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.
Want to register? See the PDF application at the bottom of this page.
Questions? Email Civics 101 host Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org
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Civics 101 meets on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, from Sep. 2 through Oct. 28. Class runs from 6-8:30 p.m., with a break in the middle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
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Location: County Government Center in Redwood City. The class primarily meets in Manzanita Hall, on the ground floor of the 500 County Center building in Redwood City. The entrance to Manzanita Hall is at the corner of Marshall St and Middlefield Rd. It is not accessible from the building's main entrance on the plaza side.
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The Sep. 2 and Oct. 7 classes will be held in the Regional Operations Center, located on the County Government Center campus, next to the public parking garage. The seven other sessions will be held in Manzanita Hall.
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Before the class begins, enrollees will be emailed the schedule, additional course details and campus maps. The final schedule will also appear below.
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Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the public parking garage on campus, and there is metered street parking in the area.
See Sample Civics 101 program below. The Fall 2026 program content and dates will appear here when the schedule is finalized. Classes will be held on the following evenings, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. : September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; and October 7, 14, 21, 28.
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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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Sheriff's Office (includes a K-9 demo!)
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San Mateo County Health
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Human Services Agency
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The Money; County Elections
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Countywide Initiatives
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Academy wrap-up/celebration: Final presentations and a member of the Board of Supervisors engages with the class.
OPTIONAL BONUS ACTIVITIES (each on a Saturday morning TBD)
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Tour of Maple St. Correctional Center in Redwood City
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Learn about County Parks from a ranger, then join an Edgewood Park docent on a fairly light hike and learn about the flora, fauna, butterflies and more that occupy the park.