Citizens University Exposes Residents To County Operations

FULTON COUNTY, GA — Fulton County will kick off its Citizens’ University course for the 15th consecutive year in September. The 10 weeks of interactive training teaches participants how county government operates, the services provided and how tax dollars are spent.

County leaders provide first-hand information and conduct exercises designed to help class members understand the budgeting process and how the County makes decisions regarding services provided to the community.

Citizens’ University was introduced in 2004 by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to strengthen the relationship between citizens and their government. The executive sponsor for Citizens’ University is Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts.

“We see Citizens’ University as a tremendous opportunity for the average citizen to learn about the way government works,” Pitts said. “Over the 10 weeks of classes, participants will gain a greater understanding of everything Fulton County Government does on behalf of its residents.”

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How can citizens benefit from participating in Citizens’ University? Knowledge is power and citizen engagement is a direct link between County government and the community. By graduating from Citizens’ University, class members can return to their communities to inform friends and neighbors of how their County Government operates while promoting, strengthening and serving as advocates for positive community development.

The registration fee is $40, which helps cover the cost of course materials, a graduation ceremony, a diploma and a class shirt. Class size is limited to 30 participants to ensure optimum one-on-one experiences and a quality-learning environment. Classes are held at various county facilities including the Government Center. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 24.

The annual program runs for 10 weeks and includes two additional evenings as make-up classes from Sept. 6 to Nov. 15. Classes are held Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In order to graduate, students are required to earn a minimum of 200 credits. They earn 20 credits for each class they attend for the entire session.

For more information, call 404-612-8300 or email citizens.university@fultoncountyga.gov.

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