PHOTO #1: At the final regular Citizens Academy session, participants took part in a graduation ceremony and received certificates acknowledging their participation in the program. Shown from left are Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel and Citizens Academy graduate Kelsea Sumner.
PHOTO #2: From left, Councilman Mark Loffgren, Councilman Steven Kidder, Mayor Duane Crocker, Councilwoman Jan Scott and City Manager Jesús A. Garza participate in a panel discussion during the 2025 Citizens Academy.
PHOTO #3: 2025 Citizens Academy participants tour the construction site of the new Public Safety Headquarters.
The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs on March 6 concluded the 2025 Citizens Academy with a panel featuring the mayor and members of City Council.
During this free five-week program, leaders from various City departments and partner organizations taught participants about their local government. Participants also had the option of attending tours of the Victoria Office of Emergency Management, the Victoria Fire Department fire drill field, the Victoria Surface Water Treatment Plant and the Public Safety Headquarters.
“Our goal is to create an impactful environment where residents learn and engage in two-way dialogue with the decision-makers who strive to enhance the livability of our community,” Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel said. “I’m hopeful that our participants will stay engaged through our alumni program and use the many City tools we make available to them to stay informed and share information with others.”
At the end of the final session, residents participated in a graduation ceremony and received certificates acknowledging their participation in Citizens Academy.
The path to distinguished citizenship
Residents who complete all three City of Victoria educational programs: Citizens Academy, the Civilian Police Academy and the Civilian Responder Program—will earn the title of Distinguished Citizen and will be formally recognized during a City Council meeting in the fall.
Stay connected
Applications for the 2026 Citizens Academy will open in the fall. For more information about the program, visit www.victoriatx.gov/citizensacademy.
View photos from the 2025 Citizens Academy.