A group of citizens were recognized by Sugar Land City Council for completing a course designed to better prepare participants for leadership roles in the community.

Sugar Land 101 is a 10-week course that offers an in-depth look at how Sugar Land operates.

By the end of the course, citizens have a good understanding of the structure and functioning of one of the most successful municipal governments in the country.

The curriculum includes presentations by City department heads and field trips to several sites, such as a water plant, a fire station, the Sugar Land Regional Airport and the traffic center.

The purpose of the course is to better equip and encourage residents to assume leadership roles within the community. Many graduates of Sugar Land 101 go on to serve on a board or commission.

The next class is scheduled for February 2010. Applications will be available in August. For more information or to register, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov  -- select “City Services,” then “Sugar Land 101.”