Learn how your city runs – apply now for San Mateo’s immersive academy experience before August 6
San Mateo, California – San Mateo residents who want to know more about how their city works can now receive a behind-the-scenes look. The City of San Mateo is asking residents to apply for its upcoming City Services Academy. This is a free, in-depth program that will teach people how municipal government works. The course will run from August 20 to November 12, 2025, and it will give everyone a chance to work with the people and agencies who keep the city operating every day.
The Academy classes will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in several city facilities. Individuals will hear directly from leaders in San Mateo’s Police, Fire, Public Works, Library, Parks & Recreation, Finance, and Information Technology departments. The City Manager, City Council, City Attorney, and others will also give presentations that will give a complete picture of both long-term plans and day-to-day operations.
Anyone who is 16 or older who lives or works in San Mateo can join the program. However, there isn’t much space, and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be submitted no later than August 6, 2025. Interested individuals can obtain application forms for adults and for people ages 16 to 17. If you need help with the application process, you can call or email the City Manager’s Office.
The City Services Academy is more than just a series of talks. Participants will learn not only how city decisions are made, but also why they are made through guided tours of the site, case studies from real life, and participatory conversations. They will learn more about the problems San Mateo is having, such as managing budgets and starting new community initiatives, and the creative ways city personnel are solving them.
One of the best things about the program might be that it lets you talk directly with department heads and city leaders. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how local government works, from how policies are put into action to how difficult it is to decide how to use resources.
The City Services Academy is the best way to get to know the core of San Mateo’s civic life, whether you’re a curious local, a student looking into professions in public service, or a professional who wants to get more involved in your town.
To apply, click here.
