Bismarck, N.D. – The City of Bismarck has welcomed a new group of participants to the Bismarck Citizen Academy as the program begins its fifth year of offering residents an inside look at local government operations.

The first session, held Thursday evening, marked the start of a multi-week series designed to provide a transparent and educational overview of how the city serves its community.

During the opening installment, cadets learned about the Municipal Court, as well as the Legal, Human Resources, and Administration departments, and the role of the City Commission.

City officials said the Citizen Academy is intended to help residents better understand city services, decision-making processes, and the responsibilities of various departments. Over the next three months, the city plans to share highlights and experiences from this class’s journey through the program.

Residents interested in participating in the next session of the Bismarck Citizen Academy will be able to apply in November. Additional information about the program is available through the city’s official website.