Williamson County Opens Applications for 2026 Citizens Academy: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Local Government
Williamson County is inviting residents to pull back the curtain on local government this spring through its 2026 Citizens Academy—a free, eight-week educational program designed to inform, engage, and inspire civic involvement.
Scheduled to run Thursdays from April 2 through May 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the course will rotate through county buildings in Georgetown, Texas, giving participants a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to how county government operates—from the justice system and public safety to road maintenance and budgeting.
Participation is open to Williamson County residents who can commit to attending most sessions and provide their own transportation to each location. The program is limited to the first 30 applicants, and registration is now open.
A Closer Look at County Government
Organized by the Williamson County Public Affairs Office, the Citizens Academy is held in conjunction with County Government Month in April, an annual nationwide initiative led by the National Association of Counties (NACo). This event promotes the importance of county services and aims to strengthen community trust in local governance.
Weekly classes will feature guest speakers from various county departments and elected offices, covering a wide range of topics including:
- County history and the Commissioners Court
- Local law enforcement and emergency services
- Road and infrastructure projects
- The justice system and courts
- Economic development and elections
- Budgeting and taxpayer fund allocation
- Parks and community amenities
- Operations of the Williamson County Animal Shelter
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Empowering Citizens Through Understanding
Programs like the Citizens Academy are growing in popularity across Texas and the U.S., offering residents a chance to see firsthand how their communities function—and how their voices matter.
According to a 2019 Civic Engagement Report by the Texas Civic Health Index, less than 20% of Texans report having attended a public meeting or interacted with local officials. However, civic academies like this one are shown to increase participation and public confidence in local government, especially among newer or younger residents.
Understanding how local government functions is a foundational step toward meaningful civic engagement. The Citizens Academy is designed to help residents connect directly with public servants, ask questions, and observe how key decisions are made—decisions that impact everything from road safety to emergency response in Williamson County.
The program not only educates participants but also opens pathways for future community leadership, volunteerism, and even service on local boards and advisory committees.
A Fast-Growing County with Growing Needs
Williamson County—home to cities such as Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander—continues to rank among the fastest-growing counties in the United States. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the county's population surpassed 660,000 residents in 2025, a jump that brings with it increasing demand for infrastructure, public safety, and transparent governance.
As the county evolves, initiatives like the Citizens Academy aim to foster a better-informed and connected public.
How to Apply
Spots for the 2026 Williamson County Citizens Academy are limited to the first 30 registrants. Interested residents can sign up today through the official registration form.
Participants must be current Williamson County residents, and while there is no cost to join, attendance and engagement are key expectations.
For residents of Georgetown, Round Rock, Taylor, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Jarrell, and surrounding communities, this is a unique opportunity to become more informed, more involved, and more empowered to help shape the future of Williamson County.
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.