Directory of civic learning resources, by city
A directory of classes, courses, and self-guided resources for learning about city government in major U.S. cities.
Classes are ideal, as in addition to equipping you with knowledge, they're also a way to connect with other civically minded people in your city. But it turns out that these are quite rare, so in many cases the best available option is "read this nice pamphlet".
Have a suggestion for addition? Let me know!
New York City, New York #
The Foundations of New York City — Maximum New York #
- In-person seminar course on NYC government and law, covering political history, political theory, and political practice
- Includes a written final exam, "witnessing government" assignments (attending real government meetings), and a required piece of public writing
- I took this, and recommend it!
San Francisco, California #
How SF Government Works (CivLab)
- In-person civics class covering the city charter, elected officials, commissions, the legislative process, ballot measures, the budget, and SF political history — includes a field trip to City Hall, weekly homework, and a final exam.
- A 70-page self-guided reference covering San Francisco's executive and legislative branches, the legislative process, local elections, a city organizational chart, and district maps.
Seattle, Washington #
People's Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) — City of Seattle #
- A city-run civic education program exploring how Seattle city government works and the pathways to influence decision-making
Los Angeles, California #
LA 101 Guide to Government and Advocacy in Los Angeles #
- A free, self-paced online guide to how LA city and county government works
Los Angeles: Structure of a City Government #
- A 208-page guide published by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. Covers everything from the role of the mayor and City Council to departments, commissions, the budget process, and neighborhood councils
- Note that it was written in 2006, so some details may be dated, but the structural fundamentals remain relevant
San Antonio, Texas #
San Antonio Government 101 — San Antonio Report #
- A clear, well-written civic guide explaining how San Antonio's council-manager form of government works
- Covers the roles of the mayor, city council, and city manager; how elections work; how to engage with city council meetings; and the relationship between city and county government
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania #
Civic Engagement Academy — City of Philadelphia #
- A free, ongoing training program run by the City of Philadelphia that offers monthly workshops on civic topics. Workshop topics include Government 101, the city budget process, building coalitions, leading community meetings, and using data to tell your story
Austin, Texas #
Austin CityWorks Academy — City of Austin #
- A free, multi-week program offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Austin city government operates
Denver (metro), Colorado #
Civic Academy — Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) #
- A free, seven-week course introducing participants to regional issues including transportation, housing, economic vitality, and civic engagement
- This is less about the mechanics of government in the Denver area, but a decent entrypoint to become more civically engaged
Charlotte, North Carolina #
Civic Leadership Academy (City of Charlotte) #
- A free, 13-session in-person program open to all Charlotte residents, covering how the city operates, Charlotte's history and demographics, the decision-making process, budgeting, and data-driven advocacy.
Norman, Oklahoma #
City of Norman Citizens Academy #
- A free, multi-week in-person program open to Norman residents, business owners, and employees, covering how city decisions are made, how funds are allocated, how departments operate, and future development plans — includes interactive role-playing and facility tours.
Independence, Missouri #
City of Independence Citizens Academy #
- A free, eight-week in-person course meeting Thursday evenings, open to residents 18+, in which different city departments present each week on what it takes to run Missouri's fifth-largest city.
Traverse City, Michigan #
City Academy (City of Traverse City) #
- A free, eight-session in-person program (running since 2023, with a 2025 cohort), covering city organization, public safety, water and waste infrastructure, sustainability, budgeting, and community engagement.
Sanford, Florida #
Citizens Academy (City of Sanford) #
- A free, 10-session Wednesday-evening in-person program open to anyone 18+ (currently on its 24th cohort), covering the operations of Sanford city government and the delivery and maintenance of city services.
Bloomington, Indiana #
Residents Academy (City of Bloomington) #
- A free in-person program running since 1999, covering city government structure, department functions, the role of City Council, budgeting, boards and commissions, and opportunities for resident involvement.
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