Ever wondered how the City of Virginia Beach works for you? Or do you want to know what it takes to be a good leader? Maybe your civic league could use some improvement or your neighborhood would like to start a civic league. The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation invites city residents to get answers and tips on these issues and more by enrolling in the next session of its Neighborhood Institute Leadership and Development Course.

Classes are held every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. beginning April 2 through June 11, with the exception of one Monday in City Council chambers and three Saturday tours. Thursday night classes are held at the Advanced Technology Center located at 1800 College Crescent in Virginia Beach.

The Neighborhood Institute connects participants to city officials, community leaders and other citizens from different neighborhoods to gain skills in community leadership and strengthen citizen participation in the development of solutions to neighborhood problems and concerns. Citizens also gain an insight into how the city is run and what programs and services are available to them. Participants will meet and hear presentations by city leaders, tour the city and its neighborhoods, and participate in a simulated City Council session.

There is a registration fee to help defray the cost of the class. One registration costs $35; two people can attend for a total of $50. College students may attend for $25. Limited scholarships are available. The fee includes course materials, tour transportation and lunches. Registration is due along with an application by March 20 to the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation. For more information or to register, please contact the department at 385-8132 or visit www.VBgov.com/housing.

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