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P.A.V.E. Academy

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Paving the way for informed, engaged Montgomery residents.

P.A.V.E. Academy is the City of Montgomery’s free citizens academy designed to help residents better understand how municipal government works, connect directly with City departments, and become more informed neighborhood advocates.

Through hands-on learning, department presentations, facility visits, and meaningful dialogue with City leaders, participants will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how City services are delivered and how residents can engage more effectively with their local government.

Eligibility

P.A.V.E. Academy is open to City of Montgomery residents who are 21 years of age or older. Applicants should be prepared to attend weekly in-person sessions and participate respectfully in discussions, activities, and site visits.

Program Schedule

DATE	SESSION	TIME	LOCATION
June 11, 2026	Welcome & Government 101	6:00–7:30 p.m.	City Hall, 103 N. Perry Street
June 18, 2026	Cityscape Services	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Mann Museum, 325 E. Vandiver Blvd
June 25, 2026	Business Gateway	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Kress Building, 39 Dexter Ave.
July 9, 2026	Neighborhood Works	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Armory, 1018 Madison Avenue
July 16, 2026	Community Lifeline Services	6:00–7:30 p.m.	(911 Center ) 911 Communications Pkwy & 1920 South Court St. (Fire Station #10)* Two locations
July 23, 2026	Neighborhood Engagement & Support	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Lodge at Gateway Park, 3800 Davenport Drive
July 30, 2026	Graduation	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Drive

Week 1: Welcome & Government 101
Participants will learn about the structure of City government, including the roles of the Mayor, City Council, and City Clerk.

Week 2: Cityscape Services
Participants will learn how planning, inspections, permitting, and engineering help guide growth, development, infrastructure, and public safety.

Week 3: Business Gateway
Participants will explore how the City supports businesses through licensing, procurement, small business support, and economic development.

Week 4: Neighborhood Works
Participants will learn about Public Works, sanitation, landfill operations, traffic engineering, street maintenance, stormwater, potholes, paving, and neighborhood infrastructure.

Week 5: Community Lifeline Services
Participants will learn about 911 Communications, Police, Fire, and Emergency Management, including how public safety services respond to community needs.

Week 6: Neighborhood Engagement & Support
Participants will learn about 311, Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, Grants, Clean City Commission, Animal Services, YouthBuild, and other programs that support residents and neighborhoods.

Graduation
Participants who complete the academy will receive a certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony.

P.A.V.E. Academy FAQ’s

What is P.A.V.E. Academy?

P.A.V.E. Academy is a free, in-person citizens academy that provides Montgomery residents with an inside look at City government. Participants will learn how departments operate, how services are delivered, and how residents can play an active role in strengthening their neighborhoods and community.

The academy includes hands-on learning, direct access to City departments, meaningful dialogue with leadership, and opportunities to ask questions about City services and processes.

What does P.A.V.E. stand for?

Is there a cost to participate?

Who can apply?

What will I learn?

If you have ever wondered:

How does City of Montgomery government work?
What is the role of the Mayor and City Council?
Who fixes potholes, handles sanitation, or manages street paving?
How does 911 dispatch work?
How do residents report neighborhood concerns?
How can small businesses work with the City?
How can residents get involved and make their voices heard?

At P.A.V.E. Academy, you’ll get answers to these questions and more.

What are the participant expectations?

Participants are expected to:

Attend all scheduled sessions
Arrive on time
Participate respectfully in discussions, activities, and site visits
Ask thoughtful questions
Use the information learned to support their neighborhoods
Represent the program with professionalism and integrity

Important Participation Terms

Before applying, please note: P.A.V.E. Academy is a voluntary program with a required time commitment. Participants are expected to attend each session and arrive on time. Due to space limitations, guests may not attend academy activities with participants. Some site visits may include exposure to active work environments, equipment, loud noises, dirt, dust, grease, or water. Participants may also be photographed for City promotional use.

How long is the academy?

Where are classes held?

Will I receive a certificate?

Can graduates stay involved?

Questions?

For questions about P.A.V.E. Academy, email pave@montgomeryal.gov.

Paving the way for informed, engaged Montgomery residents.

Eligibility

Program Schedule

Week 1: Welcome & Government 101 Participants will learn about the structure of City government, including the roles of the Mayor, City Council, and City Clerk.

Week 2: Cityscape Services Participants will learn how planning, inspections, permitting, and engineering help guide growth, development, infrastructure, and public safety.

Week 3: Business Gateway Participants will explore how the City supports businesses through licensing, procurement, small business support, and economic development.

Week 4: Neighborhood Works Participants will learn about Public Works, sanitation, landfill operations, traffic engineering, street maintenance, stormwater, potholes, paving, and neighborhood infrastructure.

Week 5: Community Lifeline Services Participants will learn about 911 Communications, Police, Fire, and Emergency Management, including how public safety services respond to community needs.

Week 6: Neighborhood Engagement & Support Participants will learn about 311, Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, Grants, Clean City Commission, Animal Services, YouthBuild, and other programs that support residents and neighborhoods.

Graduation Participants who complete the academy will receive a certificate of completion during the graduation ceremony.