Cobb County staff is excited to announce the 2019 Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy. 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 fully experience all Cobb has to offer. Participants are allow to miss only one class during the 10-week course.
The 2019 class will be limited to 30 participants, who must be 18 years old and Cobb residents or business owners. Those who are running for office are ineligible to participate.
Thank you for your interest in attending Cobb 101. The application deadline has past. Look for the next course coming in 2020.
Participant Resources
Download course schedule (The schedule/locations are subject to change)
Updated information coming in 2019!
- GA Legislation Information
PowerPoint Presentations
Week 1
- Intro
- Communications
Week 2
- Elections
- Extension
- Library
- PARKS
- Senior Services
Week 3
- Public Safety: Courts and Sheriff
Week 4
- Public Safety
Week 5
- Department of Transportation
Week 6
- Support Services
Week 7
- Water System
Week 8
- Community Development
Week 9
- Finance
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
Program Schedule
| Date | Course Overview | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 28 | Introduction to Cobb County Leaders, Municipalities, Cobb Delegation, Legislative Update & Communications | BOC Meeting Room & Learning Center 100 Cherokee St., 2nd Floor Marietta, GA 30090 |
| March 7 | Public Services Agency - P.A.R.K.S., Library System, Senior Services, Elections & Registration, Extension Services, Govt. Service Centers | Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center 2051 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 |
| March 14 | Public Safety - Sheriff's Office & Courts | Jury Assembly Room, Superior Court 70 Haynes St. Marietta, GA 30090 |
| March 21 | Public Safety Agency - DPS Administration, Police, Fire, 911, EMA, Safety Village, and Animal Services | Public Safety Training Center 2109 Valor Dr. Marietta, GA 30008 |
| March 28 | Department of Transportation - Tour | DOT Squad Room 1890 County Services Pkwy. Marietta, GA 30008 |
| April 4 | Spring Break Social Gathering (optional) | The Loft 120 S. Park Sq. Marietta, GA 30060 |
| April 11 | Support Services Agency - Property Management, Information Services, Fleet, Purchasing, GIS | Emergency Management Agency 140 N. Marietta Pkwy NE Marietta, GA 30060 |
| April 18 | Water System - Tour | R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility 5175 S. Atlanta Rd. Smyrna, GA 30080 |
| April 25 | Community Development - Business License, Zoning, Planning, Economic Development, Development & Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Erosion | Senior Service Dinner Theatre 1150 Powder Springs St. Marietta, GA 30064 |
| May 2 | Finance, Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor | Civic Center 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE Marietta, GA 30060 |
| May 9 | Graduation | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre 117 N. Park Sq. Marietta GA 30060 |
All sessions begin promptly at 6:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM.
How do I participate?
You can complete the online Citizens Government Academy 2019 Application (no longer available).
The application deadline is Sept. 28, 2018
Questions?
Contact the Cobb 101 team at [email protected] or (770) 528-1187 for more information.