K‐12 Civic Learning Opportunities

What’s Important to my Government?

Ever wonder what's considered to be most important to your government? Check out the budgets! That's where government leaders, policymakers and citizens work together establish funding priorities.

Budget process

When do governments make their budgets? For local governments, budgeting is done in the winter and spring. Usually they establish goals and strategies in the winter, and then from there the lead administrator (the county, city or town manager or school superintendent) works with staff to develop a recommended budget. The recommended budget is just that ‐ a recommendation from the manager, with input from government departments, policymakers and data from goals, past results, community needs and other information. A big factor is how much money is available to spend on budget items.

From there, the elected officials take a look at the budget, discuss it, give the public a chance to weigh in, and discuss it some more. The city, county and town budgets are adopted, or enacted into law, by June 30 of each year.

Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools' budget is handled a little bit the same and a little bit differently, in part because CMS is funded through other governments (as opposed to being able to tax citizens ‐ like the county, city, state and federal governments do ‐ to get money to pay for their services). School district leaders create a recommended budget. The school board and public have opportunities to weigh in, and then the school board approves its budget request. Once the county and state decide how much money is available in their own budgets, the schools receive an appropriation, which may be the same as, more than, or less than their budget request.

Different kinds of services A government funds different kinds of services. Some are mandated, and some are discretionary.

Mandated ƒ Defined by law (NC or federal law, or interest payments) ƒ Means this service must be provided and at a specific level

Discretionary

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K‐12 Civic Learning Opportunities

ƒ Service does not have to be provided, but is done so as a service to the community ƒ Some are both mandated and discretionary ƒ Service must be provided; level can fluctuate

Examples ƒ Mandatory: build and maintain schools, roads and jails ƒ Discretionary: build and operate libraries, neighborhood improvements, and parks

Objective and Activities

There are many opportunities for writing, reading, small group discussion and oral presentation. The activity aligns with several core standards. Skills include: ƒ Persuasion ƒ Media literacy communication ƒ Critical thinking ƒ Collaboration ƒ Teamwork ƒ Analysis ƒ Civic leadership ƒ Math ƒ Reading information ƒ Local and State ƒ Group discussion Government ƒ Active listening ƒ Connecting historic ƒ ƒ Writing Federal Government events, personal ƒ Effective knowledge, current ƒ Civic literacy events or global life

Local and state government budgeting is a civic learning opportunity. Students learn about the roles and services of government, evaluate community priorities and needs, and examine the roles of citizens and leaders in the process. A variety of activities are available. Modify based on your grade level or subject area. For example, you can focus students on the community, North Carolina, the United States or another country.

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Web resources

Lessons and activities, with Common Core and NC correlations http://www.generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/whats‐important‐to‐my‐government

Make your voice heard! My Wish or Idea for my Community http://www.generationnation.org/documents/MyWish_andIdeas.pdf

Learn about local governments in Charlotte‐Mecklenburg http://www.generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/local‐government‐who‐does‐what

How do budgets compare at the city, county and towns? http://www.generationnation.org/documents/budgetcomp_localgovt.pdf

Role play commissioners and departments to create your own Mecklenburg County budget http://www.generationnation.org/documents/MeckCountybudgetexercise1.pdf

Contact officials to make your voice heard on budget decisions and government priorities http://www.generationnation.org/documents/LocalGovt_whodoeswhat.pdf

Teens ‐ get involved in the Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Youth Council http://generationnation.org/index.php/youthvoice

Make your own federal budget with People's Pie http://www.icivics.org/games/peoples‐pie

Create a county budget Counties Work http://www.icivics.org/games/counties‐work1

Build NC's budget and explore state services and funding with Civic Education Consortium http://www.civics.org

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More activities

WHAT’S FOR KIDS? Which government services impact children and youth? How time do public officials spend on these issues? How much money is budgeted? Is the emphasis on adult issues? Why or why not?

WRITE THE HEADLINE

Follow the government budget process. What do you think the news headline will be? Now, read actual titles or headlines. One easy way to do this is through local news media.

Were you close? Is your headline or title better? Why?

Sometimes there will be many headlines and titles, with each one saying something completely different. Why do you think that is?

