EVERETT — Interest in participating in local government seems to be building, Everett officials say.
Snohomish County’s largest city is launching an introductory civics class called Everett Essentials. The class runs Monday evenings, with two Saturday field trips, from Sept. 25 until mid-November. The cost is $50, and financial assistance is available.
Participants are asked to commit to attending most or all of the classes. Organizers aimed for an interactive and behind-the-scenes approach. Topics include public safety, local history, transit, water treatment and the animal shelter.
“This is a chance for them to learn more about how we work,” city spokeswoman Meghan Pembroke said.
In other nearby cities, including Lynnwood and Bellevue, similar classes have helped people decide new ways they can volunteer or lead within their community, or even whether to run for elected office. The class can be a pipeline to serve on boards and commissions.
The idea is to help others understand city government, “and how to plug in,” said Wendy McClure with the Office of Neighborhoods.
She and others with the city reached out to various groups to get the word out. That included Everett Community College, apartment complex managers, those who work with immigrants, and churches that offer services in Spanish.
Only 30 seats are available. Applicants must be 18, with exceptions for high school seniors. The deadline to apply through the city’s website is 5 p.m. Aug. 15. You also can call 425-257-7115 for more information.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @rikkiking.
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