The town of Hillsborough is inviting you to learn more about how local government functions – as part of its first-ever Citizens Academy.

The Citizens Academy is a six-week course designed to help you learn more about town government – and to get folks more interested in getting involved as well. It begins on Wednesday, March 11, and runs for six weeks, with classes from 7-9 pm every Wednesday through April 15 held mostly at Durham Tech’s Orange County campus. (There will also be one Saturday session – a tour of the town’s water and sewer system on March 28.)

Read the town’s full news release.

Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens says it’s part of a town-wide effort to “be more systematic” about transparency and getting people engaged – because, he says, that effort makes for better government.

“We want to make sure there’s a wide pool of citizens who are available to serve on advisory boards, or perhaps even run for office – or if nothing else, just give us feedback on the budget and some of the policies that we’re doing,” Stevens says. “It really does make a difference, we do listen to people, (and) it’s very important to get different viewpoints, (because) that helps us all arrive at better decisions.”

Read the course syllabus, including the topics for each week.

The deadline to apply for the Citizens Academy is Monday. Priority goes to Hillsborough residents, but everyone is welcome.

To apply for the Citizens Academy, click here.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: Town Board Reconvenes, Hog Day, Community Survey
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week’s meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Mandarin Program, Hillsborough Community Survey, UNC Football
In today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board meets this Thursday, with the Mandarin program tops on the agenda.
Hillsborough: Dual Supply and Downtown Businesses, Board Meeting Preview, and More
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week's meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Board Vacancy, Bill Belichick Speaks
In today's news: Bill Belichick addresses the media for the first time after new revelations about the investigation of Tar Heel football.
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
Hillsborough's Burwell School Adopts New Name to Honor Enslaved Dressmaker
The name is in honor of Elizabeth Hobbes Keckley, a nationally-renowned seamstress and writer who was enslaved at the site.
'A Beautiful and Lasting Tribute': New Orange County Crisis Diversion Center Named in Jamezetta Bedford's Honor
Jamezetta Bedford's Orange County commissioner colleagues recently dedicated the future crisis diversion facility in her honor and memory.
Dual Supply Hardware Store in Hillsborough Enters Final Sale Ahead of Closing
For seven decades, some iteration of the Dual Supply Co. has sat in downtown Hillsborough. But soon, the local hardware store will close.
60 Years Apart, Bowman Relatives Lead Through Tennis and Student Body Presidency
Seaforth High women’s tennis is hosting Orange High on Wednesday. There will be a story unfolding in the stands as well as on the court.
Hillsborough: Community Survey, Labor Day, Fall Schedules
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 1, discussing town news and events. He talked about this year's community survey, which went out to residents this week. He also outlined the Labor Day holiday and relevant closures and schedule changes. He also looked at the town falling back into the rhythms of fall with school starting last week and local governments getting back to their regular meetings, and more.
›