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Oct 28, 2024

Applications for the Highlands Ranch Citizen’s Academy engagement program open - Colorado Community Media

After 25 years of being a homeowner in Highlands Ranch, Al Duff now fully appreciates what the community has to offer. This is thanks to Duff’s participation in the Highlands Ranch Citizen’s Academy

After 25 years of being a homeowner in Highlands Ranch, Al Duff now fully appreciates what the community has to offer.

This is thanks to Duff’s participation in the Highlands Ranch Citizen’s Academy engagement program.

“I found that I fell more in love with my community as my experiences with the Citizens Academy just really made clear how special Highlands Ranch is,” said Duff.

Duff and his wife moved to Highlands Ranch in 1999, built a home and raised their children in the community. His work took him out of the state for a time, but when he came back in 2021, he felt it was time to get more involved in the community.

Duff graduated from the Highlands Ranch Citizen’s Academy in 2023 and encourages everyone interested in learning about how the local government works and how residents’ money is spent, to take part in the program.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is offering the program to Highlands Ranch residents who are 18 years or older and willing to commit to attending eight evening sessions in the first two months of 2025.

The academy, which was established in 2020, aims to build civic capacity of residents. Participants are introduced to key topics and issues in the community such as local government and public safety.

“From the water treatment facilities that we have here to fire rescue, the county commissioners – all of those entities meld together,” said Duff.

Other topics include local services such as parks, recreation and open space, public works, financial stability and the history of Highlands Ranch.

Fascinated by the water and wastewater system provided by Centennial Water and Sanitation, Duff ran for a seat on the water board following his time at the academy.

Participants will also get to learn about local leadership and services provided by the Highlands Ranch Community Association and community partners.

Learning about the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also left a lasting impression on Duff.

“That really opened my eyes to the amount of work they do in keeping the community safe and ensuring that crime is kept at bay,” said Duff.

He also enjoyed learning about what the Metro District does, such as keeping the walking paths clear and cleaning up graffiti around the community.

Sessions will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday nights in January and February at locations throughout Highlands Ranch. Each will focus on a different topic while engaging in a variety of activities – Q&As with local subject matter experts, presentations,networking with local leaders and more.

Participants who attend all eight sessions will receive recognition at a graduation ceremony.

There is no cost to participate in the program as it is funded by the Metro District and its community partners. As the class size is limited, the metro district will be accepting applications through Friday, Nov. 15.

The application can be found on the Highlands Ranch Metro District’s website at https://tinyurl.com/2mrn7sst. Contact Sherry Eppers at [email protected] with questions about the application process and program.