ACCGov 101 is an educational Community Government Academy that teaches residents, business owners, and community partners how ACCGov operates. The 10-week course introduces participants to a variety of local government functions, showcases what departments are responsible for what services, and educates residents on how to get involved moving forward. 

With the exception of the final session (graduation) on Tuesday, April 7, all sessions will run from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings from Wednesday, January 28 - Tuesday, April 7. Sessions will be held in different ACCGov facilities and offices with locations rotating around each week. Topics of discussion will include city-county history, unification, budget, transportation, water, planning, public safety, and more. 

Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are due Sunday, January 4, 2026.

To be considered for participation in ACCGov 101, an applicant must be 18+ years of age, currently residing within Athens-Clarke County, and able to secure reliable transportation as meeting locations vary week to week.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 4, 2026. The program is limited to 25 people, but applications will also be accepted for a waitlist. Accepted participants will receive a confirmation email in early January.

ACCGov 101 is a ten-week program. With the exception of the final session (graduation) on Tuesday, April 7, all sessions will run from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings from Wednesday, January 28 - Tuesday, April 7. Sessions will be held in different ACCGov facilities and offices with locations rotating around each week. Topics of discussion will include city-county history, unification, budget, transportation, water, planning, public safety, and more. 

The Spring 2026 cohort will meet from January 28 - April 7.

ACCGov 101 covers a variety of local government functions, showcases what departments are responsible for what services, and educates residents on how to get involved moving forward. The session topics include:

• ACCGov Overview - Manager’s Office, Communications & Budget & Strategic Analysis Departments
• Planning for the Future - Planning, Housing & Community Development Departments
• A Healthy & Sustainable Community - Solid Waste & Sustainability Departments
• Real Life Parks & Recreation - Leisure Services Department
• Think at the Sink - Public Utilities & Economic Development Departments
• Moving Around Athens - Transportation & Public Works & Transit Departments
• A Safe Community - Police Department
• A Resilient Community - Fire & Emergency Services Department

Each session will be conducted by department representatives and will provide both an informational and interactive learning approach.

ACCGov 101 is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of:

• The relationships between residents, the Mayor & Commission, and government departments
• The process for deciding why and how government projects are implemented and services are provided
• The ways government projects support Mayor & Commission goals and objectives as well as the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government's Strategic Plan
• Ways to access local government services, functions, and activities
• Ways to be involved in the local government process
• How to communicate more effectively with local government officials