Citizens Academy

Moving Stonecrest Forward One Citizen at a Time. The City of Stonecrest Citizens Academy

About the Stonecrest Citizens Academy

The Citizens Academy is a free interactive program created to inform residents about their local government, including the roles and services provided by the City of Stonecrest. Candidates will have the opportunity to take a closer look "behind the seal", learn firsthand from City employees, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Stonecrest's government operates.

Goals

The Citizens Academy focuses on educating residents, business owners, and area stakeholders on how the City's operations contribute to improving the quality of life throughout Stonecrest. The program will inspire and inform attendees on the best practices to maintain their properties, budget for expenses, and enhance the structure's aesthetics, while increasing the value of their property.

It is anticipated that the following goals will be achieved through this program:

  • Knowledge: Improving participants' understanding of local government while learning more about community issues and concerns.
    • Participants get a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at how services and programs are provided.
    • Participants better understand what is needed to run a city.
  • Involvement: Improving the quality and quantity of citizen participation with an emphasis on underrepresented communities in local government.
    • Participants learn how they can be more involved.
    • Many participants go on to become volunteers, including service on an appointed advisory board or committee.
  • Engagement: Improving the lines of communication and relationship between residents, business owners, students, and their local government.
    • Participants have the opportunity to connect with community leaders of all backgrounds.
    • Participants and City Officials create relationships that foster enhanced communication.

Qualifications and Submissions for Admissions

  • Applicants must be a Stonecrest resident or a Stonecrest business owner.
  • To complete the application process, applicants will need to bring a government-issued ID and a printed copy of the completed application to City Hall. (If the ID does not have a Stonecrest address, then the business license should be presented.)
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicants must commit to attending all sessions, including orientation and graduation. (Maximum of 1 excused absence with a makeup opportunity available). Orientation and Graduation attendance are required.
  • Applicants must have an interest in learning about the City of Stonecrest.
  • During an election year, applicants running for office or affiliated with a campaign are not eligible to participate until the election cycle is over.

Program Schedule

The Stonecrest Citizens Academy consists of six sessions. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Classes will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The class size is limited to 30 participants. The final required session to attend will be held on Monday, April 27, at the City Council meeting.

Open enrollment runs from Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, through Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

View the Spring 2026 Session Schedule (PDF). All residents and business owners are encouraged to apply.

Course Sessions Will Highlight the Following

  • Building Department
  • City Attorney's Office
  • City Manager's Office
  • City Clerk's Office
  • City Engineering
  • Code Enforcement
  • Communications
  • Community Engagement
  • DeKalb Police East Precinct
  • Economic Development
  • Finance Department
  • Human Resources
  • Municipal Court Clerk's Office
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Planning and Zoning

Stonecrest Citizens Academy Application

Access the application here.

Contact

For additional information regarding the program, please email the Citizens Academy. 

Funding Overview

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which was signed into law by President Joseph Biden on March 11, 2021, the City of Stonecrest received $9.7 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The goal of these funds is to provide vital support to state and local governments as they address the negative health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on their communities. Based on the results of a communitywide survey, the Stonecrest City Council approved the allocation of $25,000 in ARPA funds for the establishment and support of a new Citizens Academy.