Perry University provides an inside look on how city government is run 

PERRY — Are you wanting to know how Perry’s local government works? Then you  should think about joining Perry University, an opportunity for Perry residents as well as business owners to learn the ins and outs of the City of Perry government. 

Perry University has been available to the citizens for approximately six years. Communications Director Tabitha Clark said Perry University is a five week course occurring on Thursdays starting on March 5. 

“[Each class] goes behind the scenes to look at things such as city leadership and government operations, economic and community development, essential city functions and public safety,” she said. “Each session includes hands-on activities that allow the participants to explore what the real challenges are in local government and learn how city staff works to address them.” 

Applicants must be a City of Perry resident or have a substantial business interest in Perry, be 18-years-old or older and must complete the application and waiver for a chance to join. 

Clark said they have had plenty of success through Perry University because a lot of people do not know how local government works. 

“We really want people to understand what’s the process behind the decisions that get made and how, if they have a concern or question, where they can go to get that answered and express their opinions,” she said. “When they go through this program, the goal is that if they hear people talking about some type of government service, they can at least point people into the right direction to get that information.” 

Clark also mentioned a couple of the classes one may take, the first being about Perry’s vision. This class includes meeting Mayor Randall Walker and going over the basics of the city’s vision. 

“That allows them to have that direct access to ask any questions and really see what the baseline vision is for the city,” she said. 

One of the more popular classes involves public safety which include interactive sessions with the Perry Police and Perry Fire Department. Clark said that is also their most intense course. 

“As far as police go, [participants] get to put on intoxication goggles and try and go through a course while driving a golf cart,” she said. 

According to Clark, Perry University, overall, is a great opportunity to see how the city staff are making decisions and knowing what goes on behind the scenes. 

Applications for Perry University are currently closed, however, Clark said to keep an eye out on their website if spots open up. 

To learn more about Perry University and to keep track of possible openings, visit www.perry-ga.gov/perry-university.