Get a closer look at Columbia Association this October in the “Excite Columbia” Citizens Academy

Columbia Association’s (CA) citizens academy, Excite Columbia, returns soon for its 2017 session. The free three-week program will begin Tuesday, Oct. 3 and concludes on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Classes are held from 6:30 to 8:45pm at CA Headquarters, 6310 Hillside Court, located off Stevens Forest Road near the county vehicle emissions inspection station.

Since 2013, Excite Columbia has educated and informed residents with an in-depth view of how CA operates and serves the community through its many departments and programs. The citizens academy also provides a forum for CA and community members to interact and engage with one another — and an informal setting to talk about your vision for the future of Columbia.

Preregistration is required at ColumbiaAssociation.org/excite. Participants are expected to attend all three evenings. Each week, expert speakers will present information and answer questions on a variety of topics. The schedule for the 2017 session is:

1. Tuesday, Oct. 3: The history of Columbia; an overview of Columbia Association by President/CEO Milton W. Matthews; and CA’s role in community planning.

2. Tuesday, Oct. 10: CA’s governance; annual charge and budget; community services and programs; and sport and fitness facilities and programs.

3. Tuesday, Oct. 17: CA’s open space management and facility services; energy management program; watershed management program; and a discussion about your vision for the future of CA and Columbia.

For more information, please email Communications@ColumbiaAssociation.org.