Puyallup 101: Your Community's Civics

“This has been an eye-opening course. Glad to learn about how the City is ran and how it contributes to the well-being of its residents.” - Program participant, 2020 class

Come Learn About Your Local Government

Have you ever wondered how the City operates? How does it maintain streets and parks? Manage the budget? Make decisions? 

If so, we encourage you to register for this free eight-week civics course. Puyallup 101: Your Community’s Civics will provide insight into the workings of the City. You’ll gain a strong understanding of the organizational structure and operations of City departments, and you’ll also learn how you can become involved and make an impact in this place we call home. Community discussion and input is encouraged.

Course Objectives

  • Offer a behind-the-scenes look into how City departments operate and how decisions are made.
  • Foster communication between the City and residents, businesses and non-profit organizations.
  • Learn about your Council representatives and their experience and goals in office.
  • Encourage community members to become actively involved in decisions that affect Puyallup’s quality of life.

Participant Eligibility

  • Be a Puyallup resident, business owner, or work in the city.
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Must not be running for, or currently serving in, a political office.
  • Must be willing to commit to attending at least six of the eight classes to receive a certificate of completion.
P101 Civics Photo

Registration is now closed.
Please check back in the Fall for our second quarter of classes.

Questions?

Erica Unruh, 253-864-4184
Community Relations Coordinator
eunruh@puyallupwa.gov

Spring 2022 Class Schedule 

All classes are from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Thursdays, for eight weeks. This course will resume in-person for the Spring, beginning Thursday,  April 21, 2022. The course schedule is below.

Class DateClass TopicPresenting Department
04/21  Local Government 101 / City FinancesCity Manager's Office / Finance / Mayor
04/28  Maintaining our CityPublic Works
05/05   Where Your Water GoesWater Pollution Control Plant
05/12   Building and Planning for our CityDevelopment & Permitting Services
05/19   Keeping our Community SafePolice Department
05/26   Justice within the CommunityMunicipal Court
06/02   Our Community ServicesLibrary / Parks & Recreation
06/09   Preparing and Responding / Course GraduationEmergency Management

**Please note that not all classes will be held at City Hall - some classes will be held off-site at other City locations (e.g., Public Safety Building, Water Plant), so adequate transportation is required. All locations have sufficient on-site parking.