Horseshoe Bay accepting applications for Citizens’ Academy
The city of Horseshoe Bay’s 17th class of Citizens Academy Graduates pose for a group photo. Pictured here are Paul Thornhill (left), Scott Vermillion, Samantha Vermillion, Michael Saba, Malcolm “Kip” Frazer, Barry Oakes, John Bellamy, Melissa Oakes, John James, Adrian James, Howard Rough, Angela Ezell, and David DeLeon. Horseshoe Bay photo
Horseshoe Bay is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Dottie Anderson Citizens’ Academy, a program that educates residents about city government and operations.
The academy, named after a former graduate, offers hands-on instruction from city staff and elected officials on city council, elections, police and fire departments, and municipal services.
“This is a wonderful program dedicated to informing our citizens about the daily tasks required to run a city of Horseshoe Bay’s high caliber,” City Manager Jeff Koska said in a media release. “Not only do we provide information, we gain information from the students.”
Applicants must be Horseshoe Bay residents, with preference given to full-time residents. Applications are available online.
For more information, call 830-613-4942 or email csharp@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov.
Each class is limited to 15 participants and meets once a week for two hours over nine weeks. Participants may not miss more than two classes, though absences can be made up by attending a later session.
The Spring 2026 session, which begins in February, will mark the program’s 18th graduating class. The academy began in 2016 and has graduated 220 residents. The most recent class graduated Dec. 11. Graduates receive certificates signed by the mayor and city-branded jackets or vests.
Koska said many graduates have gone on to serve on city council and city committees.
“The Citizens Academy is a must do for all Horseshoe Bay residents. You learn about the many incredible services our City provides us,” said John Bellamy, a member of the 17th academy class.
Mayor Jeff Jones, an academy graduate, said the program helped him better understand city government.
“Upon entering citizens academy, my thoughts of city government were basically like turning on a light in a dark room,” Jones said. “We don’t think about it, and we just flip a switch and assume it’s going to work. However, upon learning about all the different aspects of the City, it became evident that it’s very complex, not simple.”