Registration is now available for the 2010 session of Redwood City’s renowned PACT (Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork) program. The deadline to register is 5:00 pm, March 1st, 2010.

The easiest and quickest way to register is to go online to www.redwoodcity.org/pact, where you’ll also get the details. Registration forms are also available from the City Manager’s office, located in City Hall at 1017 Middlefield Road, or by calling 650-780-7300. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants. High school students are encouraged to participate (waiver must be signed by parent or guardian).

This is a nine-week community academy will provide participants with a hands-on overview of the management and governance of Redwood City, while helping to build relationships that will strengthen our entire community. The 2010 program takes place each Thursday evening from April 1st through May 27th and engages in dynamic and interesting activities illustrating how the City functions. The sessions cover subjects from Public Works to the Police Department, from the City Council to Finance, from the Fire Department to the Library, and more. This is a great opportunity for interested community members to get an insider’s view of where the City is going, become experts on how the City operates, and help to build a great community together.

The objectives of PACT are to involve and engage people in learning about and understanding the operation of City government, and to improve communication between the City and those that live and work here in order to strengthen and enhance the entire community. Participants will learn how decisions are made, how City funds are allocated, and how City departments operate with each other, and get an opportunity to sit down with City Council members for frank discussions of issues, projects, politics, and plans for shaping the future of our community.

Here’s what Mayor Jeff Ira says about PACT: “Particularly during these tough economic times, it’s important for people to really get engaged with the City and with their communities, to learn how things operate and to bring true partnership to how we address community issues. This is a ‘call to action’ for anyone in our community who wants to be more involved and engaged with the City and with each other.”

If you’re already a PACT graduate, then you know what a fun, interesting, and fulfilling program it is — and if so, please forward this email to invite a neighbor or friend to get involved.