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY Watch a video of a city council, county commission, or school board meeting about the budget. How do public officials communicate information? Are they persuasive? How? What do you think is the most effective? Least?

Do governments have a need to communicate effectively? How do they do this?

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Local Government Priorities Who spends what in local government? Find out, and compare! Budget information: http://www.generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/local‐government‐who‐does‐what

CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG COUNTY Total budget $ Property tax rate

Expenditures Education Health Housing/neighborhoods Jobs (economic development) Parks and recreation Planning Public safety Public works Social services Streets and transportation Stormwater/sewer/utilities Tourism/culture Government services Other:

Total

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Local Government Priorities Who spends what in local government? Find out, and compare! Budget information: http://www.generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/local‐government‐who‐does‐what

CORNELIUS DAVIDSON HUNTERSVILLE MATTHEWS MINT HILL PINEVILLE Total budget $ Property tax rate

Expenditures Education Health Housing/neighborhoods Jobs (economic development) Parks and recreation Planning Public safety Public works Social services Streets and transportation Stormwater/sewer/utilities Tourism/culture Government services Other:

Total

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT: WHO DOES WHAT

Government Services Elected Appointed City of Charlotte City Services City Council and Mayor City Manager Community Health and Safety Mayor Key administrative officer of the #cltcc Police, Fire/Emergency Services, ‐ Presides at City Council meetings, votes city Animal Control, Water/Sewer, in the event of a tie, has veto authority City Council (includes Mayor) Garbage, Yard Waste, Recycling ‐ With City Council, is responsible for Carries out the City Council's establishing the general policies under policy decisions, provides vision Interim City Manager – Ron Kimble Transportation which the City operates and leadership, oversees daily [email protected] CATS, LYNX, Airport ‐ Chief spokesperson for the City, operations of City government. represents city at ceremonies and events Infrastructure (local, state, national, international) www.charlottenc.gov Build/maintain city streets, streetlights, sidewalks Council More information ‐ Establishes general policies for City www.generationnation.org/learn Planning and Development (with mayor) Land use, Zoning, Neighborhood ‐ Appoints positions including City Development, Economic Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, Development/Jobs Boards and Commissions members ‐ Reviews annual budget, sets tax rate, approves financing of all City operations. ‐ Enacts ordinances, orders (laws at local level such as graffiti, noise, curfew)

Mayor and Council Partisan office (run as Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, etc.) 2‐year term Next election: 2017

Council includes 4 members by city‐wide vote (at‐large) and 7 members from districts by voters who reside in each district

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Government Services Elected Appointed Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Town Services Town Council and Mayor (Town Town Manager Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Board) Pineville Services include Town Board Administers town policies and Towns: Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Police, planning/zoning, garbage ‐ Establishes priorities on community manages town government. Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville pickup, Fire/EMS, Parks/Rec/Cultural needs, sets policy, establishes the Usually a full‐time paid position. Arts, streets, sidewalks, stormwater budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances, Town Councils include mayors and town hires/evaluates/fires Town Manager. boards Each town has a manager Mayor ‐ Presides at Town Board meetings, votes www.cornelius.org in the event of a tie, has veto authority www.ci.davidson.nc.us ‐ With Town Council, is responsible for www.huntersville.org establishing the general policies under www.matthewsnc.gov which the Town operates www.minthill.com ‐ Chief spokesperson and represents www.townofpineville.com town at ceremonies and events

More information about town governments at Non‐partisan office 2‐ year term http://generationnation.org/index.php/CL Next election: 2017 C/entry/local‐government‐who‐does‐what Mecklenburg County County Services Board of County Commissioners County Manager #meckbocc Community Health and Safety Adopts and sets the annual County Administers county policies and Health, Mental Health, Social budget, sets the County property tax oversees the daily operations of Board of County Commissioners Services, Courts, Jails, Child Support rate, sets county government priorities county government. Full‐time Enforcement and policies, hires/evaluates/fires County paid position. County Manager – Dena Diorio Manager. [email protected] Education and Economic Development Chair leads meetings. www.mecklenburgcountync.gov Job training, Libraries, Funding for More information: CMS, CPCC Partisan office (run as Democrat, www.generationnation.org/learn Republican, Libertarian, etc.)

