Citizens Academy Profile

Through a seven-week series, attendees of the Hennepin County Citizens Academy learn how county government works. The Citizens Academy features topics like winter road plowing, light rail transit and property tax assessment. Participants meet county leaders and learn about all the services the county provides. The series is free to the public, and we spoke with Char Coal to learn more about her experience.

Char Coal

Where do you live?

I've lived in the Loring Park neighborhood near downtown Minneapolis for more than 10 years, and am a candidate for an undergraduate degree in Multidisiplinary Studies at the University of Minnesota in the upcoming year.

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How did you hear about the Citizens Academy?

I received an email from the Hennepin County Citizens Academy.

Why did you decide to participate?

I am a resident and consumer of various services provided by Hennepin County, and also interested in how government functions. I believed the Academy would provide me with an overview, that included presenters that would allow me to ask questions. Participation would also give me the opportunity to tour facilities, as opposed to reading about Hennepin County government on the internet.

What has your previous experience with Hennepin County been like? Does this help your understanding of how the organization functions?

Overall it has been good. I am a member of the Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council, and was a participant in the Hennepin County Sheriff's Academy. My knowledge of Hennepin County government services has increased. There are numerous aspects of Hennepin County government of which I was not aware. Also, I was amazed at the enormity of the county.

What has been the most interesting session so far? Which facility did you enjoy touring most?

The most interesting session was Week 6: Public Safety. We toured the new Hennepin County Sheriff's office 911 Emergency Communications Facility. When I participated in the Hennepin County Sheriff's Academy, we visited the previous facility located in Golden Valley. It was interesting to see how the emergency communications service is currently at a sophisticated stage of technology.

What were your biggest takeaways?

My takeaway from the Academy experience was in hearing from administrators and understanding the varied and tremendous responsibilities Hennepin County administrators and their staff have to provide essential services to its residents. Although they may fall short at times in deliverables, there always seems to be a willingness to understand how to "raise the bar" for services rendered.

 

Char Coal resides in the Loring Park neighborhood. The Hennepin County Citizens Academy is held twice yearly, in the spring and fall. For a summary of each session, see below or click here. To stay informed about the fall session, click here.

• Week 1: Your county government
• Week 2: Sustainable development and transit, economic development and environmental services
• Week 3: Health and medical services
• Week 4: Human services
• Week 5: Law enforcement and corrections
• Week 6: Emergency management, transportation and county fleet
• Week 7: County Attorney’s Office, 4th Judicial District Court, collaborations, volunteering and jobs