From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
The Mayor’s Citizens Academy offers Orange County residents an immersive look into essential government services, providing tours, presentations, and hands-on learning opportunities across multiple departments. Participants such as Jamal Brown and Jorge Campos said the experience gave them a greater appreciation for the people and processes that keep their community running, including everyday services like sign construction and public safety coordination.
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Over the course of ten weeks, 44 Orange County residents gained a behind-the-scenes look at how their local government operates through the Mayor’s Citizens Academy. The program offers participants an immersive experience across departments—from public safety to human resources, led by Orange County Government employees.
Among this year’s graduates was Jamal Brown, who was inspired to join after a friend completed the first citizens academy.
Related: Orange County begins home repairs for Hurricane Ian survivors through recovery program.
“After starting the class, I realized that so many of us shared the same goal—a commitment to community,” said Brown. “Even though there were so many different experiences over the past several weeks, the love for community, the desire to be involved and stay connected—that stood out to me more than anything else.”
The Mayor’s Citizens Academy was created to strengthen the relationship between residents and their local government. Participants attend sessions at various county departments and interact directly with county staff to learn about the essential services that keep Orange County running.
One highlight for Brown was visiting the County’s sign shop.
“I remember watching two gentlemen meticulously craft all those street signs we drive by every day. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for their work. What they do is so important, and that’s something I’m going to value more,” he said.
Jorge Campos, who recently immigrated from Brazil with his wife and young son, also participated in the program this fall. He described the experience as both educational and welcoming.
“It’s a good class for people like me who come from another country and don’t know how the government works. And it’s special to be accepted,” said Campos.
Earlier this year, Orange County also launched its first Spanish-language Mayor’s Citizens Academy, offering dozens of Hispanic residents the chance to engage with local government in their preferred language.
“This was a priority identified by Mayor Demings.,” said Marthaly Irizarry, special assistant to Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “He wanted to be intentional about providing this program in Spanish — not bilingual, but fully in Spanish — to ensure it truly served our Hispanic community.
The fall 2025 session concluded with a graduation ceremony in October, where participants were recognized for their commitment to civic engagement and celebrated as new ambassadors for the community.
Campos says he now encourages other members of the Brazilian community to take part.
“I would tell the Brazilian community to do this so they can understand how local government works,” he said. “It’s so different from our country, and in just ten weeks, you really learn. Mayor Demings is an example of good leadership.”
Key Points:
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The fall 2025 Academy graduated 44 participants who completed a ten-week civic education program.
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The program allows residents to engage directly with county staff and learn how departments—from human resources to public works—serve the community.
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Participant stories highlight increased appreciation for workers behind essential services, such as sign fabrication and infrastructure management.
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Orange County launched its first fully Spanish-language academy this year to better serve Hispanic residents and strengthen access to civic education.
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Graduates are encouraged to share their knowledge and foster deeper community involvement, helping build trust and participation in local government.
For more information, visit Orange County Mayor’s Citizen Academy.
