Want An Inside Look At San Mateo County Government? Applications Due Soon

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County residents and workers have just days left to apply for a nine-week program offering an inside look at how local government works.

Applications for the county's 2026 Civics 101 Academy are due Tuesday. The program is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in San Mateo County.

“This program is an incredible window into local government that allows community members to see their tax dollars at work firsthand,” County Executive Mike Callagy said.

The academy runs for nine consecutive Wednesday evenings from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28, with sessions scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Most will take place at the County Center campus in downtown Redwood City.

Participants will hear from county leaders and learn about affordable housing, the justice system, county finances, public health, elections, sustainability, libraries and other areas of local government.

An optional Saturday morning tour of a county correctional facility will also be offered.

Callagy said the county hopes the academy will encourage participants to become more involved in local government, including by serving on county advisory boards and commissions.

“We want to demystify how the County operates, but more importantly, we want to inspire participants to take the next step,” Callagy said.

Participants must be able to attend the weekly sessions. Those who complete the academy will receive a certificate.

Applications and additional information are available through the county's Civics 101 Academy webpage. Questions can be directed to program host Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org.