The La Habra City Council meeting on August 4, 2025, focused on the proposed development and implementation of a Civics Academy aimed at enhancing community engagement and understanding of local government. City staff presented a detailed plan for an eight-week pilot program designed to educate residents about the workings of various city departments and the development of city policies.

The Civics Academy will consist of interactive sessions led by city staff, providing participants with insights into how city services are managed. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in La Habra, and submit a simple application. The program will be limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a manageable group size for effective learning.

To promote the program, city officials plan to utilize multiple communication channels, including social media and local partnerships. Several potential names for the academy were discussed, including "Learn La Habra" and "La Habra 101," with input from local high school students who reviewed the program during Student Government Day.

City staff emphasized the importance of tailoring the program to reflect local operations and keeping costs low, with funding available from the administration budget. The pilot program will initially be offered in English, with plans to explore Spanish-language options if there is sufficient interest.

Feedback will be a critical component of the program, with surveys conducted after each session and at the program's conclusion to gather participant insights. The council expressed interest in ensuring that participants commit to attending all sessions, with discussions around incentives for full attendance.

Overall, the proposed Civics Academy aims to foster trust, promote leadership, and engage the La Habra community in a meaningful way, aligning with the city council's goals for the upcoming fiscal year.