Take the Orange County experience

Learn about local government through classes

The Orange County Experience Class is an exceptional opportunity for Orange County citizens to learn about their local government. Designed to provide a look at the nuts-and-bolts of county operations, the Orange County Experience class has had four graduating classes since its launch in 2013. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs initiated the class in an effort to enable citizens to better navigate and understand county operations.

Commissioner Bryan Nelson

"The Orange County Experience Class is a thoughtfully designed to get County citizens educated on many of the vital departments and divisions that keep our community up and running," said District 2 County Commissioner Bryan Nelson. "I would encourage anyone living in the county who wants to be better informed about their local government to get enrolled in the class."

The Experience Class is a twelve-week program that usually begins in late August and meets every Friday from 9am to noon. The last week is reserved for a graduation ceremony with Mayor Jacobs. At each meeting, participants are provided with a brief presentation and a tour of specific department or division. Below are some of the department and divisions that participate in the program along with a brief description of what their tour involves:

• Orange County Fire Rescue Department: Participants receive a tour of the 911 Center, and get a chance to learn about various apparatus. Additionally, they learn how to use a fire extinguisher from the Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Orange County Corrections: Here, participants get tour of the Booking and Release Center, Medical and the Courtrooms.
• Orange County Health Services & Medical Examiner’s Office: A tour of the morgue is provided.
• Orange County Utilities: Equipment demonstration and tour of the landfill and water reclamation facility are provided.
• Orange County Public Works: Participants receive equipment demonstration, a tour of sign shop and Traffic Control.
• Orange County Convention Center: A tour of the kitchen is provided and depending on the date a tour of the show floor is also available.
• Orange County Animal Services: Animal Services Officer shows participants equipment on their vehicles and t also provide a tour of the shelter.
• Orange County ISS (Information System Services): Participants receive a tour of 311 – facility and a demonstration from ISS Security Division.
• Orange County Parks & Recreation: Participants receive a walking tour of Barnett Park and a tour of the gym facilities and information on recreational programs.
• Orange County Family Services: Participants have received previous tours of the Holden Heights Community Center, and Great Oaks Village. This year, the class may take participants tour of the History Center.
• Orange County CEDS (Community, Environmental, and Development Services): Participants receive a tour of the One Stop Center.

Participants must be 18 years-old and be a resident of Orange County in order to enroll. Registration for this year’s class is not yet open but keep an eye out on the Orange County website for any updates, go here to keep updated.