What are Local Government Civic
Education Programs?

Local government civic education programs─sometimes called citizens academies or local government 101 programs─are structured educational initiatives offered by local governments to help residents understand how their city, county, or regional government works.

These programs typically bring together diverse groups of community members for several information sessions, over the course of several weeks or months. Participants learn about government services, meet staff and elected officials, tour facilities, and discuss local issues and challenges.

By the end of the program, graduates have a deeper understanding of local government operations, stronger connections to their community, and the knowledge they need to be more engaged citizens.