Valpo Invites Residents to Get Involved in City Government Academy

The City of Valparaiso created its own City Government Academy as a way to inform residents about what each department does for its community, inspiring residents to become more informed and engaged. 

“The City Government Academy offers citizens a chance to spend eight weeks learning about city departments,” said Harry Peterson, a local deputy prosecuting attorney who graduated from the program in 2021. “Typically, through the program, you go to one or two departments each week. I learned about some of the things I didn’t know the city was necessarily involved in, especially water treatment and utilities programs.” Peterson enjoyed seeing how government works, even attending a City Council meeting. 

“About six months after participating, there was an opening on the Plan Commission,” Peterson said. “I accepted that role. Soon after, there was an opening on the City Council, and I ended up serving there for almost two years.” Peterson credits the City Government Academy program for helping provide him with a good foundation to serve on the Plan Commission and City Council.

Another resident who completed this program is Sarah Arnold, director of the Porter County CASA Program who graduated from the program last year. “It was a fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to meet many members of the city government and visit unique locations, including the police and fire departments, the Flint Lake water treatment facility, among others,” Arnold said. “I came away from the program with a newfound appreciation for what capable and amazing people we are fortunate to have running our city. It made me incredibly proud to live in Valparaiso.”

Arnold believes this program offers more than an opportunity to see what’s happening behind the curtain of city operations; it prepares them for taking their experience to the next level.

“The City Government Academy is an incredible opportunity, and it made me feel comfortable with and interested in assuming a greater role within the city,” Arnold said. “Recently, I applied and was appointed to the city’s Human Relations Council. I think the fact that this program exists speaks to the level of commitment the city has for its residents.” Arnold appreciated the opportunity to meet a new group of people and gain insight into the community. 

Ellen Kapitan took the City Government Academy class in 2022. Since completing the program, she went on to run for and win one of two at-large seats on the Valparaiso City Council, now serving as City Council President. She currently serves as a member of the Plan Commission, Traffic and Safety Committee, and Environmental Advisory Board. 

“I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the many city departments, and it was impactful to hear from leaders of the departments talk about their roles – big picture and day-to-day,” Kapitan said. “I appreciated being able to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what they do.”

Kapitan believes this program highlights the roles that make the community run. Along with attending City Council meetings as a citizen, she believes it had a positive impact on her deciding to run for office.

“The class built my confidence in my knowledge of city government,” Kapitan said. “Taking this class would benefit anyone interested in learning more about their local government. It gives residents a chance to gain a better understanding of how the pieces of the city work together. After these classes, I knew which departments to approach with which concerns I might have.” Participating in the program isn’t just a form of education in Kapitan’s eyes; it’s an opportunity to inspire residents. 

“It’s great for the people who want to learn or aren’t really sure about what these departments do. Plowing the streets, for example – is it the city or the county? It depends on where you live. Who’s in charge of picking up leaves in the streets? Who’s providing your water?” said Kapitan. “This program helps provide people a better understanding of what the City of Valparaiso does.”

New Class Runs May 13 to July 1

The City Government Academy is currently recruiting participants for the 2026 program, which will run from May 13 to July 1. 

Learn More and Sign Up

To learn more about the City Government Academy, visit ci.valparaiso.in.us/1635/City-Government-Academy  or contact Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton at (219) 462-1161 or mclifton@valpo.us.