Civics 101

Overview

Civics 101 is a ten-week citizens' academy designed to educate, inform, and Civics 101 Classes 2023
entertain residents interested in learning more about Davidson's municipal government.

There will be a Welcome Kickoff event for registered participants on Saturday, February 25, and classes begin at the Town Hall & Community Center on Thursday, March 2, 2023, continuing through mid-May. They meet each Thursday with the exception of April 13 (CMS Spring Break).  Applicants can choose to sign up for either the morning class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or the evening class from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Classes will conclude with a combined 7:00 p.m. session on Thursday, May 11 with the Davidson Board of Commissioners. A graduation celebration will follow.

In order to offer Civics 101, each class must enroll a minimum of 15 participants. Acceptance into the program is on a first come, first serve basis and will be capped at 25 participants. Those who apply must commit to attending all class sessions. 

Eligibility and Applying for Civics 101

This free program, which is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year (2023), is open to those 18 years of age and older who:

  • have not previously taken the class AND
  • who are Davidson residents or residents of Davidson's extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), OR
  • who own a Davidson business or work in Davidson.

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, and take part in a personalized questions and answer session with the Davidson 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.

Both the morning and evening classes are now FULL, and we have closed the waiting list.

Registration will open again in January 2024 for the next session, so be on the lookout for information then. If you're not signed up for our emails, go to www.townofdavidson.org/stayconnected.

If you would like more information about the program, please email Wendy Matthews, Town of Davidson Communications Assistant.

2023 Class Schedule 

  • Daytime class meets 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Evening class meets 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
  • Welcome Kickoff Event for registered participants
  • Bus Tours before and after lunch (10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.); Tours of the new Town Hall & Community Center
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center (251 South Street)
Thursday, March 2, 2023
  • Session 1 - Local Government Overview (Operational Excellence)
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, March 9, 2023
  • Session 2 - Town History and Historic Preservation
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, March 16, 2023
  • Session 3 - Sustainability & Natural Resources
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, March 23, 2023
  • Session 4 - Finance: Tax Dollars at Work & Connecting People & Places
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, March 30, 2023
  • Session 5 - A Well-Planned and Livable Community & Economic Development
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, April 6, 2023
  • Session 6 - Affordable Living, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, April 13, 2023- NO CLASS

Thursday, April 20, 2023
  • Session 7- Public Safety - Fire (Operational Excellence)
  • Location: Davidson Fire Station 1 (216 S. Main Street)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
  • Session 8- Public Safety - Police (Operational Excellence)
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, May 4, 2023
  • Session 9 - Q & A with Town Manager Jamie Justice
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center
Thursday, May 11, 2023
  • Session 10 - Conversation with the Davidson Board of Commissioners at 7:00 p.m. (this is a combined session with both classes)
  • Graduation Celebration
  • Location: Davidson Town Hall & Community Center