Honoring roots, planning routes!
February 11 & 25, 6-9 pm
We’re looking for a few good people to join us in the long-awaited return of Sumner University 2026. In this two-evening program, you will give us feedback and insight to begin the process of building the 2027-28 Budget. Meanwhile, we’ll transform you into informed “Scholared Sumnerites” who truly understand how your city works and can wow friends at parties with your knowledge. With the theme “Honoring Roots, Planning Routes,” this interactive experience will take you behind the scenes of city operations, from budget decisions to public safety to long-term planning.
Day 1, “The Backbone,” focuses on money, history, and safety. You’ll explore Sumner’s financial operations through an interactive budget simulator, then choose between learning about modern policing initiatives or discovering what it takes to maintain our parks and trail systems. The evening concludes with an inside look at public works projects and infrastructure throughout the city.
Day 2, “The Soul,” explores how Sumner grows and governs. Sessions cover civic engagement, future visioning, and offer breakout tracks on housing development and permitting or our municipal court system. The program concludes with an interactive workshop where you’ll weigh in on realistic future scenarios for Sumner. Complete the program and receive your Sumner University diploma, suitable for framing, and exclusive t-shirt.
Attendance is limited to 50 scholars. The cost to participate is giving up two evenings for a total of six hours of your time. Recommended for people who live, work or own a business in Sumner.