Civics 101

Overview


Civics 101 is a ten-week citizens' academy designed to educate, inform, and entertain residents interested in learning more about our municipal government.  The class runs annually February through April.

The free program, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year, is open to Davidson residents and residents of Davidson’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) who are 18 and older. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss departmental functions and operations with town department heads, tour the fire and police departments, learn about town history from Davidson College’s archivist, and take part in a personalized question and answer session with the Board of Commissioners.  Regardless of how long you have lived in Davidson, this is a great way to familiarize yourself with the town government, meet elected officials, town staff and other residents.
2019 03 23 Bus tour group shot
Classes begin at town hall on Thursday, February 7, 2019 and continue through some of April, meeting each Thursday. Classes also include a Saturday field trip and graduation ceremony at the April board of commissioners’ regular meeting on April 23. Participants can elect to sign up for a day session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or the evening session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Participants should not expect nine weeks of lectures. Classes will require participation in discussion and activities. Acceptance into the program is on a first come, first serve basis and only 25 participants will be able to participate in each class. Residents selected must commit to attending all classes.

Applying for Civics 101

Applications will be available in September 2019 so check back then please!
For more information about the program, please email Wendy Matthews or call her at 704-940-9608.
For the Civics 101 application, click HERE.

2019 Class Schedule
  • Daytime class meets 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Evening class meets 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
  • Session 1 – Welcome, Communications, and Town History
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, February 14, 2019
  • Session 2 – Town Manager
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, February 21, 2019
  • Session 3 – Finance 
    Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, February 28, 2019
  • Session 4 - Planning and Economic Development
    Location: Davidson Town Hall 
Thursday, March 7, 2019
  • Session 5 –Parks and Recreation and Public Works
    Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, March 14, 2019
  • NO CLASS
Thursday, March 21, 2019
  • Session 6 – Police Department
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Saturday, March 23, 2019
BUS TOUR OF DAVIDSON
9:00 to 10:30 a.m. OR 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 28, 2019
  • Session 7 - Fire Department
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, April 4, 2019
  • Session 8 -- Affordable Housing, Special Projects, and Q&A
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Thursday, April 11, 2019
  • Session 9 – Meet the Board of Commissioners
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
  • Recognition at Davidson Board of Commissioners meeting at 6:00 p.m.