Civics seminars to explain Batavia-area government

You can learn more about how Batavia government works in a seminar series that starts next month.

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is offering “Community Leadership” starting Jan. 19.

Executive director Roger Breisch suggested the Thursday series, noting other chambers of commerce offer something similar. He believes that a healthy local economy requires a healthy local community “across the board,” and that means knowing how local government runs.

And “there are probably people out there considering running (for office),” he said. “This is a way for them to learn a little bit” about the school and park districts, the county and city departments.

The series is open to everyone. “We specifically asked the agencies to do a citizen-based overview,” not just focus on business, Breisch said.

The cost per session is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. People who sign up for all five sessions will receive the fifth session for free, he said.

The seminars will meet from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Batavia Government Center. You can register at the chamber office at 106 W. Wilson St. or online at bataviachamber.org.

The sessions are:

Ÿ Jan. 19: “City Services: Are You Getting What you Pay For?” Batavia leaders will discuss the city’s mission, its vision and the budget.

Ÿ Feb. 16: “Protecting Family and Home,” featuring police, fire and emergency services organizations.

Ÿ March 15: “Investing In Our Community and Its Future.” Learn about the Batavia school and park districts.

Ÿ April 19: “No City Is An Island: Local Governance Beyond Batavia.” Officials from Kane County and Batavia Township will discuss their roles in relation to the city, how they are organized, funded and their critical issues.

Ÿ May 17: “Innovation and Growth In Tough Times.” What is being done to support economic development? Representatives of the city, the chamber, Batavia MainStreet and Kane County will speak.