Recently, I had the chance to participate in the Green Bay City Hall Academy. The eight week program takes their students to each of the key departments that makes this the city that we enjoy living in function every day.

Over the span of the program, we had workshops with city leadership including the Mayor, Green Bay Water, the City Clerk, Green Bay Transit, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Green Bay Police, and Green Bay Fire. They were all winning presentations.

Now, my Orlando readers are probably calling me a traitor or a ringer (you guys built me, I still love where I came from). They know I covered Orlando City Hall and Orange County Government for years.

But I asked press gaggle level questions on many occasions. I asked about development, funding for improvements, and many more questions about infrastructure. These are real discussions.

And even with my experience I learned a lot about how a community operates under a climate, economic engine, and operational philosophy that is much different than where I came from. And I’m grateful for that as well.

This course isn’t just for policy wonks though. Each of the classes gave us the opportunity to tour the different facilities, examine the equipment, and talk to the department leaders.

It doesn’t matter if you’re completely new to local government or an experience political operative, there is something here for everyone.

The experience flew by and I’m sad to see it go (what am I going to do with my Thursday nights now?).

I offer my full recommendation of the Green Bay City Hall Academy. It was just a wonderful time.