Civic Leadership Academy (CLA)
The Catawba County Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) gives residents the opportunity to gain insight into county government services and operations through a series of interactive and engaging learning sessions with County staff. Participants will come away with first-hand knowledge of how Catawba County government works to serve the community.
*Please note that this program is a separate program from the Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy. To learn more about that click HERE.
When:
CLA is offered annually each spring. Most sessions are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with the exception of two sessions: a Saturday daytime field trip and program graduation, which takes place in conjunction with a Monday evening Board of Commissioners meeting.
Where:
Sessions are held at various County government locations. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from sessions.
Who:
CLA is open to County residents. The program is capped at 20 participants.
Apply:
Registration for the Spring 2026 CLA cohort will open end of January 2026.
There is a maximum of 20 participants per program, and applications are considered in the order they are received. If applications exceed the number of available seats, you may be placed on a waiting list for future programs.
Questions? Contact Catawba County Communications & Marketing at 828-465-8203.
Sessions
Catawba County Government 101: County Management, Tax and Budget
Land Use & Infrastructure: Planning & Zoning and Utilities & Engineering
Voting & Recording: Elections, Deeds and GIS Mapping
Landfill and Parks (locations provided to program participants)
No sessions will take place to accommodate local spring break schedules.
Public Safety: Emergency Services and Sheriff's Office
Human Services: Public Health and Social Services
Nature & Culture: Library System, Cooperative Extension and Soil & Water
Reception with Board of Commissioners and recognition during public board meeting.