On a Thursday morning in late winter, a group of Decatur residents gathers not for a town hall or a public hearing, but for something far more personal: a behind-the-scenes look at the city they already love.
That’s the heart of Decatur 101, an eight-week civic education program designed to help residents understand how the City of Decatur really works, who does what, how decisions are made, and how everyday people can play a role in shaping the community. Founded in 2000, the program has quietly become one of the city’s most meaningful expressions of local love.
“The purpose of Decatur 101 is to put a face on government,” says Renae Jackson, the city’s Equity and Engagement Director, who now facilitates the program. “It’s about helping people understand where their tax dollars go, but also helping them see the real humans behind the work.”
Classes are held once a year and run for eight weeks, with both morning and evening options to accommodate different schedules. Participants meet in city buildings across Decatur, from City Hall to Public Works to the fire department, learning directly from staff who keep the city running. Along the way, they take part in hands-on activities like budget simulations, recycling exercises, and a Smart Growth walking tour.
Over the past 25 years, Decatur 101 has evolved in response to participant feedback. What began as a shorter, single-session offering has grown into a more interactive experience that prioritizes engagement over lectures. “We survey participants every year,” Jackson says. “We want to know what will make this a meaningful use of their time, and we adjust the program accordingly.”
That intentional design has created a devoted following. Jackson recalls participants who took the class decades ago and signed up again. One resident attended the very first Decatur 101 in 2000 and returned years later to better understand how the city had changed. Another participant, after missing just one session, asked to retake the entire course with a neighbor.
For many, the biggest surprise is the scope of city services, especially departments like Public Works and Fire. “People don’t always realize how much goes into prevention and planning,” Jackson says. “Our fire department does a tremendous amount of community safety work, even when there aren’t fires to put out. Public Works touches nearly every part of daily life.”
Just as important as the content is the connection. Participants don’t just meet city staff, they meet each other. Neighbors from different parts of Decatur find themselves collaborating, problem-solving, and learning side by side. Some classes even stay connected long after the program ends, maintaining group chats and friendships that continue well beyond graduation.
That connection often turns into action. Graduates of Decatur 101 have gone on to serve on volunteer boards and commissions, assist with city festivals, participate in strategic planning, and even run for office. Jackson calls them “ambassadors,” residents who help spread accurate information and encourage others to engage.
“When there’s misinformation out there, we’ll often see Decatur 101 graduates jump in to help correct it,” she says. “They’re paying attention. They know the process.”
At its core, Decatur 101 isn’t about politics or policy. It’s about creating a sense of belonging. It’s for longtime residents and newcomers, for people who live in Decatur and those who work there, and for anyone curious about how a community functions when it’s rooted in relationships.
“Connection and relationship-building are essential,” Jackson says. “When you know your neighbors and understand the people doing the work, it becomes easier to have hard conversations. We become a better community.”
The next Decatur 101 class begins February 5, with limited spots available and a waitlist already forming. For those who love Decatur and want to love it even more, it might be the most eye-opening eight weeks they’ll ever spend in the city.