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 March 3, 2026 or until full. Applicants will be notified the week of March 6th, if they are selected for the Spring 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
March 17, 2026
Introduction to Local Government
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
March 24, 2026
Community Relations (Website, Marketing, Events)
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
March 31, 2026
Conference Center & Tourism Department
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
April 7, 2026
Economic Development
Elevate Douglas
8520 Bowden Street
April 14, 2026
Local Government Finances (Budget, Taxes, Capital Funds)
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
April 21, 2026
Break
Break
April 28, 2026
Community Development (Zoning, Permits, Code Compliance)
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA
May 5, 2026
Public Services (sanitation, recycling, fleet, facilities)
Cedar Mountain RD
8145 Cedar Mountain Rd
Douglasville GA
May 12, 2026
Public Safety
Douglasville Public Safety Complex
Community Room
2183 Fairburn Road, Douglasville GA
May 19, 2026
Parks & Recreation
Jesse Davis Park
7775 Malone Rd, Suite 300
Douglasville GA
June 1, 2026
Graduation
Douglasville Conference Center
6700 Church Street
Douglasville GA

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