The course is coordinated by the Communications Division and includes time with the town's six departments. Topics include:

• Town government basics, sustainability and strategic planning
• Communications
• Fire and police services 
• Stormwater and environmental services 
• Public works
• Fleet maintenance
• Planning, economic development and affordable housing
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Public Space and transportation
• Budget and financial services 
• Decision-making

Tours

Visits are made to:

• A fire station in Hillsborough to learn about the Orange Rural Fire Department and the Hillsborough Police Department. The town contracts with Orange Rural for fire service.
• The town's water and sewer facilities, including the water and wastewater treatment plants.

The program is intended to:

• Increase community members' knowledge, interest and ability to influence and participate in town government.
• Reduce barriers to participating in and influencing town government decisions. This occurs through increased understanding of key processes and operations of the town.
• Assist in building community members' interest in serving the community through future service.
• Bring the thoughts and questions of community members attending the course directly to staff.