City staff started the Leadership Lenoir Civic Learning Academy in March this year. The academy teaches about local government in Lenoir and the civic duties of government and citizens. The goal is to create civic awareness and participation in local government in the community.
During a series of classes led by City staff, students learned about City of Lenoir local government and the services it provides. Participants learned the basic differences between city, county, state and federal government services and responsibilities. Nearly 20 local residents attended the class. The program is available to residents and business owners within the corporate limits of Lenoir.
"Leadership Lenoir is an opportunity for people to learn how local government really works in Lenoir," Communication and Public Information Director Joshua Harris said. "We heard presentations from every department director and everyone in the class wanted to learn and they asked great questions. I want to thank City Council and the City Manager for supporting the program, the department directors for creating their presentation, and the class members for giving more than 20 hours of time to learn about local government in our community."
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One of the class members, Peter Lindberg, said the sessions gave him the details he was looking for about how the City works.
"Being a retired engineer, I suffer the affliction of needing to know how everything works and how the 'nuts and bolts' are connected," Mr. Lindberg said. "The Leadership Lenoir classes fulfilled not only an understanding of the 'nuts and bolts' of the city’s inner workings, but added the personal connection with the dedicated people and personalities that make it work so smoothly. It was the whole package."
Sarah Christas, who works at the Caldwell County Ag Extension, said Leadership Lenoir helped her understand the City in a whole new way.
"I learned how many people and departments work to serve our community, often without recognition," Mrs. Christas said. "My favorite part was seeing the vision for downtown and learning about all the projects happening around our city. This class gave me a greater appreciation for both our history AND our future. 'I am part of what makes this work.'"
"Again, congratulations to all the students who completed the class," Director Harris said. "We had a really good time during the sessions and everyone learned a lot, including myself. The more we can increase civic engagement and civic awareness in Lenoir, the better off our community will be."
Leadership Lenoir 2026 class topics
Leadership Lenoir 2026 class topics included:
- Local Government Overview
- Communication and Citizen Participation in Government
- Planning and Community Development
- Public Safety, K9s, Policing
- Fire, Medical, Codes and Inspections
- Water and Sewer Services
- Streets, Sanitation and Public Properties
- Parks and Recreation
- Western Piedmont Council of Government Overview
- Main Street and Historic Preservation
- Budget, Taxes, City Revenues
2026 Leadership Lenoir graduating class
- Alecia Harshaw
- Becky Gibbons
- Brian Haile
- Cindy Covington
- Cori Harper
- Donna Phillips
- Isaiah Deskins
- Jerri Pitz
- Jodi Bentley
- Joy Walker
- Juliet Fulmer
- Maggie Hlywa
- Peter Lindberg
- Rebecca Hites
- Sarah Christas
- Shay Rosenberger
- Susan Gray
- Trena Patton
- Shana Oakley
The City plans to host Leadership Lenoir again during the winter and spring of 2027. If you are interested, be on the lookout for the announcement that applications are open. Learn more about the program at www.cityoflenoir.com/657/Leadership-Lenoir.
