ACC-OC & UCI Offer Public Policy Maker Academy

Posted by Melanie James on

The Association of California Cities and UCI have teamed up to create a Public Policy Maker Academy, which offers its students an institutional understanding of the complexities of local government. Each graduate receives a Certificate of Public Policy, Level I from UCI after course completion.

Lacy Kelly CBJ

“Our local leaders are small business owners, moms and dads, and volunteers,” said ACC-OC’s CEO Lacy Kelly. “These inaugural graduates have committed themselves to being better policymakers and implementers by gaining advanced education on what it takes to run a city. It’s a tremendous accomplishment, and I am proud of each person who dedicated their time to becoming better policy leaders.”

The curriculum was developed by former elected officials and city managers in conjunction with UCI faculty. During an intensive four-week period, each participant was required to complete 32 hours of coursework through twelve classes. A comprehensive final exam was administered at the completion of the coursework.

The ACC-OC and UCI continue to refine the second installment of the Public Policy Makers Certificate Level I course, which will be offered again in the January/February 2015 timeframe. As well, the partners will look to offer Level II and Level III Certificate courses next spring for those who successfully passed Level I.

The graduates come from a diverse background, including city management, elected officials, the private sector and aspiring policy makers. The 2014 class includes:

• The Hon. Dr. Allan Bernstein, Councilmember, City of Tustin
• The Hon. Gail Eastman, Councilmember, City of Anaheim
• Alex Burrola, FSB Core Strategies
• Barbara Delgleize, RE/MAX Select One
• Brian Nakayama
• CJ Eastman, Office of Councilmember Gail Eastman, City of Anaheim
• David Vazquez, Association of California Cities – Orange County
• Dianne Thompson
• Gary Slater, Caltrans
• James Reardon, Concepts Development, Inc.
• Jim Hill, Association of California Cities – Orange County
• John O’Neill
• Maribel Marroquin
• Victoria Beatley, City of Seal Beach

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the ACC-OC or visit the UCI website.

For a complete list of this years classes and curriculum please click here.