What is City University?

Winter Haven City University offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our departments provide exceptional customer service throughout our community. Participants will get to peek behind the curtain to learn how decisions are made and how our City operates on a day-to-day basis. Complete with presentations, interactive activities, and immersive tours, this eight-session class will equip graduates to be ambassadors in the community, advocates in City Hall, and supporters of our legislative delegation.

Class 5 Applications will open early July 2026!

Who Will Be in the Class?

• Total of 24 citizen participants.
• First 6 applicants from each quadrant of the City (NE, SE, SW, NW).
• Preference given to residents, business owners, or non-profit leaders within the City Limits.
• Those within the City Utility Service Area are also eligible to apply.
• This program is designed for adults (18 years and older).

What Will I Learn?

• Session 1: How'd we get here? A look at the history of Winter Haven and how decisions are made.
• Session 2: Growth and all that comes with it. An overview of growth happening in the City and the impact that growth has on citizens, services, and more.
• Session 3: Living your best life. A look at public safety, parks, recreation, and culture.
• Session 4: City Commission Meeting. Learn what it takes to prepare for a City Commission meeting and observe the City Commission meeting that evening. 
• Session 5: What's it like on the inside? A view into what it's like working for the City of Winter Haven and the wide array of jobs across teams. We will also cover how citizens can be involved through attending meetings and serving on committees.
• Session 6: Big dreams for our future. A chance to hear the visionary and aspirational goals the City's leadership team has for Winter Haven.
• Session 7: How do we pay for it?  A focus on finances, the Winter Haven Airport, and how diversified growth supports City funding.
• Session 8: Keeping the curtain pulled back. A focus on transparency, communication, and the City Manager's Office. Include a closing Q&A panel session with the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.

What's the Timeline?

Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on the following dates. A light dinner will be provided.

Application Opens: July 6, 2026
Application Closes: July 17, 2026

Session 1: August 25, 2026 - How'd we get here?

•  Session Info: A look at the history of Winter Haven and how decisions are made.
• Location : Winter Haven Women's Club / History Museum, 600 Pope Ave NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Session 2: September 1, 2026 - Growth and all that comes with it.

•  Session Info: An overview of growth happening in the City and the impact that growth has on citizens, services, and more.
• Location: Garden Center of Winter Haven, 715 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Session 3: September 8, 2026 - Living your best life.

• Session Info: A look at public safety, parks, recreation, and culture.
• Location: AdventHealth Fieldhouse Meeting Room A, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33880

Session 4: September 15, 2026 - Attend a City Commission Meeting (Subject to Change to 9/16/26)

•  Session Info: Learn what it takes to prepare for a City Commission meeting and observe the City Commission meeting that evening. 
•  Location: John Fuller Auditorium / City Hall Conference Room 451 3rd Street NW Winter Haven, FL 33881

Session 5: September 22, 2026 - What's it like on the inside?

• Session Info: A view into what it's like working for the City of Winter Haven and the wide array of jobs across teams. We will also cover how citizens can be involved through attending meetings and serving on committees.
•  Location: HR Training Room 500 3rd Street NW Winter Haven, FL 33881

Session 6: September 29, 2026 - Big dreams for our future.

• Session Info: A chance to hear the visionary and aspirational goals the City's leadership team has for Winter Haven.
•  Location: Winter Haven Recreation & Cultural Center, 801 Ave T NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Session 7: October 6, 2026 - How do we pay for it?

•  Session Info: A focus on finances, the Winter Haven Airport, and how diversified growth support funding.
•  Location: Winter Haven Airport Conference Room 2073 US-92 Winter Haven, FL 33881 

Session 8: October 13, 2026 - Keeping the curtain pulled back.

• Session Info: A focus on transparency, communication, and the City Manager's Office. Include a closing Q&A panel session with the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.
•  Location: Florida Room 500 3rd Street NW Winter Haven, FL 33881

Hold: October 20, 2026 - Make-Up Day (If Needed)

Graduation: October 26, 2026

•  Location: John Fuller Auditorium 451 3rd Street Winter Haven, FL 33881