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Government Services Elected Appointed Growth and Environmental Part‐time position Parks, greenways, Historic 2‐year term preservation, air, water and land Next election: 2016 quality BOCC includes 3 members by county‐ County Government Operations wide vote (at‐large) and 6 members from Property, county taxes, Budgeting, districts by voters who reside in each Elections, Communications district

Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools Services Board of Education (school Superintendent (CMS) board) #cmsbd Public Education ‐ Hire/fire superintendent ‐ Oversees daily CMS operations Public instruction and programs ‐ Establish school district policy ‐ Keeps school board and public Board of Education School operations ‐ Determine budgets informed about CMS School construction and buildings ‐ Annual operating and capital ‐ Implements policies Superintendent Ann Clark (construction) established by school board [email protected] ‐ Approve student assignment ‐ Analyzes, prepares and www.cms.k12.nc.us boundaries recommends info for school ‐ Oversee the management of the school board approval (includes school More information district’s major systems (includes budget, calendars, budgets, www.generationnation.org/learn curriculum, personnel) appointment of principals and top staff) Chair presides at meetings Non‐partisan office 4‐year term

Board includes 3 members by county‐ wide vote (at‐large) and 6 members from districts.

Next election At‐Large: 2019 Districts: 2017

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Government Services Elected Appointed North Carolina www.nc.gov Creates and enacts laws, policies and Governor Staff is hired to manage daily budget for the State of North Next election: 2016 operations of state agencies and North Carolina General Assembly Carolina – directly impacting local offices. #ncga government. Lt Governor and Council of State – http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/counties/counties.pl?Count oversee different agencies y=Mecklenburg Next election: 2016 More information http://generationnation.org/learn General Assembly ‐ House of Representatives ‐ Senate Next election: 2016

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City of Charlotte Government

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THE CITY Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

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1 COUNCIL-MANAGER Charlotte is one of the largest US cities with this form of government • Manager reports to city council • City Council votes on Manager’s recommendations Responsibilities divided • Elected Officials + Appointed City Manager Provides skilled professional administration for city government

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CITY SERVICES

Community Health and Safety • Police*, Fire/Emergency Services, Animal Control* • Water/Sewer*, Garbage, Yard Waste, Recycling Transportation • Bus, Train (Rapid Transit), Airport Infrastructure • Build/maintain city streets, street lights, sidewalks Planning and Development • Land Use, Zoning, Housing, Neighborhood Development • Economic Development/Jobs * Consolidated Service with County

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2 WHO RUNS THE CITY?

The Mayor and City Council Charlotte City Manager

Interim Manager • Elected and Ron Kimble • 12 Total Members • Hired by City Council • Establishes priorities on community • Responsible for daily needs, sets policy, establishes the operations of the city budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

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CITY MANAGER

Responsibility • Carries out the City Council's policy decisions • Provides vision and leadership • Oversees daily operations of City government Key administrative officer of the City • Assisted by a leadership team made up of Deputy and Assistant City Managers and members of the Manager's staff

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3 MAYOR Elected every 2 years Presides at City Council meetings • Votes in the event of a tie • Has veto authority With City Council, is responsible for establishing the general policies for City Chief spokesperson for the City Mayor Jennifer Roberts • Represents city at ceremonies and events (D) • Local, state, national, international

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CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL Elected every 2 years • 4 members by citywide vote (at-large) • 7 members from voters in districts Key roles – Establish general policies for City (with mayor) – Appoint positions – City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk – Boards and Commissions members – Review annual budget, set tax rate, oversight for City operations, authorize contracts. – Enact ordinances, orders (laws at local level) – Graffiti, noise, curfew

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4 CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

At-Large Vi Lyles (D) Mayor Pro-Tem

District 1 District 2 District 3 Patsy Kinsey Al Austin LaWana Mayfield Julie Eiselt (D) (D) (D) (D)

Claire Fallon (D)

District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Gregory Phipps John Autry Kenny Smith Ed Driggs James Mitchell (D) (D) (D) (R) (R)

