SALEM – As we embark on the 400th anniversary of Salem in 2026, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are launching the Winter 2026 round of Salem City Academy, and Salem residents are invited to apply for this year’s cohort. The Salem City Academy provides an educational opportunity for Salem residents to tour municipal offices and learn how local government works. Program participants will get the opportunity to see municipal government at work up close, meet directly with department heads and – new for this year – learn about how the work we do now is connected to more than 400 years of Salem history.
Modeled on similar civic academies offered by the Salem Police Department, Salem City Academy is intended to increase civic participation and engagement among residents who may not normally access local government or who wish to better understand how City Hall functions, and is intentional about including all Salem residents, recent immigrants and long-time locals alike.
“Salem City Academy is designed to help residents, especially new residents and those who come from historically underserved communities, connect to and understand their local government,” said Mayor Pangallo, “We’re striving to better connect residents with their municipal government, so they’re able to access all of the services, programs, and information that we provide. We work hard and intentionally to open doors to City Hall for everyone in our community. Salem City Academy is another measure in that ongoing effort to improve transparency, accessibility, and equity in the delivery of City services and the operation of Salem’s local government. I’m grateful to Julio Mota for his leadership in continuing this important program, and to all City Departments for taking the time to engage with the participants of this program.”
Throughout the coming Winter months, Salem City Academy participants will meet with several City departments, including visits to the Department of Public Services, Fire Department, Park & Recreation, Planning Department, Building Inspectors, Engineering, the Mayor’s Office, and more. Anyone interested in applying to this cohort of Salem City Academy should please reach out to Julio Mota at (978) 619-5601 or jmota@salem.com
