LAKE HAVASU CITY — Lake Havasu City celebrates the successful completion of the first-ever Havasu Residents Academy. The inaugural class of 22 residents completed the multi-week program this week, officially becoming the first group to experience the Academy’s behind-the-scenes look at local government.
The Havasu Residents Academy was established in response to a citizen survey, which revealed community interest in gaining a deeper understanding of City operations and learning how decisions are made. Those conversations, echoed across public meetings and interactions at City Hall, inspired the City Manager’s Office to develop a hands-on program to bring residents into the heart of municipal operations.
Over the past eight weeks, participants stepped into spaces that most community members never see. They toured a fire station, police facility, water treatment site, courthouse, aquatic center, and the public works yard. The graduates spent time speaking directly with City leadership about policies, priorities, and long-term goals. Each week brought new insights, new connections, and a deeper understanding of the work that keeps Lake Havasu City running.
City Manager Jess Knudson said that the Academy is already strengthening relationships between residents and their local government. “When community members meet employees, ask questions, and see our operations up close, it builds trust and understanding,” Knudson said. “I greatly appreciated this group’s participation, thoughtful dialogue, and thought-provoking questions. They will shape the future of this program.”
What began as a gathering of neighbors quickly evolved into a cohort of informed and empowered community ambassadors. Graduates shared that the Academy opened their eyes to the complexity, dedication, and collaboration behind City services, and many expressed interest in staying involved and encouraging others to participate in future sessions.
“This has been an amazing learning experience. It was great to learn how all the City departments work together to keep the City running,” said graduate Lori Johnson. “We feel comfortable that our leaders are planning for future growth in our city. We have an amazing team from the Mayor and City Council, all the Department Heads, as well as the loyal staff members.”
The graduation ceremony recognized both the participants’ dedication and the meaningful connections formed during the program. For the City, the event signaled a renewed commitment to collaborative civic engagement and a deeper partnership with the community it serves.
With the success of this first Academy, Lake Havasu City will continue to expand the program, with the next session anticipated for spring 2026. More details will be shared as planning progresses.
