Title
Orland Park Citizens Academy
History
Mayor James Dodge is proposing the launch of the inaugural Orland Park Citizens Academy. This seven-week course will provide participants with an inside look at how the Village of Orland Park functions, leads, and serves its residents. It is designed to foster in-depth engagement between Orland Park residents, Village departments, elected officials, and staff.
To participate in the Citizens Academy, interested individuals will be asked to submit an application online, or print and return it via email to mayor@orlandpark.org. Paper applications will also be available at the Mayor’s Office in the Village Hall. The application deadline will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Selected participants will be contacted by the Village to confirm enrollment. Preference will be given to Village of Orland Park residents and local business owners. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Orland Park high school juniors and seniors are also eligible with parental consent. The Citizens Academy will be offered on a recurring basis, subject to demand.
The first cohort will consist of 30 participants and meet from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Thursdays beginning September 18 through October 30, 2025. Upon completion of the Academy, participants will be invited to attend the Monday, November 3, 2025, Village Board meeting to be recognized by the Village Board. The schedule of weekly sessions is as follows:.
Session 1: Village Overview/Communications/Human Resources
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue - Village Hall Board Room
Session 2: Development Services
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue - Village Hall Board Room
Session 3: Recreation & Parks
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue - Village Hall Board Room
Session 4: Public Works
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue - Public Works Building
Session 5: Police Department/Dispatch
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 15100 S. Ravinia Avenue - Police Department Training Room
Session 6: Engineering, Programs, and Services
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue - Village Hall Board Room
Session 7: Finance/ Government Budgeting
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue - Village Hall Board Room
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the implementation of the Orland Park Citizens Academy Program.