The mission of the Civitas series is to:

• Enhance public understanding of how local government is funded and operates.
  
• Stimulate greater public engagement with and participation in local government.
  
• Encourage the use of sound, relevant and balanced research in the development and adoption of public policy.

Civitas will host six half-day forums focused on local finance, economic development, public education services and finances, and an analysis of local government services. (See Forum Calendar for schedule of topics). Each luncheon will include presentations by past and current local officials, academic experts and representatives from community, business, professional and civic organizations. Presentations will be followed by questions from a panel of Civitas members who have studied the topic and audience questions.

Presentations will be made available to Civitas members and media coverage of the information presented in the forums will be encouraged.

Civitas graduates will receive a certificate of attendance and access to extensive resource materials on the member website. Appointing authorities will receive an annual list of Civitas graduates and will be encouraged to consider these individuals for appointments to boards, commissions and committees.