Local Government Academy

Our Academy is designed to familiarize residents with all aspects of Hingham’s local government.  The Academy offers residents a unique, hands-on learning experience about their government and its operations.  Led by Department Heads and key staff, Academy sessions will cover all aspects of the Town’s operations, including administration, public safety, culture and recreation, permitting, public works, education and governance. 

This year’s program will take place over nine weeks, from September 25th through November 25th, usually on Tuesdays.  Each session will run from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The location of each session will vary depending on the topic for that week.  Improvements based on feedback by last year’s inaugural class include more tours and hands-on activity, as well as shorter sessions to accommodate attendees' schedules.

Discussions will be led by department heads and staff responsible for managing the various municipal departments in Town.  There is no cost to enroll; applications are due by Monday, September 22.   Class size will be limited to 20 residents, age 18 or older.   Enrollees are expected to complete all program sessions.

Apply

Complete the Hingham Local Government Academy Application Form.  Forms must be submitted by Monday, September 22nd.  

Participation in all 9 classes is expected.

This will be an annual program.  If you are not selected to participate this year we encourage you to apply for the next session.

Front Stairway

Program Schedule

Week 1 - Town Administration & Finance
Date:  Thursday, 9/25, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Hingham Town Hall, South Hearing Room, 210 Central Street
Led by:  Town Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, Assessing, Treasurer/Collector, Accounting, Town Hall Maintenance
Tour:  Town Hall Complex

Week 2 - Public Safety – Law Enforcement
Date: Tuesday, 9/30, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Public Safety Facility, 35 Essington Drive
Led by:  Police, Animal Control, Harbormaster, South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center (SSRECC)
Tour:  Public Safety Facility – Police, then Fire

Week 3 - Public Safety – Fire & Inspections
Date: Tuesday, 10/7, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Central Fire Station, 339 Main Street
Led by:  Fire Department, Fire Marshal

Week 4 - Culture & Recreation
Date:  Tuesday, 10/14, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall, 358 Main Street
Led by:  Center for Active Living, Library, Recreation, Social Worker, SSCC, Veterans Services
Tour:  GAR Hall

Week 5 - Public Works & Water
Date:  Tuesday, 10/21, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Department of Public Works Building, 25 Bare Cove Park Drive
Led by:  DPW, Engineering, Highway, Sewer, Transfer Station, Tree & Park, Weir River Water System (WRWS)
Tour:  DPW Facility, then WRWS Water Treatment Plant, 900 Main Street

Week 6 - Permitting
Date: Tuesday, 10/28, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Bathing Beach Community Room, 95 Otis Street
Led by:  Building Commissioner, Community Planning, Conservation, Land Use, Health, Historic Preservation 

Week 7 - Education
Date:  Tuesday, 11/4, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  TBD
Led by:  Hingham Public Schools

Week 8 - Electric Power & Sustainability
Date:  Tuesday, 11/18, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location:  Hingham Municipal Light Plant, 31 Bare Cove Park Drive
Led by:  Hingham Municipal Light Plant (HMLP), Sustainability Coordinator
Tour:  HMLP Facility

Week 9 - Governance & Wrap Up
Date:  Tuesday, 11/25, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Hingham Town Hall, South Hearing Room, 210 Central Street
Led by:  Advisory Committee, Clerk, Moderator, School Committee, Select Board