Atascosa County Launches Public Service Academy to Cultivate Local Leadership and Civic Engagement
In an effort to strengthen civic engagement and develop the next generation of local leaders, Atascosa County has announced the launch of its first-ever Public Service Academy — a pilot initiative designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their county government works and how they can become active participants in shaping its future.
This eight-week program will begin in mid-March 2026 and is now accepting applications for its limited inaugural cohort. The academy will meet once a week and is open to residents from across the county, with a particular focus on local professionals, early to mid-career individuals, nonprofit leaders, and community members interested in public boards, commissions, or civic service.
Through structured, interactive sessions led by County leadership and community partners, participants will explore everything from how local decisions are made to the nuts and bolts of budget planning, infrastructure, emergency services, justice systems, and more.
The program focuses on building knowledge, fostering relationships, and developing civic confidence among participants. Its purpose is to help residents gain a clearer understanding of how county government functions at the local level and to encourage meaningful, constructive engagement in the community.
What Is the Atascosa County Public Service Academy?
Designed as a civic education initiative, the Public Service Academy offers participants a real-world view into the roles and responsibilities of county departments and officials. Participants can expect to:
- Learn how county government departments work and interact.
- Meet with elected officials, department heads, and local leaders.
- Visit county facilities, including the courthouse, emergency operations center, and more.
- Gain tools to engage more effectively with civic processes and public meetings.
- Understand how decisions around public safety, infrastructure, and budget allocation directly impact their everyday lives.
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Why It Matters: The Local Impact of Civic Literacy
According to a 2023 study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), adults who understand how their local government functions are significantly more likely to vote in local elections, attend town halls, and participate on boards and commissions. Yet, surveys also show a large gap in civic literacy — particularly when it comes to understanding county-level governance.
In Texas, counties play a critical role in public health, law enforcement, elections, and road maintenance — yet many residents are unfamiliar with who their county commissioners are or how county budgets are allocated.
Atascosa County’s initiative seeks to close this gap, while nurturing a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the public and public officials.
The program is designed to build knowledge, foster relationships, and strengthen civic confidence. Organizers from the County Judge’s Office emphasized that the goal is to equip residents with a clear, practical understanding of how county government operates — and how community members can participate in meaningful, constructive ways.
How to Apply
The Atascosa County Public Service Academy is a limited-capacity program and applications are now being accepted.
- Start Date: Mid-March 2026
- Duration: One session per week for eight weeks
- Eligibility: Open to all Atascosa County residents; ideal for professionals, civic-minded individuals, and those interested in public service
- How to Apply: Email tgarza@co.atascosa.tx.us for more information and to request an application.
This initiative reflects a growing trend among Texas counties to create pathways for greater transparency, resident involvement, and leadership development at the local level. By participating in the Public Service Academy, residents have a chance to be part of a new chapter in how Atascosa County grows — together.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
