Cabarrus Today

Mayor Bill Dusch and members of City Council recently honored 39 members of the community who completed the Concord 101 program, now in its 21st year. The program aims to educate residents about city services and operations while inspiring citizens to play a more active role in their community.

During the 14-week program, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with City Council members and city leaders, gaining insight into the inner workings of various city services such as transportation, electric, water, police, fire, parks, and recreation. They also visited key city facilities to better understand their functions.

Council Members Andy Langford, Betty Stocks, Jennifer P. Hubbard, and John Sweat, Jr. are all proud graduates of the Concord 101 program, serving as examples of the program's impact on community involvement and leadership development.

At the graduation banquet, Mayor Dusch and City Council members encouraged the Class of 2022 graduates to become ambassadors for the city and share their newfound knowledge with others. Many Concord 101 alumni have gone on to take up leadership roles in their neighborhoods or serve on city boards and commissions.

The Class of 2022 graduates, listed in alphabetical order, include Luisa Balderrama, Javier Balderrama, Jose Balderrama, Yvonne Bopp, Nakia Campbell, Leola Davis, and many others who have completed the program and are now poised to make a difference in their community.

The Concord 101 program, held annually from August through November, offers a valuable learning experience at no cost to participants. Classes are conducted on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, providing a convenient schedule for community members to engage with city leaders and learn more about their local government.

For those interested in participating in future Concord 101 programs, more information is available at concordnc.gov/Concord101.