Ozark 101 Turns Residents Into Ambassadors as They Learn How Local Government Works

The 2025 class of Ozark 101 recently celebrated graduation after completing an engaging eight-week program designed to educate residents on how their city government functions. Each week, for three hours, the participants explored different city departments, gaining firsthand insights into how municipal operations serve the community.

“Participants range from high school students to retirees,” said Denise Ellis, Community Marketing Director for the City of Ozark. “By the end of the program, you have a group of people who know how to navigate different offices when they need help.”

Throughout the course, participants asked questions, took detailed notes, and received a comprehensive guidebook about the city's departments and services. The program concludes with a collaborative class project, planned and executed by the participants themselves, putting their new knowledge into action.  This year's class established a Safe Meeting Spot at the police station/City Hall, where residents can meet for safe exchanges.

Ozark 101 continues to be a valuable opportunity for residents to build connections, strengthen civic understanding, and become more engaged in the community.

Each Week Introduces Participants to New Departments

As part of Ozark 101, participants travel across the city to visit the various departments and gain a firsthand look at how each one operates. One week might include sessions with the police, fire, and EMS teams; the next could focus on sanitation services or the water utilities. Every department prepares an interactive presentation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its staffing, funding, and day-to-day responsibilities.

During one session, the fire department demonstrated how they get into their turnout gear in 60 seconds to be ready for an emergency.  The class had the opportunity to handle the jaws of life and other lifesaving equipment before attempting to hold and control the fire hose.  This provided the class with a much better understanding of how firefighters respond and operate in emergency situations.

“When you see that a department has a limited number of team members, you understand why something might not get done as quickly as you expect,” explains Denise Ellis, Community Marketing Director. “Because of their newfound knowledge of the department, you then have more people who are advocates for the city.”

Ellis says the most recent class stood out for their curiosity and engagement. “This group asked more questions than any class before,” she said. “They really wanted to understand how each office works and what challenges the departments face. They were genuinely invested in learning from every department head.”
Through this kind of direct interaction and thoughtful inquiry, Ozark 101 builds not only awareness but a deeper sense of community partnership between residents and city staff.

Participants Can Follow Up With Government Employees

One of the key strengths of Ozark 101 is the direct access it provides to city leadership. Every department head shares their contact information with participants or ensures it’s readily available online. This open line of communication empowers both class members and other residents to follow up with questions or requests for services long after the program ends.

“This program is designed to help residents feel confident turning to their city government when they need help,” says Denise Ellis. “Everybody in our city has an open-door policy. I don’t know of any department head who wouldn’t be willing to speak with a citizen and answer their questions about any issues that are brought directly to their attention.”

In addition to improving communication, Ozark 101 plays an important role in combating false or misleading information from circulating; the program offers facts straight from the source. Each department is transparent about its budget, operations, and staffing. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, helping them become well-informed ambassadors within the community.

By the end of the program, graduates are not only better equipped to navigate city services—they also become trusted voices for transparency and truth in Ozark.

This Year’s Class Project Created a Safe Meeting Space in Ozark  

Ozark is an Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE) and is actively involved in the Alabama League of Municipalities. Part of being an ACE community involves developing leadership projects to help residents grow new skills. This is why the Ozark 101 program asks participants to complete a class project to help improve the city. They can foster skills like teamwork and communication while the city benefits from new resources.

For this year’s Ozark 101 class project, participants created a safe exchange zone next to the police station located in City Hall. The well-lit exchange zone will have 24-hour video surveillance and access to the police if needed. It is designed for people to meet if they buy something online or share custody of a child. This adds an amenity that enhances the quality of life in Dale County. 

Ozark 101 Runs Annually and is Free for Residents  

This year's Ozark 101 began in April and ran through the end of May. It is an annual program with applications opening at the start of the year. The class is free to participate in with a 20-person limit to keep groups small, which allows better one-on-one interaction between the department heads and participants.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Ellis holds on to any applications that don’t make it into this year’s class and reaches out to invite them to the program next year.  

If you missed Ozark 101 this year or can’t wait for next year’s program, we encourage you to get involved in local government today. You can attend city council meetings, sit on local committees, and learn how Ozark works. Being involved can help make you feel empowered when you need services and give you a voice in the city’s future.  

You Can Also Get Involved in Economic Development

Another way to support Dale County's growth is to get involved in economic development. You can become an investor and enjoy benefits like networking events and updates on various projects. Getting involved with the Ozark-Dale Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) allows you to help shape business development in the region, ensuring residents have sustainable jobs across diverse industries.

Don’t just live in your community; participate in it! Look for programs like Ozark 101 and other organizations you might be interested in joining. Your involvement can make Ozark and Dale County better.