Applications are being accepted through Monday, Sept. 28 for COSA University, the City of San Angelo’s citizens academy.

COSA U (as in City of San Angelo University) is an eight-month program from October through May that seeks to inform and illuminate citizens on how and why their city government works as it does. Among the topics to be explored are water, streets, garbage collection, community and economic development, public safety, parks and recreation, and opportunities to serve.

The class will meet at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month for up to two hours in varying City facilities. There is no cost to participate. The only requirements are that participants be at least 18 years old, live inside the city limits and fill out a short application at cosatx.us/cosau. A panel of City officials will choose the program’s participants.

Twenty-five citizens graduated from COSA University’s first class in May. Afterward, they surprised the organizers by suggesting that each session be extended from 90 minutes to two hours to allow for more information, more discussion and more questions-and-answers following presentations.

“We were mightily impressed by the level of interest and engagement in our first class,” Public Information Officer Anthony Wilson said. “COSA U accomplished what we were hoping it would. It engaged citizens in their municipal government and enabled them to explain to their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers how and why City government operates as it does. It also exposed them to the opportunity to volunteer their service on our 19 boards and commissions.

“We’ll be looking for similar results in the coming year.”

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at info@cosatx.us or 325-481-2727.

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