OROVILLE — The city is launching “Civics 101,” a series of classes for the public aimed at improving relations and communication between citizens and Oroville’s government departments.
“The purpose is to invite a more positive collaboration between the city and the community, said Patrick Piatt, Oroville community development director. “And, to make government less scary to people, easier for them to understand and work with.”
The series of 60- to 90-minute classes will be held in the City Council Chambers at 1735 Montgomery St., on the second Thursday of the month starting at 6 p.m. beginning March 14 and running through Nov. 14.
Advance registration for “Civics 101” is required. Applications are available online at the city’s website. Other than making a commitment to attend all eight sessions, there are no requirements for registration however, space is limited to 50 people so applications will be accepted on a first come, first accepted basis.
The first class will present attendees with an overview of the series, what Piatt describes as a “teaser” for the other sessions. Each subsequent session will focus on one city department including finance, public works, code enforcement, public safety, housing, community development and fire and will be led by the head of each department. During the classes, city staff will talk about the role, responsibilities and capabilities of the different departments as well as the state and federal regulation mandates under which they are required to operate.
“I think this is a really good, an excellent educational opportunity for the public to meet the department heads, really learn about the city government and track its transparency,” said Councilor Shawn Webber.
Piatt said he created “Civics 101” because “nobody has any idea, really, about what we do other than things like police and fire services or paving roads. And, when I tell them all the things I’m working on, they are surprised by all the functions city government covers which, are many.”
The disconnect between citizens and municipal government is not unique to Oroville, said Piatt, whose career in city government spans 30 years.
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“The fact is there is a struggle between the community and city in every city I have ever worked in,” said Piatt. “These classes are meant to really provide people with a deeper understanding about how the city works and about how it can function well for them if we all work together.”
Beyond educating people about city government, Piatt said the sessions are also an “open invitation for people to participate with the city.”
“The ultimate goal is to have city government stop being looked at as a thing in people’s way, something to oppose and to look at it as an extension of themselves,” he said. “And the last thing is to demonstrate how the city really is fully transparent with everything we do and show people how to access the information, resources and assistance they need. We are here to work with and serve the community.”
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