Washougal celebrates Citizen Academy graduates

The city of Washougal celebrated the graduation of its second Washougal Citizen Academy cohort on Oct. 27.

A group of Washougal residents completed six weeks of hands-on learning about city operations, leadership, and civic engagement in September and October.

“We’re so grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to building a stronger, more connected Washougal,” the city said in a Facebook post.

The city launched the program in the spring of 2025 to educate and engage residents in local government. The first cohort met weekly from mid-April to late May.

During the sessions, city leaders deliver presentations on a variety of topics, including general government, finance and budget, community development, public works, public safety, and community services and strategy.

“(We want) to engage the community by providing citizens with the opportunity to access local government,” said Rose Jewell, the academy’s supervisor and Washougal community engagement manager.

The city is inviting residents to apply for the next cohort, which will meet weekly from April 16 to May 21, 2016. For more information and to apply, visit cityofwashougal.us/CitizenAcademy.