Do you want to learn more about how city government works? Are you looking for ways to influence decision makers and support your community? We’re here to help! Each year, People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) partners with linguistically and culturally specific organizations to co-create civic education programming that explores:
- How City government works and the pathways to influence decision-making
- How to get involved
- How to become a leader in your community
- How to organize people and resources to get things done
Apply to PACE
Currently, PACE is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort held in partnership with Asian Counseling and Referral Service and taking place in September and October.
The priority deadline to apply is Sunday, August 17, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST. For more details and to apply visit: https://forms.office.com/g/cpyKKytVDR
Applications for additional fall cohorts will open up soon! Once the applications are open, we will notify our PACE email distribution list. We also send out monthly updates on other learning opportunities, ways to get involved civically, and places to provide input. Sign up to receive news about PACE by visiting our webpage and clicking “Subscribe” on the right sidebar: www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/public-participation/peoples-academy-for-community-engagement
The PACE Experience
As a PACE graduate, you would join a growing network of civic leaders from diverse backgrounds who are working in their communities to make change. Check out the videos below to hear from past PACE participants.
Curriculum
We partner with community organizations to create and deliver lessons that address the challenges and needs of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. Sessions are taught by community leaders, with support from City staff.
Examples of Past Topics:
- City Government 101
- City Budget 101
- Community Organizing
- Seattle City Council and City Hall Visit
- Generational Wealth Program
- One Seattle Comprehensive Plan
- Demographic Data Access and Tools
Partner with PACE
Interested in partnering with PACE? Let us know! Organizations who would like to co-host a cohort can reach the PACE team at PACE@seattle.gov. We partner with community organizations that support underserved communities on a wide variety of topics, like affordable housing, grantmaking, and building meaningful relationships.
For more information and questions, please check out the PACE website: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/public-participation/peoples-academy-for-community-engagement or contact PACE@seattle.gov.
