Bettendorf 101: City Citizen Academy

If you would like to sign up for the next available academy, please send your name, address, phone number, and email address to lhaldeman@bettendorf.org.

For further details, please scroll down and read the following information.

When is the next academy?
The next academy will begin in April 7, 2022.

Who can attend the academy?
You must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of the City of Bettendorf. The academy is not intended for children.

What is the City Citizen Academy?
The City Citizen Academy is a seven week informative, interactive program that looks into the internal values, philosophy, and operations of the City of Bettendorf. The Academy is designed to give Bettendorf residents an in-depth look at how their City government works. During the academy, participants may be asked to climb stairs, take part in walking tours, and sit for an extended period of time.

What is the purpose?
Participants are provided information concerning city government. The program is designed to cultivate understanding through the education process and enhance the relationship between city government and its citizens. In addition, the academy gives city staff the opportunity to receive community feedback.

What can you expect to learn?
City staff will cover a variety of topics and issues pertaining to the City of Bettendorf. Participants will gain knowledge and insight through discussions, demonstrations and site visits. Citizens will learn how they can play a role in the future of Bettendorf.

How many participants are in each class?
There are 30 individuals in each class. We try to keep the class size small so each participant can get the most out of the academy.

How much time will you invest?
The Bettendorf City Citizen Academy will run for seven weeks. Each session will last approximately three hours, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Classes will be held on Thursday nights, except for a scheduled bus tour. We would like the participants to attend every session but understand this is not always possible. We do ask that participants not miss more than two sessions.

As mentioned above, there is a bus tour, which is scheduled on a Friday, 7:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. During this bus tour you will tour the waste water plant, compost facility, landfill, recycling center, and the Scott Emergency Communication Center. A class schedule will be available closer to the start of the academy.

Is there a cost or fee to join the City Citizen Academy?
No, the workshop is free to Bettendorf residents.

What will be covered in the academy?
The classes are held at different locations depending on the topic.
  • Introduction to City Government, City Hall, 1609 State St.
  • Public Works, Maintenance Center, 4403 Devils Glen Rd.
  • Family Museum and Library, Learning Campus, 2900 Learning Campus Dr.
  • Community Development, Maintenance Center, 4403 Devils Glen Rd.
  • Police Department, Police Department, 1609 State St.
  • Fire, Surrey Heights Fire Station, 5002 Crow Creek Rd.
  • Parks and Recreation Saturday Bus Tour
  • Visit to the Waste Water Plant, Compost Facility, Landfill, Recycling Center, Scott Emergency Communication Center, and Water Company during Friday Bus Tour