Aspen 360 has first graduating class in two years
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the city of Aspen’s Aspen 360 program reached its conclusion, with the 2024 class graduating on Oct. 3.
The program, which offered residents a comprehensive understanding of local government, opened its applications in June and ran from Aug. 22 to Oct. 3. Throughout seven sessions, participants gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the city.
City of Aspen Communications Specialist Emily Ford said the function of this program is to serve as a funnel for boards and commissions.
“Hopefully, participation in Aspen 360 leads to ways in which participants can stay involved with the city,” she said. “Whether that is through boards and commissions, serving on a volunteer board, grant committees, or just showing up to public comment, Aspen 360 empowers participants to engage and contribute to our community.”
Throughout the program, residents attended weekly meetings and took part in immersive field trips to explore topics ranging from city services and environmental protection to infrastructure and tax-dollar allocations. Participants also learned about Aspen’s parks, open spaces, special services, and opportunities for community involvement.
“Throughout the entire course, you get to learn about the different departments and the responsibilities of local government,” Ford said. “By the end, you are a more engaged citizen.”
Participants for Aspen 360 must be Aspen residents, and she said that applications for the Aspen 360 2025 class will open sometime in early summer.
For more information on Aspen 360 and how to get involved, visit aspen.gov.
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