CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
8/8/2023
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: GRISSEL CHAVEZ
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:
OVERVIEW OF THE SIGNAL HILL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Summary:
The City Manager’s office developed the Signal Hill Leadership Academy (SHLA) to provide community members with an opportunity to gain in-depth insight into the workings of local government. This new community engagement initiative consists of a four-week leadership program aimed at providing community members with a comprehensive understanding of City government and encouraging active civic engagement. Through this academy, the City strives to make City functions more transparent and accessible to our Signal Hill residents and community members.
SHLA will run for four weeks, commencing on Thursday, September 28, 2023, and concluding with a graduation ceremony at the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Recommendation:
Receive and file.
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated cost for providing dinner and refreshments is estimated in the amount of $1,000.
Funding will come from the Communications/Public Relations budget (Account No. 100-45-5740).
The appropriate mid-year budget adjustment will be made as necessary.
Strategic Plan Objective:
Goal No. 6: Promote a transparent and open government.
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Background:
The City of Signal Hill has always valued its community and recognized the significance of informed, effective, and inspired leaders. With this vision in mind, the City Manager’s office developed the SHLA to provide community members with an exclusive opportunity to gain in-depth insight into the workings of local government.
This new community engagement initiative consists of a four-week leadership program aimed at providing community members with a comprehensive understanding of City government and encouraging active civic engagement. Through this academy, the City strives to make City functions more transparent and accessible to our Signal Hill residents and community members.
Analysis:
The main objectives of the SHLA are as follows:
1. Knowledge and Understanding: To equip participants with comprehensive knowledge about City government, its structure, and its various functions.
2. Interactivity: To facilitate meaningful interactions between participants and representatives from all City departments, fostering better communication and collaboration.
3. Community Empowerment: To inspire and empower residents to become active community leaders, working hand-in-hand with the City for the betterment of Signal Hill.
The SHLA offers participants a unique opportunity to:
1. Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Learn about City government operations, policies, and decisionmaking processes.
2. Engage with City Officials: Interact with City staff and elected officials, providing valuable insights and building lasting connections.
3. Foster Community Collaboration: Join a network of active Signal Hill residents dedicated to making a positive impact.
4. Empower the Community: Use the knowledge gained to contribute actively and effectively to the betterment of their neighborhood and the City as a whole.
Program Details:
The SHLA will run for four weeks, commencing on Thursday, September 28, 2023, and concluding with a graduation ceremony at the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Sessions will be held every Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Library Multi-Purpose Room.
The program schedule consists of various Departments leading each session as outlined below:
1. Thursday, September 28: City Administration and City Attorney’s Office.
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2. Thursday, October 5: Police Department and Los Angeles County Fire.
3. Thursday, October 12: Parks, Recreation, and Library Services and Public Works.
4. Thursday, October 19: Community Development and Finance.
5. Tuesday, October 24: Presentation of Certificates during City Council Meeting.
Registration Details:
Participation in the SHLA is open to all residents of the City of Signal Hill. To register, interested individuals can visit the City’s website to complete a registration form. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 14, 2023, and the program will be limited to 20 participants on a first-come, first -serve basis. Additionally, dinner and refreshments will be provided during each session to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience.
Staff has already begun efforts in promoting this program to encourage maximum participation from community members. In addition to promoting information on the City’s social media/website, staff will include SHLA information in the upcoming e-newsletter and fall City Views edition. Staff will also distribute SHLA information to the community at the August 16 Concert in the Park.
Conclusion:
The SHLA embodies the City’s commitment to fostering a strong and engaged community. Through this program, the City aims to empower residents with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in local government and contribute to the City's progress. The SHLA presents an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the City and its residents, making Signal Hill an even more vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.
Reviewed:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachment(s):
None.
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