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\u2019s Citizens Academy. The program offers participants an immersive experience across departments\u2014from public safety to human resources led by Orange County Government employees.<\/p>\n
Among this year\u2019s graduates was Jamal Brown, who was inspired to join after a friend completed the first citizens academy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter starting the class, I realized that so many of us shared the same goal\u2014a commitment to community,\u201d said Brown. \u201cEven though there were so many different experiences over the past several weeks, the love for community, the desire to be involved and stay connected\u2014that stood out to me more than anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mayor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
One highlight for Brown was visiting the County\u2019s sign shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019s something I\u2019m going to value more,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good class for people like me who come from another country and don\u2019t know how the government works. And it\u2019s special to be accepted,\u201d said Campos.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Orange County also launched its first Spanish-language Mayor\u2019s Citizens Academy, offering dozens of Hispanic residents the chance to engage with local government in their preferred language.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a priority identified by Mayor Demings.,\u201d said Marthaly Irizarry, special assistant to Mayor Jerry L. Demings. \u201cHe wanted to be intentional about providing this program in Spanish \u2014 not bilingual, but fully in Spanish \u2014 to ensure it truly served our Hispanic community.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Campos says he now encourages other members of the Brazilian community to take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would tell the Brazilian community to do this so they can understand how local government works,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s so different from our country, and in just ten weeks, you really learn. Mayor Demings is an example of good leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n