
2025 Zeeland's Citizen's Academy Application Window Opens February 3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Abby deRoo, Marketing Director
City of Zeeland
aderoo@cityofzeelnd.com
616-748-5906
Andrew Boatright, General Manager
Zeeland Board of Public Works
aboatright@zbpw.com
616-772-6212
2025 Zeeland’s Citizen’s Academy application window opens February 3
The City of Zeeland is preparing for the second year of its Zeeland Citizen’s Academy. Applications will be accepted February 3 – February 14, 2025.
The Zeeland Citizen’s Academy, which launched for the first time last summer, was designed to provide Zeelanders an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of their city government. Sessions offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and library, finance, IT, streets, parks, cemeteries and utilities, public safety, community development, downtown and marketing. Additional topics covered will include the basics of local government, elections, local history and more. “We didn’t exactly know what to expect when we launched the program last year;” commented Andy Boatright, ZBPW General Manager, “turns out it exceed all our expectations. We truly found this program to be mutually beneficial for our organization and the class participants. It was extremely energizing to nurture such a dedicated group of interested community members.”
The purpose of Zeeland’s Citizen’s Academy is to: educate residents, encourage new leaders and volunteers, and spread the ZEEL! “We had such a great time getting to know our 2024 class, we are very excited to begin the 2025 sessions,” commented Mayor Kevin Klynstra.
The Zeeland Citizen’s Academy is an ideal program for community leaders, current or potential future appointed/elected officials and curious residents with an interest in local affairs. Participants will increase their knowledge of City operations while demonstrating their commitment to the community, networking with fellow community members, engaging with City staff and becoming better equipped to help shape the future of the community. Participants must be 18 years or older and must meet one of the following criteria: resident of the City of Zeeland (preferred), utility customer of the Zeeland Board of Public Works, or work at an employer located within the City of Zeeland.
The City of Zeeland Citizen’s Academy will be held on Wednesdays April 16, 23, 30, and May 7, 14, 21 from 5:45-9 PM. The two-week application window will run from February 3 – February 14. Applicants will be notified by March 3 if they have been accepted into the program. The Zeeland Citizen’s Academy will have a maximum of 15 participants.
Beginning Monday, February 3, applications will be available online https://www.cityofzeeland.com/573/City-of-Zeeland-Citizens-Academy. Community members are also welcome to visit City Hall (21 S. Elm Street) during business hours and request a paper application.