Walnut Creek residents can now apply for a free, six-session crash course in how their city government works, with the first class set for Oct. 7.
The Walnut Creek Civic Academy, formerly known as the Citizens Institute, accepts 25 to 30 participants per cohort. The fall 2026 class runs five Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., plus a Saturday morning bus tour, wrapping up Nov. 7. Sessions are held at City Hall or other city facilities where behind-the-scenes tours take place.
Anyone who lives, works, volunteers or owns a business in Walnut Creek or unincorporated Walnut Creek can apply, as long as they are at least 18 and can commit to all six sessions. There is no fee.
City Manager Dan Buckshi announced the program in his Aug. 1 newsletter, describing it as a chance for residents to learn how city services are delivered, meet the people behind the work and find ways to get more involved. The city also promoted the academy on its official X account the same day.
Tied to General Plan 2050 push
The academy launch comes as Walnut Creek ramps up public engagement for its General Plan 2050 rewrite, the city's first comprehensive plan update since 2006. As we reported in July, the City Council held a study session July 21 to kick off the process, identifying themes including safety, economic vitality, sustainability and inclusivity. Principal Planner Crystal De Castro and Assistant Planner Kat Lee are staffing the project, with consultant Alta Planning + Design leading the planning work.
The city has scheduled a string of community engagement pop-ups through September:
- Aug. 5 — Locust Street Festival, 5–8:30 p.m., downtown Walnut Creek
- Aug. 15 — Once Upon a Street, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Broadway Plaza
- Sept. 13 — Downtown Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Sept. 19 — Shadelands Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Sept. 24 — Workshop #1, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Civic Park Community Center
Residents can also reach the General Plan team at [email protected] or visit WalnutCreek2050.org.
How to apply
The fall 2026 Civic Academy schedule:
- Week 1: Wednesday, Oct. 7
- Week 2: Wednesday, Oct. 14
- Week 3: Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Week 4: Wednesday, Oct. 28
- Week 5: Wednesday, Nov. 4
- Bus Tour: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.–noon
Applications are open at walnutcreekca.formstack.com/forms/academy. For questions, contact Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt at [email protected] or (925) 943-5850.
The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1666 N. Main St.
