In an effort to promote citizen engagement and to provide an overview of the operations of its local government organization, Medford Township has established the Local Government Institute. The Institute is a forum for interested residents and local business owners to learn about their local government. It is designed to provide a learning experience beginning with an overview of the three power centers of local government and the concept of empowerment civics through the various roles and services provided by their government organization.
The Institute is planned to run for eight weeks on Tuesday evenings beginning September 8 and ending December 15 with a graduation ceremony at the Township Council meeting. Each session will be approximately 2.5 hours each starting at 7 p.m. The course will include presentations, interactive sessions and tours that will be led by staff and professionals.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The course will be limited to approximately 25 students. Depending on community interest, additional courses may be scheduled. The Institute is free to the participants.
The objectives of the course are to advance citizen advocacy and participation in local government, educate the community on what their local government does for them, provide an opportunity to see the operations of their local government and demonstrate what is provided through local property tax and utility rates.
Click here for more information and the class schedule, and here for the application. Application Forms may be e-mailed to the attention of bportocalis@medfordtownship.com, faxed to (609) 714–1790, mailed or hand-delivered to the Medford Municipal Building at 17 North Main Street, Medford 08055.
For more information, contact Beth Portocalis at (609) 654–2608 x338.
