Paducah Citizens' Academy

Contact

Cathy Bryant-Quimby

Senior Customer Experience Representative

City Hall

300 South 5th Street, P.O. 2267

Paducah, KY 42002

Phone:

270-444-8800

cbryant@paducahky.gov

Your Passport to City Government - 2026 Academy - Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2026 Paducah Citizens' Academy opens February 16 and closes March 16. The 2026 Academy will be held on nine consecutive Thursday evenings beginning April 2. (Note: There will not be a meeting on April 9 due to Spring Break). A graduation ceremony will be held at the June 9 meeting of the Paducah Board of Commissioners with a reception before the meeting.

Apply for the 2026 Paducah Citizens' Academy

Download the 2026 Paducah Citizens' Academy Flyer

The Paducah Citizens’ Academy is your Passport to City Government. The Academy connects participants to their local government through interactive sessions with the City Manager, Executive Leadership Team, and staff about the inner workings of city government. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about the floodwall, tour city facilities, and more.

The program is free to participants; however, class size is limited. Individuals 16 years of age and older who live, work, or attend school in Paducah-McCracken County are encouraged to apply. The Paducah Citizens’ Academy is similar in structure to the highly successful Citizens’ Police Academy offered through the Paducah Police Department.

Topics covered include

April 2 - City Government 101 (Administration, City Clerk, Customer Experience, Grants, and Communications)
April 16 - Serving with Pride (Police Department and E911)
April 23 - Internal Services (Technology and Human Resources Departments)
April 30 - Dollars and Sensibility (Finance Department)
May 7 - Always Something to Do (Parks & Recreation Department)
May 14 - Streets, Streams, and Strategies (Engineering Department)
May 21 - Basic Necessities (Public Works Department)
May 28 - Keeping You Safe (Fire Department)
June 4 Building for Tomorrow (Planning Department)
June 9 - Reception and Graduation at City Commission Meeting

“The Paducah Citizens’ Academy gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at how city government works,” said City Manager Daron Jordan. “Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, the Academy strengthens connections between citizens and those who serve them. Our goal is for every graduate to leave informed, inspired, and ready to share their knowledge with others. Local government can seem complex, but this program provides information on city government processes and highlights the important work—and real impact—city services and projects have on our community.”

Graduation Photos

2025

The 24 graduates of the 2025 Paducah Citizens’ Academy are as follows in alphabetical order: Kelly Alsip; Rebecca Alsip; Hanna Carrico; Gerard Dages; Jennifer Davis; Madalyn Davis; Sam Davis; Chris Dockins; Leighia Eggett; Katie Flowers; Andrew Hunt; Mary Lamble; Dana McAfee; Jason McHaney; Amanda McIntosh; Lauren McMackin; Sharon Mumford; Joel Quimby; Jill Slayden; Dan Stayton; Julie Stayton; Jennifer Swanson; Joseph Taylor; and Amie Tooley.

Photo: The Paducah Board of Commissioners and City staff recognized the Paducah Citizens’ Academy graduates at the June 24 City Commission meeting. A few of the participants were not able to attend the ceremony.

graduates of Paducah Citizens' Academy pictured with members of the Board and City staff

2020-2024