Central ND News

Bismarck is inviting residents, business owners, and college students to apply for the 2026 Citizen Academy. The application period will be open throughout November, with up to 20 participants selected for the program.

The Citizen Academy is a 12-week interactive course that provides an inside look at Bismarck’s municipal government. Participants will learn about city departments, decision-making processes, and public service delivery. The program includes tours of city facilities and opportunities to meet department directors and elected officials.

“Citizen Academy is really something unique to Bismarck,” said Bismarck Assistant City Administrator Doug Wiles. “No other municipality in the state provides this opportunity for its citizens to come into the organization. We pull back the curtain, so to speak, have some very open conversations, try to answer all the questions and tour the ins and outs of our facilities. Attendees come away with a significantly greater understanding of just how dynamic the city is and hopefully a greater appreciation of what we do for our citizens and community.”

Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, attending all sessions, and only one participant per household may join. After applications close on November 30, submissions will be reviewed and scored. Selected participants will be notified in December and must visit the City/County building for an identification badge and course materials.

Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays at 6 p.m., starting January 8 at the City/County Building. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony during a City Commission meeting in April.

Applications can be submitted online from November 1 through November 30. More information about the Citizen Academy program is available on the city's website.