Fredericksburg Citizen University

Citizen University provides Fredericksburg residents the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the City of Fredericksburg's organizational structure, functions, services.

The program encourages citizens to become involved in City Government and enhance their knowledge to communicate issues with City Officials.

Citizens are encouraged to apply for the Fredericksburg Citizen University each fall as the program starts with a new class each January.

The Fredericksburg Citizens University Program consist of an 11-month program, with graduation to be held at a December City Council Regular Meeting. Each session will be approximately an hour to an hour and a half and are planned for 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

In 2026, most classes will be held at the New City Hall at East Campus in the Community Room located at 2818 E. US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, Texas. See below for the full tentative session list. Note: Meeting dates may be subject to change

Benefits:

Informed citizens will become involved in community activities, such as serving on Council-appointed boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, as well as becoming involved in the City’s Governance.
Provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about the City of Fredericksburg government first-hand and gain exposure to the wide range of City services, functions, activities, and issues.
City Officials will obtain feedback from class members regarding governmental programs and services.

Class Size:

Classes are limited to 25-30 students.

Participant Requirements:

Be registered voters within the City of Fredericksburg or Gillespie County
Have been a resident for at least one year
Be 18 years of age or older
Not be running for local political office during class time
To be recognized at completion, citizens must attend at least eight of the 11 sessions. The 2026 class will be honored at the Dec. 1, 2026 City Council meeting.

2026 Class Schedule

SESSION 1 - GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT

Session 1 - Mayor, City Council, and City Manager
Location: Fire Training Rm - 126 W. Main St (2nd Fl)
Date: January 27, 2026

SESSION 2 - CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY SECRETARY

Session 2 – Learn more about the City Attorney and City Secretary
Location: Fire Training Rm - 126 W. Main St (2nd Fl)
Date: February 24, 2026

SESSION 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY – FIRE/ EMS DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Session 3 – Learn more about the services of the Fire/EMS Department and Emergency Management
Location: Fire Training Room at 126 W. Main Street; 2nd floor
Date: March 24, 2026

SESSION 4 - PUBLIC SAFETY - POLICE DEPARTMENT/CODE ENFORCEMENT/ANIMAL SERVICES/MUNICIPAL COURT

Session 4 – Public Safety/Code Enforcement/Animal Service
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: April 28, 2026

SESSION 5 - PARKS AND RECREATION/SPECIAL EVENTS

Session 5 – Parks and Recreation/Special Events
Location: John Wm. Klein Room at Marktplatz
Date: May 26, 2026

SESSION 6 – PUBLIC WORKS, ENGINEERING, AND CIP

Session 6 – Public Works, Engineering, and CIP
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: June 23, 2026

SESSION 7 - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Session 7 – Learn about the different duties of Development Services
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: July 28, 2026

SESSION 8 – PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE/IT/HR/HEALTH

Session 8 – Public Information Office/IT/Human Resources and Health Department
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: August 25, 2026

SESSION 9 – TOURISM/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Session 9 – Learn where Hotel Occupancy Tax goes, Tourism advertisement, Economic Development efforts regarding new development, and benefits of the Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: September 22, 2026

SESSION 10 – FINANCE/BUDGET/UTILITY BILLING

Session 10 – Learn about how the Budget is created and the operations of the Finance Department
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: October 27, 2026

SESSION 11 - OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Session 11 – Opportunities to Serve, Question & Answer Session, and City Report Card
Location: New City Hall East Campus
Date: November 24, 2026