The Around Dublin Blog recently hit the one million page view milestone as more and more readers are looking for substantive local news, insightful commentary, and a platform to express their opinions on local happenings in and around Dublin. Through the comments, article view counts, and direct feedback, the Around Dublin Team has gotten to know our readers fairly well. In addition to being highly educated, our readers are curious about the latest in residential and commercial development, enjoy data-driven discussions about the schools, and can think critically for themselves. Without the sustained interest from our legion of loyal readers, the Around Dublin Blog would not be what it is today.

The Around Dublin Blog launched in October 2007, during one of the most interesting times in Dublin’s history. Monthly page views for the Around Dublin Blog went from roughly 500 in our first month to approximately 60,000 in more recent months. Similarly, the site’s monthly unique visitor count has increased from about 75 to over 16,000, which is just under one-third of Dublin’s current population. The pace of growth in our readership seems to mirror the population surge in the Tri-Valley over the same period of time. Based on data from Google Analytics, we are not seeing any sign of slowdown in the rate of readership growth. As the residential real estate market continues to rebound and the commercial real estate market begins to thaw, we expect those numbers to maintain their current trajectory and grow with the City of Dublin.

The Around Dublin Team enjoys learning about our thriving city. We have met many wonderful neighbors, passionate business owners, civic-minded community leaders, and talented City staff over the years. The Around Dublin Blog owes its foundation to the Dublin Leadership Academy, an outreach program sponsored by the City of Dublin. The Dublin Leadership Academy, recently renamed Inside Dublin, aims to educate participants about City services and the issues facing our city. This seven-week program will feature presentations on topics such as public safety, local government, and community services. Presentations are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00PM to 9:30PM and there is also one Saturday morning field trip. Inside Dublin is set to begin on September 17th.

Class size this year will be limited to the first 20 candidates. Applicants must live or work in Dublin. Please contact Assistant City Manager Chris Foss at (925) 833-6650 to see if space is still available.