Fulton County Citizens University

external affairs

Fulton County Citizens University

Fulton County Citizens University

School is back in session for residents seeking to learn more about Fulton County operations. Residents may now register for Fulton County’s Citizens University (FCCU) course. Classes kick off with the Orientation class on Thursday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Meeting locations vary depending on the topic for that week, but most classes meet at the Fulton County Government Center at 141 Pryor Street SW in Downtown Atlanta.

If you are wondering what services Fulton County has to offer or have questions about its services and taxes, then FCCU is for you. Participants will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of county operations. Fulton County Citizens University is an intensive 10-week behind-the-scenes, intensive training that gives Fulton County residents a comprehensive look at county government. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this is the first time the county has offered FCCU since 2019.

The FCCU program educates participants on how Fulton County Government operates and how laws are proposed, passed and amended. Residents will learn how tax dollars are spent, meet with officials from Fulton County departments, and participate in interactive exercises.

The registration fee is $45, which helps defray the cost of the course materials, a graduation ceremony, a diploma, and a class shirt. The size of the class is limited to 30 citizens to ensure good one-on-one experiences. Student applicants can also apply, but they must be enrolled in high school and complete six classes to graduate from the FCCU program. Fees will be waived for students who have a parent registered in the class.

September 14 - Orientation / Board of Commissioners / County Manager

CLASS SESSION 1 - ORIENTATION / BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS / COUNTY MANAGER

Fulton County operates under the Commission-County Manager form of government. Participants will learn how this system combines the policy leadership of elected officials with the administrative abilities of a county managed and how the county communicates with Fulton County Residents.

Fulton County Government Center,
FulCo Lab 3rd Floor
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

September 21 - Finance / Board of Assessors

CLASS SESSION 2 - FINANCE / TAX ASSESSORS 

The Finance Department serves as a central point through which all general revenues and disbursements of Fulton County Government are channeled. Participants will learn how Finance personnel manage the County’s budget, debt and investment portfolio, risk management and internal auditing.

BOARD OF ASSESSORS

The Fulton County Board of Assessors established by State law, to determine the fair market value of all real and personal property in the county. Participants will learn how this citizen-populated Board, with the leadership of the Chief Appraiser, develops the annual tax digest annually in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards.

Fulton County Government Center,                                                                                                                                                                                                FulCo Lab 3rd Floor                                                                                                                                                                                                                              141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303

sEPTEMBER 28 - Registration and Elections

CLASS SESSION 3 - REGISTRATION & ELECTIONS

The Department of Registration and Elections is responsible for conducting elections in Fulton County and registering voters who reside within Fulton County. Participants will learn how this department coordinates with the State of Georgia and County municipalities to conduct elections.

Fulton County Elections Hub                                                                                                                                                                                                        5602 SR-92 Fairburn, GA 30213

September 28 - Tax Commissioner

CLASS SESSION 4 - TAX COMMISSIONER 

The role of county tax commissioner is established by the Georgia Constitution an is an elective office. This official is responsible for receiving and processing applications for homestead exemptions; serving as an agent of the State Revenue Commissioner for the registration of motor vehicles; and performing all billing, collecting, disbursing and accounting for ad valorem taxes (property taxes) collected in counties and municipalities that choose to use the services. Participants will learn how this office serves the public and about convenient customer services innovations.

Fulton County Government Center,                                                                                                                                                                                            FulCo Lab 3rd Floor                                                                                                                                                                                                                            141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303  

October 5 - Behavioral Health

CLASS SESSION 9 - BOARD OF HEALTH / BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 

The Fulton County Board of Health keeps the community safe from health threats, promotes better health, and helps Fulton County residents access health services and information. The Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities provides access to behavioral health services for children & adults, as well as services for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants will learn how these departments serve individuals, families and communities.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fulton County Government Center,
FulCo Lab 3rd Floor
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303

October 10 - Library (TUESDAY / Bonus class) 

CLASS SESSION 5 - BONUS LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Fulton Public Library System serves as a cultural and intellectual center that enhances the community and empowers all residents with essential tools for lifelong learning.  

Central Library
One Margaret Mitchell Square,
Atlanta, GA 30303

October 19 - Arts & Culture

CLASS SESSION 6 - ARTS & CULTURE

Through community-based centers, Fulton County Arts & Culture provides residents with direct services in the arts such as arts instruction for all ages including visual art, dance, theatre, music, multi-media, creative writing and quilting. Participants will learn how arts and cultural events including exhibitions, plays, concerts, poetry readings, book-signings, dance concerts and other programs enrich the lives of residents.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fulton County Government Center,
FulCo Lab 3rd Floor
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303

October 26 - Emergency Services / 911 Services

CLASS SESSION 7 - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / 911 SERVICES

The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is the lead county organization responsible for providing management and coordination of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities within its area of responsibility. The Emergency Services E-911 Center provides emergency radio dispatch services for 13 public safety agencies within Fulton County. The Emergency Communications 9-1-1 Center serves as the after-hours point of contact for Fulton County Code Enforcement and the Fulton County School Police. Participants will learn “on-the-job” how these first-responders and safety personnel provide critical, life- saving services every day.

Public Safety Building
130 Peachtree Street/
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

November 2 - Senior Services / Community Development

CLASS SESSION 8 - SENIOR SERVICES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Community Development is an organization that seeks to strengthen people, families, and communities through human services partnerships with various community organizations and outreach programs. Participants will explore community needs and services. The Department of Senior Services connects residents to the appropriate resources to aid and support their goals for active aging, care and self-sufficiency. Participants will learn how the Department’s comprehensive services support persons to age in place with respect, quality and dignity. Participants will learn how an array of evidence-based and innovative programs positively impact and improve the lives of seniors.

Helene Mills Multi-Facility
515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

November 16 - Justice Partners

CLASS SESSION 10 - JUSTICE PARTNERS 

Fulton County has an extensive system of courts, legal departments, law enforcement agencies and detention center. Participants will learn how the County is implementing critical justice reforms, linking to needed behavioral health treatment and support services and coordinating with the 28 local law enforcement agencies in the County.

Fulton County Courthouse
136 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

November 30 - Select Fulton (BONUS)

CLASS SESSION 11 - BONUS SELECT FULTON

Select Fulton is the economic development organization for Fulton County and was formed in 2016 by combining the Development Authority of Fulton County with the County’s Economic Development Division. Participants will learn how Select Fulton works with local municipalities, chambers of commerce, utility companies and community partners to stimulate economic growth and develop our workforce.

Fulton County Government Center
141 Pryor Street SW Suite 2052,
Atlanta GA 30303

December 7 - Public Works

CLASS SESSION 12 - PUBLIC WORKS / REAL ESTATE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

The mission of the Public Works Department is to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens through systematic planning, construction,
maintenance and operation of the water, wastewater, storm water and transportation infrastructure in the most sustainable, efficient and
environmentally sound manner. The Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (D.R.E.A.M.) is responsible for the maintenance of County facilities and grounds, maintenance and repair services for County vehicle fleet and asset management; acquiring, leasing, managing and disposing of County property and ensuring compliance with Landfill Closure requirements. Participants will learn how these departments are building and maintaining a safe infrastructure and environment for residents.

Johns Creek Environmental Campus
8100 Holcomb Bridge Rd
Alpharetta, GA 30022

December 14 - Graduation

GRADUATION 

Fulton County Government Center,
FulCo Assembly Hall
141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta GA 30303