‘I would love to be a public servant in the future.’ These classes will help

The Johnson County Citizens Academy allows a handful of residents an up-close chance to see how county works each year.

The program is relatively new. Started in 2016 by Aaron Otto, who at the time was an assistant to the county manager, the program’s goals include making citizens better informed about county services and increasing the number of residents who want to be part of local boards and councils.

“There can be a disconnect between local government and residents. I think that this works on lessening that gap — that disconnect,” said Kiley Heine, an intern with the county manager’s office. “It’s also really important that taxpayers are understanding where their money is going and what the government is doing with their money.”