LOVELAND, OHIO — The City of Loveland is now accepting applications for Loveland U, the City’s Citizens’ Leadership Academy designed to give residents and local stakeholders an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how their community operates.
Loveland U offers participants the opportunity to explore how city services and organizations function, from understanding how roads are prioritized for snow removal to learning how a theater production comes together. Participants will also meet representatives from public safety, including the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department, and gain insight into the work of City Council, Public Works, Building & Zoning, and more.
Through ten interactive sessions, participants will obtain first-hand knowledge of city operations while providing valuable input and feedback on community issues, plans, and activities. Each session focuses on areas of community concern, encourages open dialogue among participants with diverse perspectives, examines leadership styles, and helps establish a network of informed community trustees committed to the greater good.
Loveland U is designed as an adult learning environment with practical, hands-on exercises. Sessions emphasize real-world application by identifying community issues, educating participants on possible solutions, and allowing teams to apply what they’ve learned with minimal lecture time.
The 2026 Loveland U program will run from February through May, with weekly evening sessions held on Wednesdays. Each session lasts approximately three hours and includes dinner.
2026 Loveland U Schedule:
February 25 – Loveland Museum Center
March 4 – Police Department
March 11 – Loveland-Symmes Fire Department
March 18 – Building & Zoning Department
March 25 – Public Works
April 1 – No class (School Break)
April 8 – City Council / Finance Department
April 15 – Loveland City Schools
April 22 – Little Miami Conservancy
April 29 – Loveland Stage Company
May 6 – Loveland U Graduation
A $99 program fee helps offset the cost of materials and meals and demonstrates participants’ commitment to the program.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must live or work in the City of Loveland, or be a member of a Loveland-based civic organization. In order to foster diverse perspectives and enhance the overall experience, participants are selected to create a balanced class.
Applications for Loveland U 2026 are now open and available online.
For more information and to apply, visit:
https://www.lovelandoh.gov/365/Loveland-U