A new pilot program with bilingual curriculum aimed to introduce residents to the inner workings of how Coachella operates will launch in October, city officials announced Thursday.
“Our vision was to develop a participatory program to engage and better inform members of the community about the inner workings of our local government, and to receive their honest feedback on how we can all work together toward common goals to keep our City thriving,” said Mayor Steven Hernandez in a statement.
The seven-week “Coachella Resident Engagement Academy” program is set to be held Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Oct. 3 at the Coachella Library, according to Coachella public information officer Risseth Lora. Residents aged 16 or older can apply to the program until Sept. 8 at coachella.com.
Lora said that residents will have the opportunity to learn a different topic each session, which will feature speakers from the city’s staff and partners.
Among the topics will be the functions of the city manager’s office, economic development, community health and wellness, and community engagement, according to Lora. The program will conclude Nov. 21 with a graduation ceremony featuring acknowledgements to all participants by the Mayor and city council members.
Residents who successfully complete the program will receive a $250 stipend, Lora said.
More information can be found at coachella.com.