Applications Open for 2025 Holly Springs Citizens Academy, Giving Participants an Inside Look and Deep Understanding of Town Government
Interested in gaining a deeper understanding about how Town government services work for you? Consider applying for the Holly Springs Citizens Academy!
Interactive, hands-on experiences cover Town government topics, spanning everything from Council meetings to parks and recreation, community safety to yard waste collection, and more! During the seven-session program, Citizens Academy participants learn firsthand what it takes to serve the growing number of residents and businesses that call Holly Springs home.
Here’s what last year’s participants said about the program:
“Participating in a program that allows me to see how the Town works from the inside has been eye-opening.” – Beatrice Seck
“I’ve been able to meet great people that can answer about any question about the Town, and I’ve learned all kinds of things.” – Daniel Fenton
“It was a unique opportunity for us not only to hear what is going on but be able to know and understand where we can find … details, how the community is managed and decisions are made.” – Jonatan Alejo
“It starts with understanding the Town Council, economic development, parks, traffic, police, safety. It’s the whole works, and I am so pleased for this time to really understand how much work goes on behind the scenes.” – Kit Veal
“It’s been really cool to get to see the people who work, day in and day out, to make this a great place for me and my kids.” – Zac Penix.
Applications are open at www.hollyspringsnc.gov/citizensacademy January 3-31 for this year’s academy. Participants must be able to attend all seven sessions held Thursday nights, February 20 through April 15, 5:30-8 p.m. During the academy, the in-person sessions are held at various Town facilities with graduation at a Town Council meeting. Each session includes an introduction followed by interactive, hands-on activities. A group Q&A session with staff concludes each evening. Sessions also include an informal meal where participants can enjoy friendly conversations and build relationships.
Session topics include:
Overview of Town Government: The Holly Springs Citizens Academy kicks off by exploring the government structure of Holly Springs and participants getting a chance to talk to elected officials! Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie and Town Manager Randy Harrington provide an in-depth understanding of local government, followed by participants playing the roles of council members and the public in a mock council meeting. The evening will also feature a Q&A with Town Council members. The session will be topped off with a tour of Town Hall.
Managing Traffic: Traffic management was identified as one of residents’ top priorities in the most recent community survey. Participants will learn why solutions to traffic issues are so complex and take part in a hands-on exercise that will demonstrate the roadblocks that can arise for funded projects.
Shaping Holly Springs: Holly Springs is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Wake County. In this eye-opening evening, residents will learn about tools the Town uses to manage growth and receive a unique opportunity to hear about how we recruit businesses to Holly Springs. Participants will learn about how growth has occurred in Holly Springs, how the Town plans for growth, and rules that govern how the Town regulates development proposals. Participants will also learn how economic development recruitment is attracting thousands of jobs, increasing commercial investment to balance the tax base, and serving as a major driver for the Town’s economy now and in the future.
Community Safety: Holly Springs is known for being one of the safest towns in North Carolina, and its fire department has an ISO #1 rating, making it one of the best in the nation. Get an inside look at why Holly Springs provides such a high level of public safety for residents. Expect hands-on activities. Last year, participants were shown what a traffic stop looks like from an officer’s perspective and ran lidar and radar on passing vehicles to understand the importance of traffic enforcement. Holly Springs firefighters helped participants try on firefighting gear and feel what operating a fire hose is like.
Parks & Recreation: Academy participants will experience the behind-the-scenes operations of a dynamic parks and recreation department by learning the benefits beyond the fun and games and through hands-on safety and planning exercises. As the Town prepares to build the new Eagles Landing Park, learn how tough decisions are made when choosing amenities for the community to enjoy. A VIP tour of Ting Stadium will also be included.
Keeping the Town Running (Above & Below the Ground): Citizens Academy participants get special access into the facilities where unsung heroes quietly keep the Town running daily. Evening activities include a comprehensive tour of the Town’s wastewater treatment facility and an explanation of the concept of “one water” covering drinking water, flushing toilets, and reclaimed water. Then on to the Public Works facility to find out how a call to 311 leads to crews being dispatched to answer a request. Learn about yard waste carts, how to properly place excessive yard waste loads, and more.
Money Matters & Community Connections: Experience the process that goes into weighing the needs of a growing town and building an annual operating budget. During the activity, participants will learn the key elements of the Town’s finances, review realistic requests for funding, and gain an understanding of the decision process that goes into building a Town budget. Then, dive into how the Town’s Communications & Marketing team and 311 staff are building connections with the community.
“I am thrilled with the community’s enthusiasm to learn more about their local government,” said Holly Springs Town Manager Randy Harrington about last year’s academy. “Holly Springs is filled with people who care deeply about their community, and the Citizens Academy has given staff a wonderful opportunity to answer questions and give participants direct access to the talented Town staff members who help to create and support our amazing quality of life.”
