Decatur 101 celebrates 25 years as new class members praise city staff and civic engagement

Renee Jackson, the city’s equity and engagement director, opened the evening presentation to the City Commission as the new coordinator for Decatur 101 and noted the program’s 25th anniversary: “Decatur 101 started in the year 2000,” she said, adding that the 2025 cohort included about 52 participants who toured city departments and provided input on projects including Oakhurst Park.

Participants spoke at the dais about what they learned and why they chose Decatur. Linda Valeroy, who said she attended the first Decatur 101 class in 2000, praised the program and city staff for their enthusiasm and commitment. Annette Lewis described returning to Decatur after living elsewhere and said the program’s department tours and speakers were “delightful.” New residents Don and Elizabeth Lang credited the class with reinforcing their decision to move to a walkable city.

Jackson told the commission the next class will begin in February 2026 and that staff will circulate the online sign-up link and include information in the July focus issue. The commission and staff used the presentation to highlight volunteer and civic-engagement opportunities; one commissioner urged graduates to join boards and commissions and to participate in budget review during the next budget season.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed Decatur 101 as a city initiative that builds trust and civic knowledge by giving residents direct exposure to municipal operations, and they encouraged graduates to act as ambassadors and volunteer for festivals, boards, and other local activities.

The presentation closed with a request that participants stay for the regular meeting; the mayor and commissioners thanked graduates and staff for organizing the cohort.

The commission then called the regular meeting to order.