The City of Carlsbad Citizens Academy is a free, seven-week program designed to help Carlsbad residents learn about their city government. The Citizens Academy is held yearly in the fall, with most sessions being held on consecutive Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 

Participants will:

• Meet City Council members, department heads and staff 
• Learn how decisions are made, how funds are allocated and how departments operate
• Enjoy comprehensive overviews of city departments, programs and services 
• Receive information on topics such as: plans for development, traffic, growth management, recreation, the environment and more
• Participate in lively discussions and interactive group activities 
• Visit and/or tour city facilities 
• Become an informed, involved citizen 

Registration details

• Applicants must be Carlsbad residents, 15 years or older
• Applications and forms are required prior to participation
• Applications are currently being accepted year-round
• Participants are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis
• Class size is limited, and spaces fill up quickly
• Applications not accepted for current session will be placed on an enrollment list for future sessions
• Plan on participating in all six sessions. Substitute attendees are not allowed.

To get started, please complete the online application. Accepted applications will receive a confirmation email from city staff.

If you prefer to download the application and mail or fax it, please send to:

Carlsbad Citizens Academy
City Council Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Fax: 760-720-9461
council@carlsbadca.gov