Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
Village of Orland Park Launches Inaugural Citizens Academy
Seven-Week Program Offers Insight into Village Operations
The Village of Orland Park is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Orland Park Citizens Academy, a new initiative designed to provide residents and local business owners with a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how their local government operates.
“The Citizens Academy is an exciting opportunity for members of our community to connect with the people and departments that serve them every day,” said Mayor Jim Dodge.
“Our goal is to enhance transparency, promote civic engagement and provide residents with a deeper understanding of how the Village of Orland Park functions.”
This seven-week program will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 18 and continuing through Oct. 30, 2025. Each week, participants will engage directly with Village departments, elected officials and staff to gain firsthand insight into the responsibilities and operations of municipal government.
The program is open to Village residents and local business owners. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Orland Park high school juniors and seniors are also eligible with parental consent. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants, with preference given to those who live or work in the Village. Additional sessions may be offered based on community interest. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
Orland Park Citizens Academy Schedule:
- Session 1: Village Manager’s Office / Communications & Marketing / HR / IT
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue – Village Hall Board Room - Session 2: Development Services
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue – Village Hall Board Room - Session 3: Recreation & Parks
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue – Village Hall Board Room - Session 4: Public Works
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 15655 S. Ravinia Avenue – Public Works Building - Session 5: Police Department / Dispatch
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 15100 S. Ravinia Avenue – Police Department Training Room - Session 6: Engineering
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue – Village Hall Board Room - Session 7: Finance / Government Budgeting
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 14700 S. Ravinia Avenue – Village Hall Board Room
Participants who complete the program will be formally recognized during the Village Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit orlandpark.org/citizensacademy or contact the Mayor’s Office at (708) 403-6100.
Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Northwestern Medicine Expands Cardiovascular Services to Tinley Park - August 19, 2026
- Village of Frankfort hosts annual Senior Breakfast event - August 18, 2026
- Second Installment 2025 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they’re mailed - August 18, 2026
