Hyde County is launching a Citizens Academy, a free educational program designed by local governments to teach citizens how their local government operates.
The academy has three main goals: to improve participants’ knowledge of local government operations and funding; to increase citizen involvement; and to improve community relations by fostering open communication and dialogue between citizens and county staff.
The 12 sessions will be held on weeknights in the Hyde County Government Services Building from 5:30 to 7 p.m. starting Jan. 6 through Feb. 3, and applications are due by Dec. 15.
Details can be found on Hyde County’s website at https://www.hydecountync.gov/academy.php.
If someone can not commit to the full program, they can still join for specific sessions they are interested in. If they can commit to the full program, there will be a recognition ceremony with presentation of a certificate by Hyde County Manager Kris Noble.
The program will teach how your local government is organized, how services are funded and then delivered, and decision-making processes through first-hand experience and exposure.
County leaders from every department will discuss how their programs operate, allowing you to engage in conversations with them about the processes.
This program has been designed and administered by Elena Williamson, a recent NC State University graduate and your 2025-2026 Lead for NC Fellow. For more information, contact her at ewilliamson@hydecountync.gov or 252-926-4191.
For those who register and cannot attend in person, a Zoom link will be sent to participate remotely. All sessions will be recorded for use as on demand informational material (i.e. recommended watch video #3 on Tax Exemptions if a citizen has a tax related question).
Williams said they will polish the recordings and can edit out specific questions or comments if participants do not wish to be shown.
