Dose of Douglasville: A Citizens Academy

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A Dose of Douglasville is a 10-week program to acquaint residents of Douglasville with the structure of the City government and services provided. The Academy provides residents with information, resources, and tools to become knowledgeable community members and effective neighborhood leaders. City staff will conduct interactive sessions with expertise in their respective departments.

Program Objectives

  • To provide an introduction to City Leaders and Staff
  • To provide information and materials that will enable citizens to understand how departments that make up our local government serve our community and understand the processes involved.
  • To provide citizens with information to enable them to successfully navigate and unravel the “red tape” syndrome of what can be a complex system of government operations and services.
  • To create a closer working partnership between the residents of Douglasville and it's local government.

Program Description

The Douglasville Citizens’ Academy is a ten (10) week program held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., one evening a week (Tuesdays) ending with a graduation ceremony.

Classes will include an overview of City government and pertinent information from City departments. At the end of the program, participants should have an increased understanding of the organizational structure and operations of the various City departments that impact the quality of life in the City of Douglasville.

Graduates of the Academy will be prepared to have a role in the future of their neighborhoods and the City overall through government/citizens interaction.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a resident, work, or own a business in the City of Douglasville and must be 18 years or older to participate in the program. Classes are limited to 20 participants. Class rosters will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Current registration is open through August 23, 2026 or until full. Applicants will be notified the week of August 31st, if they are selected for the Fall 2026 class.

Cost

Your time! There is no charge for the program. The only cost is your time, effort, and commitment.

Class Topics and Schedule

Date
Topic
Location
September 15, 2026
Introduction to Local Government
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
September 22, 2026
Local Government Finances (Budget, Taxes, Capital Funds)
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
September 29, 2026
Community Relations (Website, Marketing, Events)
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
October 6, 2026
Community Development
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
October 13, 2026
Public Services (sanitation, recycling, fleet, facilities)

Cedar Mountain Facility
8145 Cedar Mountain Road
Douglasville GA

October 20, 2026
Conference Center & Tourism
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
October 27, 2026
Parks & Recreation

Douglasville Youth Innovation Lab
8828 Gurley Road
Douglasville GA

November 3, 2026 

Elevate Douglas
Economic Development

Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
November 10, 2026
Public Safety
Douglasville Public Safety Complex
Community Room
2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville GA
Monday, November 16, 2026
Graduation
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA

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