2026 Community Academy

We are grateful for your interest in the Augusta County Community Academy!

The Community Academy will provide an interactive look at how Augusta County’s government operates as well as an opportunity for connecting with staff who manage local government services.

We ask that you attend at least 5 of the 7 classes. Those who attend 5 classes will become a graduate of the program with a certificate of completion.

Apply now.

**Please submit your online Community Academy application on or before July 17, 2026. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited, so apply soon! **

A cohort will hold between 10-25 participants. If there are less than 10 participants, we will not hold the scheduled academy but will plan for a future academy cohort with previously-accepted applicants given priority. Eligible applications will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis.

Applicants who are 18+ years of age are encouraged. Special consideration may be given to high school age students who drive or participate with an adult family member. Preference will be given to Augusta County residents.

2026 Schedule

All classes are held from 6-9pm.

CLASS 1 - Policy, people, platforms: support systems for county services
Tuesday,8/4/26, Government Center
Topics: Administration, Boards & Commissions, County Attorney, HR, IT, Facilities Management

CLASS 2 - Budget & Taxes 101
Tuesday, 8/18/26, Government Center
Topics: Sheriff's Office (introduction to public safety), Tax 101, County Budget, public schools

CLASS 3 - Sustaining our community: resources, rights, & resilience
Tuesday, 9/1/2026, Middle River Treatment Facility
Topics: Augusta Water (tour of facility), Voter Registration, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications Center (ECC/911) - Tour of 9-1-1 Center

CLASS 4 - Response and Responsibility
Tuesday, 9/15/2026, Fire-Rescue burn building
Topics: Fire-Rescue, Middle River Regional Jail (MRRJ) - Tour MRRJ

CLASS 5 -Building Community: Justice, Books, and Ballfields
Tuesday, 9/29/26, Augusta County Courthouse (new!)
Topics: Clerk of Circuit Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, Pathways Program,
Commonwealth's Attorney's office, Parks & Recreation, Library

CLASS 6 - Community Partnerships
Tuesday, 10/6/26, Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter (SAWAS)
Topics: Animal Control, SAWAS, Community services through local, regional, and state agencies, Shenandoah Valley Social Services, Community Services Board, Transportation, Community Action Partnership (CAPSAW)

CLASS 7 - Planning for the Future
Tuesday, 10/20/26, Government Center
Topics: Community Development Department, Building Inspection, Engineering, Planning, Zoning, Economic Development and Tourism, Agricultural Development

Recognition at Board of Supervisors meeting
Wednesday, 10/28/26, 7pm, Boardroom at the Government Center

Questions?
Please contact academy@co.augusta.va.us or (540) 245-5600.