Have questions about local government? Want to learn from department heads and other county leaders? Then Civics 101 is for you!
The Civics 101 Academy is a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances and initiatives. Participants learn from and interact with department heads and other leaders about topics such as health, public safety, human services, elections, parks, libraries, public finance, sustainability, the justice system and more. Refreshments are served.
Participants receive a completion certificate.
Questions? Email Civics 101 host Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org
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Civics 101 meets one night per week for nine weeks, from early September through late October. See schedule below. Refreshments are served every session. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Class runs from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., with a break in the middle.
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Location: Manzanita Hall, in the 500 County Center building in Redwood City. The Manzanita Hall entrance is near the corner of Marshall St. and Middlefield Rd. It is not accessible from the main (plaza) entrance to the 500 bldg.
Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the public parking garage on campus, and there is metered street parking in the area.
See the 2025 Civics 101 program below (Informational only. The 2026 program will appear here when scheduled
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San Mateo County Government Overview
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County Justice System
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Community Services
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San Mateo County Health
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Human Services Agency
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Sheriff's Office
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The Money; County Elections
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Countywide Initiatives
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Board of Supervisors
OPTIONAL BONUS ACTIVITIES (each on a Saturday)
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Tour of Maple St. Correctional Center in Redwood City
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Hike on Edgewood Trail in Redwood City. Hear about County parks from a ranger, and join a longtime Edgewood Park docent on a fairly light hike.