Salem Opens Summer 2026 City Academy Applications During 400th Anniversary Year

SALEM, MA — Salem residents can now apply for the Summer 2026 round of Salem City Academy, a city program that gives participants a closer look at how local government works.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem announced the new cohort as the city continues through its 400th year in 2026.

The academy offers residents an educational opportunity to tour municipal offices, meet department heads and see city government at work up close. This year, the city said, the program will also include information about how current municipal work connects to more than 400 years of Salem history.

Salem City Academy is modeled on similar civic academies offered by the Salem Police Department. The program is intended to increase civic participation and engagement among residents who may not normally access local government or who want to better understand how City Hall functions.

The program is intentional about including all Salem residents, including recent immigrants and long-time locals.

"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," Pangallo said. "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."

During the summer months, participants will meet with several city departments, including the Department of Public Services, Fire Department, Park & Recreation, Planning Department, Building Inspectors, Engineering and the Mayor's Office.

The city said there will be additional department visits as well.

Anyone interested in applying for the Salem City Academy summer cohort can contact Julio Mota at 978-619-5601 or jmota@salem.com.