Creating Civic Trust and Participation in Moorhead 

Civic engagement goes far beyond simply casting your ballot in elections. Civic participation extends to joining local conversations, seeking to understand how your city operates, and stepping up to make a difference. It can include attending a public meeting, serving on a local board, or simply staying informed about city developments. 

The City of Moorhead recognizes the importance of fostering an engaged civic community, and it’s on a mission to inspire residents to get involved. This effort starts with the Citizens Government Academy, an annual eight-week program that meets weekly from March to May. The program empowers residents with the knowledge and resources they need to play an active role in civic life. 

Through the Citizens Government Academy, Moorhead residents have the opportunity to engage in interactive listening sessions, site tours, and informative Q&A talks. Over two months, participants explore everything that keeps Moorhead running, from public works to economic and community development to law enforcement, fire services, parks, and city governance. The goal of the program is to help citizens gain a deeper understanding of local City government and its ongoing programs and services. 

Building a Connected Community  

What makes this program so unique is that it’s truly an interactive experience. Participants hear directly from City staff members, attend City Council meetings, and tour municipal facilities. During each session, they’re regularly encouraged to ask questions, share their perspectives, and learn alongside fellow residents and City staff members.  

This collaborative environment benefits both the residents taking part in the program and the City staff leading the sessions. It provides a direct line for community conversation, allowing city officials to understand what matters most to residents.  

As Kelly Kuntz, the Communications Coordinator for the City of Moorhead and program co-lead, notes, learning goes both ways. She says, “I see things, and I hear things in the class, and I can go, ‘Well, maybe we should do something about that.’”  

By inviting open communication with residents, the City of Moorhead is ensuring both residents and City staff leave the discussion feeling heard, valued, and ready to collaborate. 

Fostering Curiosity & Trust 

One of the program’s biggest impacts is helping residents understand not only what their local government does but why it does it. By learning and experiencing how municipal government functions, a deep sense of trust and community action is cultivated. 

“I think the biggest thing for me is really just giving people the tools they need to be informed residents of Moorhead,” Kuntz says. “Knowing what’s happening in the community and why it’s happening—why the city makes some decisions it does is important for folks.” 

When residents understand the regulatory, financial, and logistical frameworks the City operates within, curiosity replaces frustrations, and trust is planted. Kuntz says, “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and the more we can inform people and build trust with each other and build relationships, the better.” 

By fostering trust and collaboration, the City of Moorhead is supporting residents as they become more confident in participating in civic life and engaging in productive conversations about community issues. 

Supporting Lasting Civic Engagement

In fact, program graduates continue active involvement in the community. They’re out sharing and spreading the knowledge they’ve learned through the Citizens Government Academy. 

“We see our people at city events. We see them responding to things on social media and we’re seeing them run for elected offices,” Kuntz shares. “Someone ran for council. Someone is running for mayor. They’re signing up for boards and commissions. There’s been a lot of participation, overall.” 

With the foundational tools and relationships established through the Citizens Government Academy, Moorhead residents are equipped to make a difference in civic participation locally. 

“It’s really awesome to have these residents who want to know about municipal government, and that we have this ability to give them the tools to learn,” says Kuntz. 

Learn More

The Citizens Government Academy is a 2026 West Central Grant Recipient. Visit https://wcif.org/grant-opportunities/ to explore our grant opportunities and view the full list of grant recipients.