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CITY BUDGET

FY2016 = $2.119 billion Sources of funds= Taxes, fees, other • Property tax=47.87 cents/$100 of property Where each dollar goes • 25 cents - Public transportation (CATS, light rail, etc.) • 21 cents - Airport • 17 cents – Public Safety (Police, fire, etc.) • 14 cents – Water and sewer • 11 cents - Public works • 4 cents – Housing, Economic Development • 4 cents - City operations • 4 cents – Storm water

NOT CMS! Source: Mecklenburg County FY15-16 Tax Brochure

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5 GET INVOLVED Contact officials, follow issues – Social media: search Twitter hashtag #cltcc Join Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council – GenerationNation www.generationnation.org City Council Meetings – Monday evenings at the Government Center – Who can attend? Anyone! – Sign up to speak or watch the meeting online http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CityCouncil/Pages/default.aspx

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Charlotte City Council #cltcc

Mayor Jennifer Roberts [email protected] 704‐336‐2241

Mayor Pro‐Tem At‐Large Vi Lyles [email protected]

Mayor Pro‐Tem=leads council if Mayor’s away At‐Large=represents entire city

At‐Large Julie Eiselt [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire city

At‐Large Claire Fallon [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire city

At‐Large James Mitchell [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire city

More about City of Charlotte government: www.generationnation.org/learn

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District 1 Patsy Kinsey [email protected]

Central, East and Northeast Charlotte areas

District 2 Al Austin [email protected]

NW and North Charlotte areas

District 3 LaWana Mayfield [email protected]

West and SW Charlotte areas

District 4 Greg Phipps [email protected]

NE Charlotte, UNCC areas

District 5 John Autry [email protected]

East Charlotte areas

District 6 Kenny Smith [email protected]

South Charlotte/Southpark areas

District 7 Ed Driggs [email protected]

South Charlotte/1‐485 areas

Approximate representation areas listed. View map for more specific locations http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOE/candidate/Documents/2011%20City%20Districts%20Color.pdf www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation

Mecklenburg County Government

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THE COUNTY

County = major unit of local government

Towns/cities are located within a county

County seat = administrative center

There are 100 counties in N.C.

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1 DEMOGRAPHICS

Land Area (square miles): Mecklenburg County 530 Charlotte 287

Population Mecklenburg County 1 million Charlotte 800,000 Metropolitan Area 2.3 Million

25% of Mecklenburg residents are under 18 years old

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COUNTY COMMISSION

Governing body of Mecklenburg County • Adopts and sets the annual County budget • Sets the County property tax rate • Sets county government priorities and policies Elected for 2-year terms • 3 At-Large members elected by countywide vote and 6 District members elected by voters in districts Hires the county manager • Non-elected professional who oversees the daily operations of the county

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2 2015-17 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

At-Large Chair, At-Large At-Large District 1 Pat Cotham. Trevor Fuller Ella Scarborough Jim Puckett

At-Large Kim Ratliff

District 2 District 3 Vice Chair District 5 District 6 Vilma Leake George Dunlap District 4 Matthew Ridenhour Bill James Dumont Clarke

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COUNTY MANAGER  The Board of County Commissioners sets policy for the County.  The County Manager executes policy decisions set by the County Commissioners and leads the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments.  The County Manager advises the Board on operational and financial matters, services and other issues, and submits an annual operating and capital budget for the Board’s consideration.

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3 COUNTY SERVICES  Community health and safety • Health, social services, courts, jails  Education and economic development • CMS and CPCC funding, job training, libraries  Growth and environment • Parks, greenways, historic preservation  County government operations • Property, county taxes, budgeting, elections, communications to citizens and businesses

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COUNTY BUDGET FY 2016 Budget = $1,571,842,776 Sources of funds (“Revenue”) – Other governments, taxes, fees, other funds • Property tax: 81.57 cents for $100 of property • Raise tax 1 penny = Adds approx $10 million Where funds go (“Expenditures”) – 38% CMS Operating, Debt Service, Construction – 16% Health and Safety – 14% County Operations, 9% Debt Service, PayGo – 10% Social, Education, Economic (Libraries, Jobs, Social Services, Other Education services) – 10% Sustainable Community (Growth, Parks, Environment) – 3% CPCC Operating and Debt Service

