If you would like to sign up for the 2026 Citizen Academy, which will start after Labor Day in September 2026, please send an email to Angie Sharp, Community Engagement Manager, at [email protected] by August 1, 2026.

For further details, please scroll down and read the following information.

The Citizen Academy is an eight-week informative, interactive program that looks into the internal values, philosophy, and operations of the City of Bettendorf. The Academy is designed to give Bettendorf residents an in-depth look at how their City government works.

Participants are provided information concerning city government. The program is designed to cultivate understanding through the education process and enhance the relationship between city government and its citizens. In addition, the academy gives city staff the opportunity to receive community feedback.

The 2025 Citizen Academy begins Thursday, September 11.
This academy is offered once a year in the fall.
You must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of the City of Bettendorf. The academy is not intended for children.
During the academy, participants may be asked to climb stairs, take part in walking tours, and sit for an extended period of time. We will do our best to accommodate any assistance needed.

Departments participating in the academy are Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development, Economic Development, Library, Family Museum, Parks & Recreation, and Administration. City staff will cover a variety of topics and issues pertaining to the City of Bettendorf. Participants will gain knowledge and insight through discussions, demonstrations, and site visits. Citizens will learn how they can play a role in the future of Bettendorf.

There are 30 individuals in each class. We try to keep the class size small so each participant can get the most out of the academy.

The Citizen Academy will run for eight weeks. Each session will last approximately three hours, 6-9 p.m. Classes will be held on Thursday nights, except for a scheduled bus tour. We would like the participants to attend every session but understand this is not always possible. We do ask that participants not miss more than two sessions.

As mentioned above, there is a bus tour, which is scheduled on a Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. During this bus tour, you will tour the Iowa American Water Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Compost Facility, Scott County Landfill, Waste Commission of Scott County, and the Scott County Emergency Communication Center. A class schedule will be available closer to the start of the academy.

No, the academy is free to Bettendorf residents.