Registration open for city's Neighborhood Leadership Academy

LAS CRUCES - Residents of Las Cruces will have an opportunity to gain first-hand information about city services and programs through interactive presentations offered for free during a series of courses known as the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.

The academy is an initiative by the City Council and City Manager Stuart C. Ed that is focused on providing more experiences for Las Crucens for greater engagement with their city government.

“The past two semesters of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy have been well received,” said Jamey Rickman, community outreach manager. “Each semester we’ve had a waiting list of people wanting to attend. We’ve also had really good reviews from participants after each semester.”

Anyone who lives in the city limits and is 18 years of age is eligible to apply to the academy. Applications are available at www.las-cruces.org/nla, or by stopping by at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., at the main reception desk or at the Office of the City Manager.

“The academy is available in two 15-week sessions a year, once in the fall and once in spring,” said Rickman, also academy organizer and facilitator. “The classes are designed to be informative and interactive so participants will have a meaningful experience. The goal is to help our residents become neighborhood advocates and have solid understanding about how they can be involved with the city on issues that matter most to them.”

The academy is free but space is limited to the first 35 people who enroll. Participants must be 18 years or older, must live within the city limits of Las Cruces, and must complete the application process. Participants who successfully finish the program will receive a certificate of completion at the time of graduation.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30. Anyone who has questions or needs assistance should contact Rickman through email at jrickman@las-cruces.org or by phone at 575-541-2192.

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