Curious about what makes Town Hall tick? Want to learn more about how developments are planned and approved? Those topics and more will be covered in a free seven-week program for residents called “Davidson Civics 101.” Applications are being accepted now for daytime and evening sessions beginning Jan. 24.

This will be the second year for the program, which is modeled after those in other cities and towns around the country, said Sara-Lynne Levine, the town’s communications director.

“It’s a chance for citizens to learn more about the process, about what departments do, how things work, and how their tax dollars are spent,” Ms. Levine said.

It’s also a good way to find out how to get involved, or prepare for getting more deeply involved, in the town. Twenty-one people completed last year’s session, including town-commissioner-elect Laurie Venzon, Downtown Davidson President Budd Berro and others who have joined citizen boards and committees or other town efforts.

DAY AND NIGHT SESSIONS

This year’s Civics 101 will have day and night sessions. Spaces are available for 20 in each, and as of Thursday, both sessions were about half-filled. Last year’s program had a waiting list.

Weekly classes will include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and meetings with town officials on topics including public safety, planning, parks and recreation, town history, and budgeting. “You’re not going to sit getting a lecture,” Ms. Levine said.

The classes will meet at Town Hall and other locations on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for seven weeks, beginning Jan. 24. The program is open to citizens at least 18 years old who live in Davidson or the area just beyond the town limits in the town’s “extra territorial jurisdiction” (ETJ).

Town Manager Leamon Brice said in a press release about the program that Davidson residents are already well informed and involved. “Civics 101 will take that interest to the next level. Perhaps someone is interested in getting more involved, sitting on a board or a committee, or wants to learn more about how things in town happen. This is their chance to find out those answers and much more about the inner workings of our town departments,” Mr. Brice said.

WANT TO ATTEND?

Applications for Civics 101 are available online or at Town Hall. For more information, contact Ms. Levine at 704-940-9602.