Academies

Get to know your City

The City of Auburn offers opportunities for residents to learn more about their local government in the form of two academies — the Public Safety Academy and the Citizens’ Academy. These academies give residents the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their City and build relationships with staff and fellow community members.

Both academies kick off in the spring. Learn more and find applications below.

The Citizens' Academy launched in 2022 and provides a behind-the-scenes look at all City departments. Its purpose is to inspire an engaged citizenry by strengthening the relationship between residents and their local government and providing a deeper understanding of City operations through departmental visits, hands-on activities and candid conversations.

Participants will graduate with the knowledge of day-to-day operations, the tools to get more involved and a stronger connection with fellow community members and City staff across all departments.

Applications for the 2026 Citizens' Academy have closed.

Residents should only apply if they plan to attend the majority of the sessions and will miss no more than two sessions. The program is open to all Auburn residents who are at least 19 years old. Space is limited. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by March.

2026 Citizens' Academy Schedule:

Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, April 23
Tuesday, May 19
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, July 23
Thursday, August 20
Thursday, September 24

All sessions will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Applications have closed for the 2026 Public Safety Academy

Beginning with the first Citizens' Police Academy in 1995, the program allowed citizens to come into the Auburn Police Department and learn the details of providing services to our community. Over the years, the annual program developed to include all of Auburn's Public Safety Services: Police, Fire and Emergency Management & Communications to re-launch as Auburn's Public Safety Academy in 2008.

Available to civilians in the community who are 19 years or older, the program is conducted in ten classes from March to April to cultivate a stronger relationship between Public Safety Services and Auburn's residents.

Each week, a variety of presenters will discuss topics ranging from the enforcement of building codes to crime scenes to fire prevention. The final session provides an opportunity to discuss future goals, a presentation from the Public Safety Academy Alumni Association and the Public Safety Academy graduation ceremony. The result is a group of individuals with a better understanding, appreciation and relationship with Auburn Public Safety Services and members in their community.

2026 Public Safety Academy Schedule

Session 1: Welcome/APD Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 5, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 2: Patrol --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 19, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 3: Investigations  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 26, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 4: Auburn Fire Department Overview*  ------------------------------------------------------ March 28, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 5: Community Services  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 2, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 6: CPR Training with Auburn Fire --------------------------------------------------------------------- April 9, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 7: Communications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 16, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 8: Drones/CRASE Training ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 23, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Session 9: Gun Safety & Range Day/SWAT/K9* ---------------------------------------------------------- April 25, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 10: Graduation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 30, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

* Saturday session