The Village of Orland Park is bringing back its Citizens Academy for a second year, giving residents and local business owners an opportunity to learn more about how their local government operates.
The eight-week program began Sept. 17 and continues through Nov. 5. Sessions are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, with participants meeting with village departments, elected officials and staff throughout the program.
Orland Park Outreach Coordinator Dean Casper said the program is designed to give residents a better understanding of the work that takes place behind the scenes.
“This is designed to give residents a detailed look into what each department does,” Casper said.
The inaugural Citizens Academy received a positive response from participants, Casper said, with many telling village officials they found the experience worthwhile.
“All those who took part felt it was very worthwhile,” he said.
That response helped bring the program back for a second year, with interest continuing to grow.
“We have an enormous amount of interest in this program,” Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge said.
Casper said the response this year was just as strong as it was during the inaugural program.
“This year, same as last year, the response was overwhelming, and we are accommodating as many residents as possible,” Casper said. “The residents not selected are being placed on a wait list for this year or given first chance at registration next year.”
This year’s class was capped at 45 participants and includes residents ranging in age from their early 20s to 80.
Casper said the range of participants helps create an opportunity for people from different generations and backgrounds to learn more about their community and the people who serve it.
The academy also gives residents and village employees a chance to interact directly and develop a better understanding of one another.
“This dispels a lot of myths and really gives us the chance to interact with the community and they, in turn, get to know us,” Casper said.
The Citizens Academy is open to Orland Park residents, business owners and local high school juniors and seniors with parental consent. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and preference is given to those who live or work in the village.
The program covers a different area of village government each week.
The first session, held Sept. 17, featured the Village Manager’s Office, Communications and Marketing, Human Resources and Information Technology. The session was held in the Village Hall Board Room, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave.
The Mayor’s Office and Clerk’s Office are featured Sept. 24, followed by Public Works on Oct. 1 and Recreation and Parks on Oct. 8.
Development Services will be the focus Oct. 15. Participants will then get an inside look at the Police Department and dispatch operations Oct. 22. That session will be held at the Police Department Training Facility, 10609 163rd Place.
Engineering will be featured Oct. 29, with the final session focusing on Finance on Nov. 5.
The 2026 Citizens Academy is now at capacity, and the village is no longer accepting applications.
With the program entering its second year, village officials said future sessions may be offered based on community interest. Residents who were unable to participate this year can watch for information about the 2027 Citizens Academy.
