The application period for the 2024 CARES Program closed August 1, 2024. See the 2024 CARES schedule for reference below.

 Participants will be notified of acceptance to the program by Thursday, Aug. 15

What is CARES?
Richardson CARES (Citizens Academy & Resource Education Series) offers residents and other stakeholders an operational behind-the-scenes look at Richardson’s municipal government. 

Participants are briefed on various municipal programs, projects and services such as public safety, public utilities, parks and administration. They are provided opportunities to have behind-the-scenes looks at several facilities and operations by holding meetings at various locations.

Who CARES?
Participation in the CARES program is open to all stakeholders in the community with class size limited to 25 participants. While the program is open to anyone age 18 or over, with an interest in learning more about the City of Richardson’s municipal government, limits and a selection process are necessary to ensure effective management and engagement for the program. The purpose of the selection criteria is to help ensure that participants have a strong interest in learning more about municipal government and represent many different aspects of the community. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply for a future class.

Applicants will be selected with the following considerations:

• Application submission date
• People who live, work or own a business within city limits
• People who attend a school or university within city limits
• Selection from a diverse range of demographics such as age groups and areas of the city
• Demonstrated interest in the city through volunteering, community engagement and leadership roles
  

When is CARES?
Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of the meetings to receive a certificate of completion.

CARES will meet Sept. 5 - Oct. 24, every Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m.

A Council Reception & Class Graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, Oct. 28.
Location - City Council Meeting.

Classes consist of 8-week sessions.

CARES 2024 SCHEDULE

*The Reception and Graduation are held on a Monday as part of the City Council meeting. The project tour will be scheduled for a Saturday morning during the 8-week class. 

Why CARES?
The CARES program is designed to provide an opportunity for people in Richardson to directly access and witness their municipal government at work. Upon completion of the program, participants will gain a better understanding and knowledge of the structure and function of Richardson’s municipal government.

Through Richardson CARES, participants personally get to know the people who oversee the day-to-day operation of the departments that provide key services such as roads, water and sewer service, parks, emergency medical services and law enforcement.

EXPECTATIONS

• Attendance - In order to be fair to all applicants, participants are required to attend a minimum of 80 percent of the sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion. Before applying, please be sure to check the class dates and times for any conflicts.

There are expectations for participants to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner so that all class members can benefit. Participants should agree to the following Code of Conduct:

• Be Considerate - Participants are asked to be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. Participants should avoid interruptions and distractions from mobile devices. Those who must attend to urgent matters on a mobile device are asked to take their conversation outside of the meeting area.
• Be Respectful - Participants are asked to present themselves in a positive manner and be respectful to speakers and other class members. Side conversations should also be limited out of consideration for other members to take full advantage of the learning process.
• Engage Appropriately - Opportunities will be given for everyone to ask questions. Remember to allow time for all members to engage. If you have additional questions on a topic, they may be addressed after the session.
• Be Inclusive - Respect the rights of others and treat one another with dignity and respect at all times regardless of economic status, race, color, national or ethnic origin, language group, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or ability.
• Choose Your Words Carefully - Participants are asked to conduct themselves professionally. Harassment and exclusionary behavior is not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Threats of violence,
  • Discriminatory jokes and language,
  • Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms,
  • Unwelcome attention,
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

APPLICATIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We look forward to CAREing with you! Questions should be directed to the City Secretary.