Orange County Hosts Its First-Ever Mayor’s Citizens Academy – En Español

Reflecting Orange County’s commitment to inclusivity and its growing Hispanic population, the County recently wrapped up its first-ever Mayor’s Citizens Academy conducted entirely in Spanish. The 10-week interactive program, designed to give residents an in-depth look at how local government works, concluded with a graduation ceremony on April 10, 2025. Forty-six residents proudly completed the program.

“This was a priority identified by Mayor Demings.,” said Marthaly Irizarry, Special Assistant to Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “He wanted to be intentional about providing this program in Spanish — not bilingual, but fully in Spanish — to ensure it truly served our Hispanic community.”

Attendees meet County leaders, tour facilities and even get hands-on experiences.

Launched in August 2024 with an English session, the Mayor’s Citizens Academy offers participants weekly visits to various County departments.

“It’s one thing to read about County services — it’s another to walk through the jail, stand inside the Booking and Release Center, or tour the water reclamation facility,” explained Irizarry. “You experience the sounds, the smells — it’s not just interactive, but immersive!”

Over the course of 10 weeks, participants explored departments including Fire Rescue, Corrections, Public Works, Health Services, Planning and Development, and more. A session in the Board of County Commissioners chambers let them role-play as elected officials, deliberating on real-life zoning and code issues.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. “Many of our participants were deeply grateful that the County offered this in Spanish,” said Irizarry. “It made a real difference in how connected they felt.”

The program draws a wide range of residents — from young students to business owners — and has become so popular that there’s now a waiting list for future sessions. Graduates not only gain knowledge but often go on to serve as advocates and ambassadors within their communities.

“To anyone thinking about signing up, I’d say don’t wait,” asserted Irizarry. “You’ll walk away with valuable knowledge and lasting connections — not just to your local government, but to fellow residents.”

Orange County plans to continue offering the Mayor’s Citizens Academy twice a year — once in English and once in Spanish. The next session, in English, begins in August 2025. For more information or to register, visit Mayor’s Citizens Academy.