Class 1 email : Welcome and Information

Dear 2026 Community Academy Cohort,

Welcome! Thank you for taking an interest in the County and for committing your valuable time to learning more about local government. We are looking forward to seeing you for our first class!

Community Academy Class 1: Tuesday, August 4, 5:45-9pm, Smith East Conference Room - Government Center Topics: county administration, boards & commissions, county attorney, facilities management, human resources, information technology

First Class and Housekeeping Items • First class! For our first class, please plan on arriving 15 minutes early to get settled and take care of necessary forms (see attachments). Our class will meet at the Government Center (18 Government Center Lane) in the Smith East conference room.

The best entrance to park near is the boardroom entrance (google map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHFYZpT4gsfeHKfB7). Turning into the parking lot from Dick Huff Lane, you will come to the main entrance under the flags. Turn right and then immediately turn left to follow the road down the side of the building. Take your first left into the parking lot. You may find a parking space there and can enter through the first portico with an “18” above the door.

When you enter the building from that entrance, turn right to go towards Smith East which is off of a smaller hallway on the left, right past the Augusta Water counter. Look for a balloon marking the hallway!

• Most meetings at the Government Center will meet in Smith West or in the South Boardroom which are both off of the main hallway. Class locations are noted on the class schedule (attached to this email).

• For each class, you’ll receive an email with information for the next class. Your weekly emails will also include a survey link to review the last class.

• Cohort Webpage: Starting July 29, you may visit the cohort webpage LINK anytime to get up-to-date information and materials, including class locations. The weekly emails will also be housed here.

• If you are going to be absent from a class, please let us know as soon as possible. You can reach us at academy@co.augusta.va.us or call (540) 245-5600 (before 5pm). If you already know you will miss certain dates, please respond to this message with that information. Remember that attendance is key. Anyone missing more than two classes will not be eligible for graduation from the program. • Dress for comfort and the weather! Some of our classes will include tours inside and out of doors. So comfy shoes are a must. • Snacks. Feel free to bring them along with drinks or water bottles. • Breaks. We will take a break mid-way through the evening, but you should feel free to take one when you need to.

Forms to sign

• Attached you will find a copy of the county’s photo release form and liability waiver. The forms are attached for your reference and review but you may sign and email them back. We will also have the forms available to sign at the first class.

• The ambassador pledge and guidelines for ACCA are also attached. The guidelines are a short list of things to keep in mind when you come to class. We’ll go over it briefly at the first class, and we require that you sign and indicate your understanding.

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions. Thank you again for your participation in ACCA. We look forward to getting to know you and learning together!

Attachments • class schedule • forms - pledge + legal – please sign • ambassador guidelines – please sign