Sandy Springs City Council hosted the 2025 Sandy Springs Citizens’ Leadership Academy graduation during its work session on March 4.
The city designed the multi-week program to empower and educate residents and businesses within our community. It focused on local government, civic responsibility, and community leadership. Participants attended 10 sessions over four months. Topics included city management, public safety and emergency management, financial management and budgeting, facilities, community development, IT, and public works.
Council member John Paulson said he talked to several class members. He said they repeatedly told him how enthusiastic city staff sounded when they made presentations to the Leadership Academy participants.
Theodore Davis III spoke about the Citizens’ Leadership Academy during the public comment portion of the meeting. As a member of the first Leadership Academy class, he knows that the program is effective.
“For one I’d say that the program has more than succeeded in its main goal, educating residents about the city’s functions so that they’re better equipped to participate in the local community and help contribute to the city’s overall well-being,” Davis said.
Mayor Rusty Paul said the feedback he’s received is that participants and city staff are highly engaged in the program.
“But I want to thank you for your interest in your community, your engagement in your community, and the time that you spend learning about your community. It’s very, very important that people truly understand what we do and why we do it,” Paul said.
City manager Eden Freeman said applications for the next Citizens’ Leadership Academy should be available in late June.
