On October 16th, Town officials and staff celebrated graduates of the fifth Arlington Civic Academy. Select Board Chair Diane Mahon, Town Moderator Greg Christiana, and Town Manager Jim Feeney gave brief remarks at the ceremony held in the Select Board Chambers at Town Hall.   

“Civic Academy is a great time for the Town to shine,” said Mahon. “Not only the buildings and the different areas of the town, but more importantly, the dedication of our Town employees, from our department heads to the many dedicated front-line workers in all areas of the organization.”  

“I’m really encouraged to see folks investing their time into learning more about what we do here in town,” said Christiana. “I hope they are inspired to invest more of their time strengthening the pillars of our local democracy. I think that can make a big difference.” 

"The Civic Academy continues to be one of my favorite programs we offer," said Feeney. "When residents take the time to understand how Town government functions, it leads to more productive conversations and stronger solutions for Arlington." 

Over the course of six weeks, Arlington Civic Academy featured presentations by Town officials and staff with a focus on how Arlington works and what role participants may play in Town government. In municipal buildings across town, participants and presenters engaged in discussions that ranged from Town and School budgeting to discussions on capital projects, transportation, and housing issues.   

The Civic Academy took place on Thursday evenings between Sept. 11th to Oct. 16th. Sessions provided an overview of Town governance and Town operations led by department heads, including Budgeting and Finance, Elections and the Clerk's office, Public Works, Inspectional Services, Fire and Police Departments, Health & Human Services, Planning and Community Development, and Recreation, often touching on their collaboration with Arlington's over 80 boards, committees, and commissions.  

Town officials plan to hold another session in the spring. Applications for the next Civic Academy will be announced in early 2026 via Arlington Town Notices (email) and arlingtonma.gov/civicacademy.  

Arlington Civic Academy graduates, Town Officials, and staff celebrate in the Select Board Chambers on October 16, 2025.