RIVER FALLS – On Thursday, May 18, two dozen City of River Falls community members will receive recognition and celebrate completion of River Falls 101, the city’s first-ever citizens academy program. The program, which is open to City of River Falls residents and free of charge, saw an inaugural cohort of 24 community members who ranged in age from 17 to 80+.

Hoping to both deepen the community’s understanding of city operations and strengthen city-community connections, Assistant City Administrator Jason Stroud worked closely with staff to conceptualize River Falls 101, which kicked off with its first session on Feb. 2.  

Stroud explains, “The city enrolls all newly hired employees in an internal program called ‘Passport to the City,’ which provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at departments from Fire and Police to Community Development and Water/Wastewater. Having seen firsthand how the program has given new employees a deeper understanding of the organization, I wanted to offer a similar experience to residents. We’re fortunate that, from the beginning, the Mayor and Council have been enthusiastically supportive of these efforts.”

The seven River Falls 101 sessions took place at locations throughout River Falls, including City Hall, River Falls Police Department, River Falls Public Library, River Falls Fire Department and training tower, and the city’s public works facility and wastewater treatment plant.

“Every time I come home from a River Falls 101 class, I tell everyone I know!” River Falls 101 participant Lesley Williams commented. “Each session, I’m truly amazed and inspired by this community we live in.”

The graduation celebration will allow the cohort to meet Mayor Dan Toland and City Administrator Scot Simpson.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the River Falls 101 participants,” Simpson said. “I’ve enjoyed hearing about the session activities and reviewing the overwhelmingly positive feedback that the participants have shared with us. Several of the participants have expressed interest in participating in City of River Falls boards and commissions, and we have recruited at least one new election worker through River Falls 101.”

The next round of River Falls 101 is planned for early 2024. Interested residents should watch the city’s website, e-newsletter, and social media pages for more information later this year.

Submitted by City of River Falls