Burlingame and Hillsborough residents curious about how their county government actually works can sign up now for a free, nine-week course that puts them face-to-face with the department heads running it.
The Civics 101 Academy, run by the San Mateo County Executive's Office, begins Wednesday, Sept. 2 and meets every Wednesday evening through Oct. 28 at the County Government Center in Redwood City. Sessions run from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and refreshments served.
The program has operated for nearly two decades, according to a county press release from August 2025, making it San Mateo County's longest-running civic engagement offering. Many past participants have gone on to serve on county boards and commissions or joined the county as employees.
Registration is open now.
What's covered
Each week tackles a different arm of county operations. Topics include a county government overview, the justice system, community services, a Sheriff's Office session with a K-9 demonstration, county health, the Human Services Agency, finances and elections, and countywide initiatives. The final session brings a member of the Board of Supervisors to engage directly with the class.
An optional Saturday morning tour of the Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City is also offered on a date to be determined.
How to apply
Applications are available as a PDF on the program's official page at smcgov.org/ceo/civics-101-academy. No application deadline has been announced, but spots are limited. Questions can be directed to program host Eric Forgaard at [email protected].
Getting there
Classes meet primarily in Manzanita Hall on the ground floor of the 500 County Center building, with the entrance at the corner of Marshall Street and Middlefield Road. The Sept. 2 opening night and Oct. 7 sessions are held in the Regional Operations Center on the same campus. Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the on-campus public garage; metered street parking is also available nearby.
Participants who complete all nine sessions receive a certificate.
The County of San Mateo announced the fall 2026 session on Thursday, Aug. 6, describing the academy as a way for residents to connect directly with the department heads and leaders who run local government.
