"Amid the intrusion of modern technology, holding classes and learning in person from the government officials and employees themselves is still the best way to disseminate vital information about government functions and operations. It is amazing to have the chance to meet in person with those people behind the walls of local governance."

"What caused the pension funding crisis and how did the Mayor arrive at his plan to solve it? What impact will drilling for Marcellus Shale in this region have on our City water supply? How will the City handle snow removal this year in light of last year's storms that bombarded our streets and neighborhoods and made driving treacherous? These are just a few examples of serious issues facing Pittsburgh that the Mayor's Civic Leadership Academy had the opportunity to explore. It was a privilege to be part of this diverse class and to meet with the highest City officials to learn about how City government handles routine matters as well as the tough ones."

"I remember our first class when we were asked what we planned on getting out of this course. I answered 'to understand how the City operates.' I did get a better understanding of how the City operates, but I also am glad I did this so I can teach my son about responsibility, to show him at the age of 16 how you must get involved in your community, in the city in which you live. Being a decent, involved, and responsible citizen goes much further than paying your taxes on time. In just 10 short weeks, I feel like a better, more informed, more invested, and more responsible citizen."

"This was clearly a very informative and enlightening experience, learning about the city and our government, an experience that will never be forgotten. The privilege of meeting our very busy and hard-working City personnel was most rewarding, along with meeting new friends in other neighborhoods in the City. I would recommend this class to anyone."

"Pittsburgh is one large support group, a city wrestling with economic and social problems that we all have in common, by virtue of living here. We believe there is virtue in living here, and we want to discuss solving our problems. But 300,000 of us can't fit in a social hall and hash out day-to-day decisions of public safety, infrastructure, finances, business development, and quality of life. This is why we elect officials and pay taxes for departments of city government, where experts and career professionals analyze problems, research solutions, consult their peers, draft plans, argue their case, endure scrutiny, and sometimes start all over again. When a consensus is reached and a decision is made, plans go into action. Stuff gets bought, people get paid, chores get done, and usually problems get fixed. This course was designed to explain how these processes normally work, and to introduce some of the people who get these jobs done on our behalf."