The city of Sanford, North Carolina, has opened registration for the 2026 edition of Sanford 101, a free 13-week educational program that offers an inside look at municipal government.
The program, which will run from July 13 to October 12, will offer interpretation services for Spanish-speaking participants.
The place is limited to 12 participants and registration will end on July 2, 2026 or when the places are filled.
The program aims to bring residents closer to local government.
Their mission is to educate residents about the functioning of local governmenthow and why decisions are made and, ultimately, to invite participants to become more involved in the civic process.
“We want our residents to understand and participate in the decision-making process,” Mayor Rebecca Salmon said in a press release. “Those who participate in Sanford 101 act as creative and thoughtful ambassadors for local government and as advocates for their communities.”
Since its inception, approximately 80 people have graduated from the program. According to city records, graduates go on to serve on city boards and committees or become more involved in public service.
What topics will Sanford 101 cover?
The meetings will take place on Monday afternoons, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Each week a different topic will be addressed, including the TriRiver water system, current and long-term planning, and public safety.
Highlights of the sessions include visits to Raleigh-Durham Airport Executive Jetport and Sanford Municipal Golf Course.
The group will also visit various departments, including the police and fire departments. They are also expected to attend the Sanford City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 20.
You may be interested: Durham City Council approves budget with funding for community organizations
How do I register for Sanford 101?
To register, you will need to complete the form in the City of Sanford websiteThis is available in several languages, including Spanish.
Additionally, the registration form asks participants to indicate if they require Spanish interpretation services to participate in the program.
Participants will be notified by July 6 if they have been selected. Priority will be given to residents living within the city limits of Sanford.
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