents to participate in the community.

Upcoming Session

Session: Fall 2024 | Dates TBD
Classes: Weekdays | 6 – 8 pm
Graduation Ceremony: TBD

Application

Application Requirements

Class size is limited to 25 participants, who must be residents of Commerce City or employed at a business with a physical presence in Commerce City
The Academy is free and open to those 18 or older
Participants may not miss more than one session to graduate
Participants may not run for local political office during the program

2023 Cohort

Program Topics

About Commerce City

Participants learn the basics of local government and major stakeholders in Commerce City governance.

Travis Huntington
Community Relations Manager
thuntington@c3gov.com

Planning and Land-Use

Participants learn about city planning and zoning and practice planning a city of their own.

Jennifer Jones
Acting Planning Manager
jjones@c3gov.com

Stacy Wasinger
Planner III
swasinger@c3gov.com

Council-Manager Form of Government

Participants join the City Manager and Members of City Council to discuss policymaking and administration in city government.

Jason Rogers
City Manager
jrogers@c3gov.com

Cathy Blakeman
Deputy City Manager
cblakeman@c3gov.com

Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Allen-Thomas
jallen-thomas@c3gov.com

Councilmember Susan Noble
snoble@c3gov.com

Councilmember Craig Kim
ckim@c3gov.com

Parks, Recreation, and Golf

Participants explored all that Parks, Recreation, and Golf have to offer while also touring Eagle Pointe Recreation Center.

Carolyn Keith
Director of Parks, Rec, and Golf
ckeith@c3gov.com

Chad Redin
Deputy Director of Parks, Rec, and Golf
credin@c3gov.com

Tim Duda
Recreation Manager
tdusa@c3gov.com

Paul Hebinck
Golf Course Manager
phebinck@c3gov.com

Public Works

Participants got a hands-on look at how the city builds and maintains its infrastructure in a walking tour at the city’s Municipal Service Center.

Shawn Poe
Interim Director of Public Works
spoe@c3gov.com

Willis Waterhouse
Parks and Streets Operations Manager
wwaterhouse@c3gov.com

Michael Renk
Transportation Engineer
mrenk@c3gov.com

Nick Neurauter
Parks Operations and Maintenance Supervisor
nneurauter@c3gov.com

Economic Development

Participants explored the world of economic development and discussed how the city attracts new businesses to Commerce City.

Michelle Claymore
Director of Economic Development
mclaymore@c3gov.com

Nancy Flock
Economic Development Specialist
nflock@c3gov.com

URA and Finance

Participants practiced negotiating in Urban Renewal while exploring the role of redevelopment in the city. Participants then learned more about how the city manages its finances and pays for the services provided to the community.

Bill Aiken
Director of Urban Renewal
baiken@c3gov.com

Theresa Wilson
Interim Finance Director
twilson@c3gov.com

Ken Keeley
Audit Supervisor
kkeeley@c3gov.com

Pam Young
Budget and Performance Analyst
pyoung@c3gov.com

Public Safety

Participants got up-close and personal with public safety as the Police Department walked them through the steps of managing a crime scene while also showing off the technology used by the CCPD.

Darrel Guadnola
Chief of Police
dguadnola@c3gov.com

Gregory Sadar
Deputy Chief of Police
gsadar@c3gov.com

Civic Engagement

Canceled due to weather

Dylan Gibson
City Clerk
dgibson@c3gov.com

Jordan Roberts
Deputy City Clerk
jroberts@c3gov.com

Contact Us

Trenten Robinson
trobinson@c3gov.com