If you’ve ever wanted to see how the City of Powell operates behind-the-scenes, now’s your chance: The city is launching its first-ever Citizen Academy.

In a series of weekly sessions that run from September to November, participants will get an in-depth look at the city’s operations. They’ll not only cover topics like the city’s finances and zoning, but tour its parks, sewer lagoons, police department, electrical substation and garbage transfer station. Applications are due to City Hall by Thursday, Aug. 17.

City officials want to draw about a dozen participants who represent a cross-section of the community — from retirees to laborers to business owners.

“It’d be great to have as many people [that] are interested learn about the city,” Mayor John Wetzel said at the council’s July 17 meeting.

The mayor’s ultimate hope is that the academy inspires more local residents to consider serving on one of the city’s many volunteer boards, running for the city council or just becoming more involved in city government.

“If we engage them in some education about the city, they may be willing to engage in some help in keeping it running smooth,” Wetzel explained last winter, when he first floated the idea. In the months since then, city staff have been working to develop a plan for the academy.

“It was taken with open arms,” City Administrator Zack Thorington said of the response from department heads. “They think it’s a great idea.”

Sessions will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Sept. 6 and running through Oct. 18.

The academy will culminate with a graduation ceremony during the Monday, Nov. 6 city council meeting. The mayor will hand out certificates “and maybe con them into being on a board,” Thorington quipped.

Application packets — which include a complete schedule — are available at City Hall (270 N. Clark St.) or online at cityofpowell.com/public-info/. Anyone with questions can contact City Clerk Tiffany Brando at 307-754-5106 or tbrando@cityofpowell.com.