Bismarck, N.D. – Bismarck residents, business owners, and college students interested in learning how the city’s government operates are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Bismarck Citizen Academy during the month of November.

The Citizen Academy is a 12-week interactive program that offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at the departments that make up Bismarck’s municipal government. Up to 20 applicants will be selected for the 2026 class. Participants will gain valuable insights into how the city makes decisions, the challenges it faces, and how essential services are delivered to the public.

In addition to touring city departments and meeting staff, participants will have the opportunity to engage with department directors and elected officials.

“Citizen Academy is really something unique to Bismarck,” said 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.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to attend all sessions, and only one participant per household is allowed. Once the application period closes, submissions will be reviewed and scored. Up to 20 participants, along with potential alternates, will be notified in December. Selected attendees will need to visit the City/County Building to receive an identification badge and a course binder.

Sessions will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursdays in January, February, and March, starting on January 8 at the City/County Building. A short graduation ceremony will take place during a City Commission meeting in April.

Applications can be completed online anytime between November 1 and 30. Additional information about the program is available on the city’s website.