Local Government Academy

Our Academy is designed to familiarize residents with all aspects of Hingham’s local government.  The Academy offers residents a unique, immersive 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 nine-session program will take place from September 16th through November 18th, usually on Wednesdays.  Sessions will run from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The location of each session will vary depending on the topic for that week.  

Discussions will be led by department heads and staff responsible for managing the various municipal departments in Town.  There is no cost to enroll. Class size will be limited to 15 residents, age 18 or older.   Enrollees are expected to complete all program sessions.

Front Stairway

Projected Academy Schedule

Week 1 – Governance &  Budget Process

  • Date:  Wednesday, 9/16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  South Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street
  • Detail:  Administration & Finance, Operating Budget, Capital Budget
  • Tour – Town Hall

Week 2 – Advisory Committee in Action

  • Date: Tuesday, 9/22, from 6:45 PM
  • Location:  South Hearing Room, Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street
  • Details:  Review Advisory Committee agenda before meeting

Week 3 – Select Board in Action

  • Date: Tuesday, 9/29, from 5:45 PM
  • Location:  North Hearing Room, Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street
  • Details:  Review Select Board agenda before meeting

Week 4 – Permitting, Culture, and Recreation

  • Date:  Wednesday, 10/7, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street
  • Details:  Building, Community Planning, Land Use, Historic Preservation, Conservation Commission, Health, Veterans Services, Recreation, Center for Active Living, Library

Week 5 – Public Safety

  • Date:  Wednesday, 10/14, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  Hingham Public Safety Facility, 35 Essington Drive
  • Details:  Police, Animal Control, Harbormaster, Animal Control, Fire, EMS, SSRECC

Week 6 – Public Works, Water, and Sewer

  • Date: Wednesday, 10/21, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  Department of Public Works, 25 Bare Cove Park Drive
  • Details:  Engineering, Highway, Transfer Station, Tree & Park, Weir River Water System (WRWS) Water, Sewer 

Week 7 – Special Town Meeting

  • Date:  Thursday, 10/29, from 7:00 PM
  • Location:  Hingham High School, 17 Union Street
  • Details:  Review Warrant Book before meeting

Week 8 - Education

  • Date:  Wednesday, 11/4, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  TBD
  • Details:  School Department

Week 9 – Annual Town Meeting and Recap

  • Date:  Wednesday, 11/18, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
  • Location: Hingham Town Hall, South Hearing Room, 210 Central Street