Select Board Initiative Gives Residents an Inside Look at Town Government

By Grace Allen

Curious about how town government really works? Norfolk residents are getting a behind-the-scenes look through the new Citizens Academy, a months-long program now underway. While the current class is filled, the sessions—covering everything from town administration to public safety—are being filmed and will be broadcast on Norfolk Cable TV’s YouTube channel, giving the entire community a chance to follow along. 

Here’s how it works: Residents apply to the program, which runs for 10 weeks through early February 2026. Twenty-one people committed to attending the sessions, which are held on Thursday evenings at various locations throughout town. Town staff conduct the interactive sessions, and all handouts, along with the videos, will be posted on the new Citizen’s Academy page through the Your Town at Work portal at norfolkmass.gov.

Connecting Residents with Local Government

According to Select Board Chair Anita Mecklenburg, the goal of the Citizens Academy is to bridge the gap between residents and town government by fostering transparency, education, and involvement. She explained the initiative grew out of several converging needs in town. 

In the wake of division over the Bay State shelter, the Select Board wanted to create opportunities that would bring residents back together and foster a stronger sense of community. At the same time, a difficult budget season ahead underscored the importance of helping residents gain insight into the town’s financial challenges and decision-making process.

Mecklenburg acknowledged the frequent misinformation on social media and a general climate of distrust toward government and how promises of transparency often are met with skepticism. She sought out proven methods from other towns, noting that Danvers, Barnstable, and Pittsfield, among others, have established Citizens Academies. Norfolk residents will now have the same opportunity.

“We hope the sessions will help residents understand how town services are funded, how the budget works, and what their tax dollars support so they can make informed decisions and engage more fully in the community,” said Mecklenburg. 

Ways for Residents to Participate

Although the classes are filled, a few additional spots have been opened for the Advisory Board session. And for any session, residents not attending the program can still participate by submitting questions in advance of the sessions at norfolkmass.gov.

“We want to hear from the community,” emphasized Mecklenburg. “Do you want to know how the town decides where to build sidewalks, for example? Or what the tax assessor does? Ask us the questions and they will be answered during the sessions.”

The sessions cover a wide range of topics and departments, including Town Meeting, the Fire and Police departments, Affordable Housing Trust, Council on Aging, Recreation, and the Department of Public Works. The complete calendar of sessions is available on the Citizens Academy page.

Why Local Government Matters Most

While national government decisions make the headlines, one might observe that local government is more likely to impact everyday life. That’s a strong argument for understanding and getting involved in the decision making.

Mecklenburg agrees.

“Town government is certainly as important, or more intimately important,” she offered. “The goal of town government is to take care of you on a day-to-day basis, like getting the snow removed, maintaining public spaces, funding our beautiful library.”

And residents themselves can have a bigger impact on local government than on the federal government, she adds.

“Your ability to affect what’s happening on a national level is exceptionally limited, but your ability to come to the town with an idea, or to participate on committees to better the town, is much greater on a local level.”

Understanding Town Meeting and Warrant

As part of the Citizens Academy, all residents are encouraged to attend a pre-Town Meeting information session on November 5 designed to help them better understand the warrant articles they will be asked to vote on at the November 12 Town Meeting.

During the session, town officials will walk attendees through each article on the warrant, explaining its purpose, background, and potential impact on the community. The goal is to give residents a chance to ask questions, learn about the issues in advance, and feel more informed and confident when it’s time to vote. Mecklenburg says all residents are welcome, and participation is encouraged, whether a first-time attendee or a regular at Town Meeting. 

The Citizens Academy, and the pre-Town Meeting session, reflect Norfolk’s broader commitment to openness, collaboration, and civic engagement, says Mecklenburg. By taking part in opportunities like these, residents not only gain a clearer understanding of how decisions are made but also strengthen their role in shaping the future of the community. An informed electorate is a powerful one.

“Submit those questions,” urged Mecklenburg. “We want to make sure everyone is heard. We’ll learn from you and you’ll learn from us. And at the end of the ten sessions, we hope we’ll have a shared truth and a shared understanding of what we’re getting for our tax dollars, and a sense that the people of Norfolk are a part of the government, whether they participate or not.”

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Norfolk Town Leaders Want to Hear from You During the Citizens Academy

Ever wonder about how town decisions are made or what a particular department does? Maybe you have questions about why a road project is taking so long, or how recreation programs are funded. 

Here’s your chance to get the answers directly from the people who keep Norfolk running. Town leaders are encouraging residents to send in their questions, and they will be answered during the Citizens Academy. To submit your question, visit norfolkmass.gov, and under Latest News, click on the portal “Do you have a question for Norfolk’s leaders?” For help or clarification, reach out to Amanda Johanns at 508-440-2855.

Along with questions, the town welcomes ideas and suggestions for future projects, priorities, or improvements, or topics you’d like to learn more about. Because the sessions are recorded and shared on Norfolk Community Television’s YouTube channel, as well as on the Citizens Academy webpage, you can learn along with everyone else, even from home.