Decatur 101
A Great Way to Get to Know Your City
New Classes Begin In March
Decatur 101 is a program designed to educate the community about city government. If you want to learn more about how the City of Decatur works, who is responsible for what, and what steps you can take to make a difference, sign up for Decatur 101.
Classes are held for five consecutive Thursdays beginning the first Thursday in March. The morning classes are 10 a.m. to noon with optional tours of various city buildings at 9:30 a.m. Evening classes are 7 to 9 p.m. with tours at 6:30 p.m.
A special Smart Growth Walking Tour for both classes will be conducted on the first Saturday in March. Classes are held in different city buildings and cover such topics as history, development, budget, boards and commissions, and volunteer opportunities.
Classes are free and open to the first 40 applicants. There is usually a waiting list so sign up early! For more information or to register, email Linda Harris or call 404-371-8386.
>Click for city contact email directory
>Class outline
>Decatur 101 graduates
>What participants say
Decatur 101 is a popular program of classes offered annually by the City of Decatur to educate citizens about our city government. The goals of the program are:
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To increase the number of informed and involved citizens
in Decatur; and
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To "put a face" on local government, making it more accessible
to the community.
Each class consists of five two-hour morning sessions or five two-hour evening sessions focusing on specific areas of government. The sessions are conducted in various city buildings, including the fire station, public works building, city hall, and the recreation center. Classes are limited to 35 participants.
The class is free and open to the first 40 participants. For more information or to register for evening or morning classes, email or call 404-371-8386.
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Smart Growth Walking Tour of downtown Decatur
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Decatur 101 participants enjoy a presentation
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How Would You Spend your Decatur Tax Dollar?
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Public safety equipment demonstration
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City commissioners distribute graduation certificates
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Class Outline
Each class consists of five two-hour evening sessions focusing on specific areas of government. The sessions are conducted in various city buildings, including the fire station, public works building, city hall, and the recreation center. Classes are limited to 40 participants.
Smart Growth Walking Tour (Optional)
Session 1
Held at Fire Station 1, begins with a welcome from the mayor. Topics include history of the city, form of government, role of the city manager, strategic plan and economic development. Also includes a tour of Fire Station 1 and a quick overview of the department.
Session 2
Held at the Public Works building, includes overview of sanitation and facilities maintenance, codes, inspections and permits, and engineering. Also includes a tour of the Public Works facility and vehicles.
Session 3
Held at City Hall and includes a tour of the City Hall. Participants learn about the Administrative Services department including budget, taxes, millage rate, technology, accounting & revenue. Also includes an overview of Emergency Management and updates on current initiatives such as Bond Project updates.
Session 4
Held at City Hall. Participants learn about the various boards and commissions and participate in a mock Planning Commission Meeting. Also includes an overview of the Police department and tour of their vehicles.
Session 5
Held at the Decatur Recreation Center and includes a tour of the facility and a brief overview of the Active Living and Children & Youth Services Divisions. City volunteer organizations make brief presentations and participants have a Q&A session with the mayor and commissioners. A graduation ceremony is conducted by the mayor and commissioners, and each participant receives a certificate and a commemorative T-shirt. Participants also fill out evaluation forms that provide us with ideas and suggestions for improving the Decatur 101 program.
Results
In the years Decatur 101 classes have been offered, many graduates have:
- Run for office
- Served on volunteer boards and commissions
- Volunteered to help with festivals and other local events and activities
- Activated a neighborhood organization complete with newsletter and website
- Helped with subsequent Decatur 101 classes
- Participated in the Citizens Public Safety Academy
- Participated in budget focus groups
- Adapted the Decatur 101 format for high school students
- And much, much more.
Next Class
Decatur 101 classes are scheduled each March. If you would like to attend, or have questions, contact:
Linda Harris
Assistant Director, Community & Economic Development
City of Decatur, Georgia
404-371-8386
www.decaturga.com
P.O. Box 220, Decatur GA 30031
What Participants Say
Here's what Decatur 101 graduates say about their experiences in the program: "The most fun I have had in a learning environment since my second year of law school." . . . "We now know the city listens as well as how to make our voices heard." . . . "Thank you for quality city leadership and a quality course." . . . "Every city should have this kind of program." . . . "Decatur 101 exceeded my expectations. I will include it on my resume." . . . "It was awesome. It makes it a lot easier to write that tax check."