News Room

Redwood City, California — Applications are now open for Redwood City’s 2025 Community Building Academy (CBA), a seven-week program that offers community members a hands-on look at how their local government works and how they can play an active role in shaping the community. The program begins Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and runs through Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.

Previously known as the Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork (PACT), the Community Building Academy offers participants an insider’s view of City government, with in-person sessions at various City facilities and opportunities to meet directly with City leaders and staff.

“Redwood City is a stronger and more connected community when residents understand how their government works and how they can contribute,” said City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. “Through the Community Building Academy, participants gain knowledge, build relationships, and are empowered to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods, across Redwood City, and beyond.”

Participants will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Each session will focus on a different area of City government, including the City Council and administrative departments, Community Development, Engineering and Transportation, Fire, Library, Police, Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and Public Works Services. The Academy concludes with a graduation ceremony with members of the City Council.

Enrollment is limited to 40 participants who live in or work in Redwood City or its unincorporated areas and have not previously completed the program. Participant spots will be filled as follows: two residents from each of the city’s 17 Neighborhood Association areas, two high school youth, and two residents from unincorporated communities.

There is a $50 program fee, payable at the first session by cash or check, which helps cover the cost of meals and materials. Scholarships are available for individuals with a financial need. All participants must attend the first session and may not miss more than one session throughout the program. If a participant cannot attend the first session, or misses more than one session, their participation will be concluded, and a refund will not be issued.

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit www.redwoodcity.org/CBA.

For questions, contact Deanna La Croix at communications@redwoodcity.org or 650-780-7308.

###

About the City of Redwood City: The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test.” Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.