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SANTA PAULA — Building on the success of its inaugural cohort last spring, the City of Santa Paula is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, a 9-week program designed to give residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look into city management and operations.
Cohort II will run from September 11, 2025 through November 6, 2025, with sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various city facilities. This unique program provides residents with in-depth knowledge about our streets and roads, city finances, homeless issues, youth and senior programs, police and fire, and other key city services.
Cohort I, held from April through June 2024 brought together 18 passionate residents with participants spanning a wide range of interests, backgrounds, and ages. Some were young adults in college or recent graduates, while others were retired community members seeking more knowledge and a way to get involved. The City also had adults already active in the community looking for clarity and support, as well as business owners wanting to strengthen the relationship between their businesses and the community. Despite their different interests and reasons for joining, all participants shared a common goal: to improve Santa Paula and encourage others to get involved.
The Academy offers more than just an introduction to municipal affairs, it provides an immersive learning experience on local governance as a whole. Participants will gain firsthand insight into decision-making processes, resource allocation, and departmental operations through discussions, interactive activities, and facility tours. The program highlights the interconnected roles of city officials, departments, and advisory bodies, as well as the relationships between local, state, and federal government and community organizations. From understanding how policy decisions are made to exploring how the City maintains and enhances essential infrastructure like roads, parks, and utilities, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of how Santa Paula operates and serves its residents.
Applications are open now for Santa Paula residents and business owners age 18 and older. The deadline to apply is August 29, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants to allow for meaningful interaction. A $50 program fee is due prior to the start of the academy.
Contact Information:
For more information about the program, please contact Ela Ruf at eruf@spcity.org. Further details and applications for Cohort II at can be found on the City website at bit.ly/SPFLACohortII. Don’t miss the chance to learn about Santa Paula and get engaged!
