HICKORY — The City of Hickory will offer Hickory 101, a free five-week introduction to local government operations, this fall, the city said July 6, 2026.
Each Thursday in October, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., participants go behind the scenes—touring city facilities, watching demonstrations, and hearing directly from staff about how Hickory serves residents. The city described Hickory 101 as a shorter, daytime version of its Neighborhood College program that still gives a broad overview of city functions in five sessions.
Topics listed include the council-manager form of government, public safety, communications, the airport, community and business development, planning, libraries, parks and recreation, public works, public utilities, and more.
Created in 2016, Hickory 101 is an alternative for people who cannot attend the 10-week evening Neighborhood College. That longer program, the city said, will next be offered in fall 2027.
The class is free, but space is limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closed Friday, Aug. 28.
Online enrollment is at www.hickorync.gov/hickory-101. Questions go to Senior Communications Specialist Sarah Killian at 828-261-2290 or [email protected].
The July 6 notice does not list the October dates by week, a wait-list, or whether the 30 seats filled before the deadline.
Official release from City of Hickory, July 6, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/city-hickory-offer-hickory-101-fall
