The City of Chelsea has announced the launch of its first ever Chelsea Civic Leadership Academy, a new 11-week educational program designed to give residents an inside look and deeper understanding of how their local government works. The City is now accepting applications for the program’s first cohort of 20 students. The deadline to apply is 12 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026.
“Our Civic Leadership Academy is about building a more informed and engaged Chelsea,” said City Manager Fidel Maltez. “The more our residents understand how their local government works, the more likely they are to meaningfully participate in it; whether that means attending a public meeting, serving on a board or commission, or simply making their voice heard.”
The curriculum for the Civic Leadership Academy’s will be hands-on and is designed to introduce participants to the departments, people, and processes that keep Chelsea running. Residents will hear directly from City staff and leadership about how decisions are made, and how services are delivered from a range of departments, including but not limited to Budget & Grants Administration, and public safety departments, Housing & Community Development, Public Works, and Human Resources.
Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. from September 10 through November 12. Classes will take place at City Hall as well as the City Yard, Central Fire Station, Police Station, Senior Center, and the Chelsea Public Library, giving participants a firsthand look at where and how City services are delivered.
Childcare will be provided for participants on an as needed basis, and classes will be taught in English, with interpretation available.
The fall 2026 class schedule is as follows:
September 10
City Government Overview
September 17
Finance & Budgeting
September 24
Department of Public Works
October 1
Fire Department & Office of Emergency Management
October 8
Housing & Community Development / Permitting & Land Use Planning
October 15
City Clerk, Parking, & Law
October 22
Police Department
October 29
Senior Center, Public Health & Veterans’ Services
November 5
Recreation, Library, & Arts & Culture
November 12
Information Technology & Human Resources
November 17 (Tuesday)
Graduation
The Civic Leadership Academy is open to any Chelsea resident age 16 years-and-older who is interested in learning more about municipal government, whether they are considering running for office or serving on a City board or commission, exploring a career in public service, or simply want to become a more informed and engaged member of the community. Space is limited, and interested residents are encouraged to apply early.
Applications for the inaugural class of the Chelsea Civic Leadership Academy are being accepted now at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CivicLeadership. Hard copies in English and Spanish are available upon request.
Graduation will take place Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Chelsea City Hall.
For questions about the program or the application process, residents may contact Deputy City Manager of Operations Devon Fields at [email protected] or 617-466-4104.