LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 session of Citizens Academy! Citizens Academy provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about county government programs and services.
2026 Citizens Academy classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from September 15 – December 1 at various SMCG locations. There will be no class on Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day) or Tuesday, November 10 (Veterans Day). Tuesday, November 17 offers optional attendance (in-person or virtual) to the Commissioner's quarterly public forum. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 7 of the 8 class sessions. The program will culminate with a recognition ceremony during the Commissioner’s meeting on December 8, 2026.
“At St. Mary’s County Government, we strive for transparency and community engagement in everything we do,” said David Weiskopf, County Administrator. “This program gives our residents a chance to learn more about our county government programs and services, and how to get involved. The academy class fills every year, so don’t hesitate to register!”
Citizens Academy is open to St. Mary’s County residents, 18 years of age and older, and is limited to 25 participants. This program is free, but advance registration is required to participate; the deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
To register, or for more information, including the full list of 2026 session topics, dates, and locations, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ca.
Topics covered in Citizens Academy include: County Administration, Economic Development, Recreation & Parks, Land Use & Growth Management, Public Works & Transportation, and Emergency Services, as well as information from our partners at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office, St. Mary’s County Health Department, St. Mary’s County Library, the St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, and the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom).
For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340.
