The city of Covington, Kentucky, has announced the launch of a new educational initiative called the Covington Mayor’s Academy. This program is designed to engage citizens by providing them with a deeper understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
The academy will run for eight months and includes interactions with city officials, department heads, and key staff. Participants will attend eight evening sessions lasting between 60 to 120 minutes each. These sessions will cover various topics such as city administration, neighborhood services, public safety operations (including police and fire departments), legal matters, human resources, public works, and parks and recreation.
Applications for the program are open until Sunday, June 15. Mayor Washington stated that “the Covington Mayors Academy’s monthly sessions are designed to provide residents with comprehensive knowledge regarding the City’s departments and staff.” The mayor hopes that graduates of the academy will be "empowered to grow their involvement in our community."
City Manager Ken Smith shared his experience from participating in a similar program back in 2009. He said it was "a great opportunity to meet fellow Covingtonians and learn about the various challenges and opportunities that our officers encounter every day." Smith emphasized how impactful such programs can be on personal growth and civic engagement.
Eligible applicants must either reside within Covington or work at businesses or organizations located in the city. Applications for the 2025-2026 class opened on May 15 and will close on June 15. Those accepted into the program will be notified by the end of July. Interested individuals can apply online at covingtonky.gov/engagement.
Reflecting on his own journey from participant to City Manager, Smith noted: “Sixteen years ago, I never thought I would work for the City, much less be the City Manager.” He added optimistically that someone from this year's academy might even consider running for council or working for the city in future roles.