Project Description s1

Project Description

The City of Lynnwood created an 8-week educational program for citizens. Its purpose was to help citizens understand City government better with the goal of increasing citizen involvement. First offered in the fall of 2003, the program was extremely successful. The

City plans to offer it again in future years. Project Summary

If someone were to mention Lynnwood University, the average person might disagree that such a place even exists. But if they were to speak with one of the first 42 graduates of Lynnwood University, they would hear about the City of Lynnwood’s innovative new program for generating citizen participation in government.

The idea for Lynnwood University is credited to Councilmember Loren

Simmonds, who had participated in another citizen program sponsored by Lynnwood’s

Police Department. He also attended a program sponsored by the City of Marysville, which was similar but significantly shorter and less comprehensive.

Councilmember Simmonds outlined his vision of Lynnwood University during the 2003-2004 budget process. Other City Council members liked the idea and voted to set aside $2,000 for the program for two years. Staff was then charged with working with

Councilmember Simmonds to create the program, using the budgeted money for such expenses as printed materials, refreshments, and extra staff time.

The final result was an eight-week educational program, covering most facets of

City government. The program began in early October 2003 and concluded just before the Thanksgiving holidays. With topics ranging form “Timber, Trolleys and

Technology” to “Cops, Courts, and Criminals”, participants were exposed to many different areas of City government. To make the sessions even more interesting, participants met in different locations, including the Municipal Court, the Fire Station, and the City’s new Heritage Park. Participants met on Thursday evenings to learn about two or three topics for approximately two hours. City Department Directors and other senior staff members provided the instruction, but staff at all levels was involved in various aspects of the planning and preparation. In addition, Gary Nelson, one of the

Snohomish County Council members, was also a presenter.

The program was initially designed for 35 participants, but with significant public interest, this number was expanded to 42 participants. At the conclusion of the eight- weeks, those 42 participants were very enthusiastic. (Forty of the participants maintained

100% attendance for all sessions.) The final evaluations contained many positive comments as well as valuable suggestions for future Lynnwood Universities. Feedback was so overwhelming that the City began maintaining a waiting list for the 2004

Lynnwood University immediately upon conclusion of the first program.

A theme through each of the sessions was the need for citizen volunteers. Staff provided participants with lots of information, including a brochure, which outlined opportunities to serve in various capacities. The brochure showcased the various boards and commissions as well as volunteer opportunities with specific City departments. Cost to the City for Lynnwood University was primarily in staff time. Since all departments were participating in some capacity or another, many, many staff was involved in planning and preparing. Actual expenditures from the $2000 budgeted for the two years was $1450, but the staff costs have not been calculated. City administration anticipates that future staff costs will be much less as departments simply tweak or update what they have already prepared for each year’s program.

The City plans to offer an even better Lynnwood University in 2004 and for future years to come. Staff plans to incorporate suggestions from the participant evaluations as well as their own ideas into the 2004 curriculum. The waiting list for the next sessions is now up to 17 and there has been no advertising. City administration is hopeful that citizen demand will ensure future Lynnwood Universities are well-attended.

Both the City Council and the Mayor are committed to making sure those who participate, have a meaningful learning experience…with lots of fun thrown in too.

Attachments A. Lynnwood University Outline B. Newspaper Articles on Lynnwood University C. Volunteer Brochure