City of Berkley Launches Mayor's Academy on Services and Budget

The City of Berkley is launching the Mayor’s Academy on Services and Budget as part of an effort to inform and educate residents about City priorities, operations and budgeting.

Sixteen residents have been appointed by the City Council to the academy’s first cohort, which will meet weekly for up to 10 weeks starting Sept. 12. The list of appointed residents is here on page 178. The academy and appointments were approved by the City Council during its Aug. 14 meeting.

“Understanding the City of Berkley’s priorities, services and budgeting is important to anyone who lives, works or owns property in our community,” Mayor Bridget Dean said. “The City can help meet this need by providing educational opportunities for residents to gain a better understanding of how we provide and fund services and the fiscal challenges each department faces.

“Through the Mayor’s Academy on Services and Budget, we hope to dispel community misunderstandings, misconceptions and myths about City operations, services and funding – and continue to engage and enhance partnerships with our residents.”

City staff created curriculum for the academy that will inform and educate participants on how department priorities are formed, potential future budget cuts and savings to the City’s general fund and the revenues needed to fund annual operating expenses and designated funds, equipment, major repairs, renovations, improvements and other infrastructure.

Academy participants will learn about City services and how they are provided directly from the employees who deliver them. They also will review the scope of services, the challenges departments face and City budgets to identify possible changes, which then will be recommended to the City Council for consideration.   

The academy will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at a location to be determined. These meetings will be open to community members, but there will not be opportunity for public comment. Please reach out to communications@berkleymich.net if you are interested in details to attend as a member of the community. 

A second cohort of the academy likely will take place in fall 2024.