Government impacts your life every single day – from the crews who collect your garbage and trash, to the first responders protecting the community, to the employees who maintain and run our parks and recreational facilities.

Understanding how and why the government does what it does not only makes you an informed resident, but also an overall better citizen.

The City of Kingsport accepts applications in late summer for its adult education program called Model City 101 – a free eight-week course that provides an overview of various city departments and services with the goal being to better educate the public on the government’s role within the community.

The weekly classes are held every Thursday from early September to late October from 5:30-7:30pm, with graduation scheduled for early November.  The program will include presentations and discussions by city officials, hands-on activities, tours of city facilities, and Q&A sessions.

Classes will meet at different locations throughout the city, and participants will hear from various departments, such as planning, transit, public works, parks and recreation, and police and fire.

Class size will be limited and priority will be given to city residents who apply. Only one person per household per program session. Participants should miss no more than 3 classes. Previous interested applicants will need to reapply.

2025 Class Dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 23, 30. There will be no class on October 9. Graduation is November 4.

The deadline to apply is August 18.