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Applications now open for Civic Engagement Academy spring 2026 cohort

Published on January 12, 2026

Diverse group of approximately 60 individuals all wearing blue polo shirts, standing in a hallway in front of a vibrant piece of artwork at Huntsville City HallWant a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Huntsville operates and how you can play a role in shaping its future? Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2026 cohort of the Civic Engagement Academy (CEA).

Hosted by the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, CEA is a free program that offers residents an inside look at how local government functions and how citizens can make a meaningful impact in their community by connecting participants with City leaders, department heads and fellow residents passionate about civic life.

“CEA is a great way for residents to deepen their understanding of how Huntsville’s government works and to build connections with City leaders and neighbors,” said Dr. Randy Barbour, the City’s Multicultural Affairs Director. “This program empowers participants with the knowledge and tools to become active, informed and engaged community members.”

Alumni of the program often cite the experience as transformative.

Mayor Tommy Battle with crutches standing next to CEA graduate Carol Gentz and former Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kenny AndersonCarol Gentz, Program Projects Manager in the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department and a graduate of the spring 2023 CEA cohort, said her participation helped shape her path into local government.

“I was impressed that all of the department heads came and spent an evening with us, and they all seemed very approachable,” Gentz said. “They all seemed to really be on the same team. That influenced my interest in working for the City.”

The free program begins Tuesday, March 10, and continues each Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m., through April 28. Topics will include:

  • March 10: Orientation/How Our City Operates
  • March 17: Our City Growing
  • March 24: Our City Safe, Secure & Responding
  • March 31: Our City at Work at City Hall
  • April 7: Our City Maintaining
  • April 14: Our City Engaging
  • April 21: Our Community Resources
  • April 28: Graduation

Graphic containing photo of Huntsville City Hall overlaid in blue with the Office of Multicultural Affairs logo on left and information on how to apply for the spring 2026 CEA cohort on rightParticipants must be at least 19 years old, reside within the Huntsville city limits and have a desire to become more engaged in local government and civic life.

The deadline to apply online is Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 p.m.

To apply or learn more, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/CEA. Questions? Contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 256-883-3993 or email Randy.Barbour@HuntsvilleAL.gov.

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