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Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy

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Congratulations to the graduates of the Cobb 101 Class of '23!

They completed this year's 10-week course learning about the county government from the inside!

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STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION COMING ABOUT COBB 101 CLASS OF '24!

This academy is a ten-week course designed to provide an in-depth look at the many functions of county government. It will be held at various government buildings throughout Cobb County, allowing participants to experience what the Cobb County government does for our residents. Participants are allowed to miss only one class during the 10-week course.

The class will be limited to 30 participants who are Cobb residents or business owners. You must be 18 years or older to participate.  Those who are running for office are ineligible to participate.

Thank you for your interest in attending Cobb 101.

Participant Resources

2024 Course Schedule and program resources coming soon.

The Citizens Government Academy is a ten-week program designed to:

  • Give residents an opportunity to learn how to access their government
  • Familiarize residents with government services, functions and activities in Cobb County
  • Help residents gain a better understanding about how to become involved in local government
  • Enhance residents’ ability to communicate effectively with local officials

Program details:

Through a combination of presentations and hands-on projects, participants will learn about vital community services including emergency services, law enforcement, planning, zoning, finance, court systems, public works, special projects, parks and recreation. Most importantly, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their local officials and county staff who provide these services. Weekly instructors will vary depending upon the county service or department being covered that week.

The program is structured around six strategic commitments:

  • Informed and engaged community
  • Financial health and economic prosperity
  • Healthy, livable and sustainable Cobb County
  • Transportation, mobility and connectivity
  • Safe and prepared community
  • Accountable and responsive government

Participants will gain a better understanding of:

  • The relationships between residents, the county manager and Board of Commissioners and governmental departments
  • The process of deciding why and how government projects are implemented and services are provided
  • The ways various projects support county manager and Board of Commissioners’ goals and objectives
  • The budgeting process
  • Roles and functions of county departments

Video: Hear from previous Cobb 101 participants

Example of a typical program schedule

Date Course Overview Location
Week 1 Introduction to Cobb County Leaders, Municipalities, Cobb Delegation, Legislative Update, and Communications BOC Meeting Room & Learning Center
100 Cherokee St., 2nd Floor
Marietta, GA 30090
Week 2 Public Services Agency - PARKS, Library System, Senior Services, Elections & Registration, Extension Services, Govt. Service Centers TBD
Week 3 Public Safety - Sheriff's Office and Courts TBD
Week 4 Public Safety Agency - DPS Administration, Police, Fire, 911, EMA, Safety Village, and Animal Services TBD
Week 5 Department of Transportation - Tour TBD
Week 6 Support Services Agency - Property Management, Information Technology Services, Fleet, Purchasing, GIS TBD
Week 7 Spring Break - No Class  
Week 8 Water System - Tour TBD
Week 9 Community Development - Business License, Zoning, Planning, Economic Development, Development and Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Erosion TBD
Week 10 Finance - Finance, Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor TBD
Week 11 Graduation TBD

All sessions begin promptly at 6:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM.

Locations are yet to be determined. Final class order may change.

How do I participate?

We will post an online application here when the time is right.

Questions?

Contact the Cobb 101 team at Cobb101@cobbcounty.org or (770) 528-2609 for more information.