Source: Mecklenburg County FY13-14 Tax Brochure

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4 BUDGET PRIORITIES Different kinds of services in the budget – Mandated – Defined by law (NC or federal law, or interest payments) – Means this service must be provided and at a specific level – Discretionary – Service does not have to be provided, but is done so as a service to the community – Some are both mandated and discretionary – Service must be provided; level can fluctuate Examples • Mandatory: build and maintain schools and jails • Discretionary: build and operate libraries and parks

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GET INVOLVED  Website: www.mecklenburgcountync.gov  Social media: county news and leaders • Twitter: #meckbocc, Facebook, YouTube, etc.  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council/GenerationNation www.generationnation.org  County Commission Meetings – First and third Tuesday, 6PM at Government Center – Who can attend? Anyone! Want to sign up to speak? http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/BOCC/RegisterToSpeak.htm – Watch on GovTV (16) or online http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/BOCC/Meetings/View.htm

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Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) #meckbocc

Trevor Fuller

Chair At Large [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county

Pat Cotham At‐Large [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county

Ella Scarborough At‐Large [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county

More about Mecklenburg County government: www.generationnation.org/learn

Visit www.GenerationNation.org for additional activities, curriculum and ways to put civics and leadership into action!

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District 1 Jim Puckett [email protected]

North Mecklenburg areas including Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, University City and Mt Island

District 2 Vilma Leake [email protected]

West and SW Charlotte and Mecklenburg

District 3 George Dunlap [email protected]

North, Northeast and downtown Charlotte

Vice Chair District 4 Dumont Clarke [email protected]

East Charlotte

Vice‐Chair=leads BOCC if Chair is away

District 5 Matthew Ridenhour [email protected]

South Charlotte (north of highway 51) including Southpark area

District 6 Bill James [email protected]

South Charlotte/Mecklenburg (south of highway 51) including Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Ballantyne

Approximate representation areas listed. View map for more specific locations http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOE/candidate/Documents/2012CountyCommission.pdf www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education

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K-12 EDUCATION

25% of Mecklenburg population is under 18 • If 1 million live here, approx. 250,000 children & youth Over 250 K-12 schools in community • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Charter schools • Independent schools • Religious schools • …Plus home schools

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1 NC PUBLIC EDUCATION NC school attendance is required for ages 7-16 Public schools are established by the NC Constitution Oversight – North Carolina General Assembly legislation – NC Board of Education (appointed, not elected, body) – Department of Public Instruction • Implements state’s public education laws and BOE policies and procedures governing K-12 education – Statewide curriculum – Teacher evaluation criteria and salary levels – Calendar start/end dates, required days per year, etc.

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CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS

Public school district for Mecklenburg County One of the largest school districts in the US • 148,000 students, 165+ schools • 18,000 employees – over half are teachers Fast Facts http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/mediaroom/aboutus/Pages/FastFacts.aspx

Superintendent Ann Clark is CEO of CMS

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2 CMS BOARD OF EDUCATION

At-Large

Ericka Ellis-Stewart

District 1 District 2 District 3 Thelma Elyse Rhonda Byers- Ruby Dashew Lennon Bailey Jones Vice-Chair

Mary McCray District 4 District 5 District 6 Chair Tom Tate Eric Davis Paul Bailey

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SCHOOL BOARD ROLE

Hire/fire superintendent Establish school district policy • Policy list: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/boe/Pages/BoardPolicies.aspx Determine budgets • Annual operating and capital (construction) Approve student assignment boundaries Oversee the management of the school district’s major systems • Includes budget, curriculum, personnel

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3 SCHOOL BOARD

9 members on the school board • 3 elected at-large, 6 elected by district Role • Hire/oversee Superintendent • Establish school district policy • Approve budget + student assignment plans • Oversee management of major district systems – Finance, personnel, curriculum, etc.

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School board thinks about entire district and the future

School Board = Goal/Policy Example: All schools must be racially and economically diverse in order to increase student performance across the district

Superintendent = Strategy Example: Revise student assignment plan for all schools and neighborhoods

Principal = Tactics School Bus Manager = Tactics Example: Hire 12 new teachers/staff for Example: Create new bus routes and bus stops for students now assigned to our school, including students attending different schools ESL Math, AP Chem, and 2 guidance counselors

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4 SUPERINTENDENT Oversees daily CMS operations Keeps school board and public informed about CMS Implements policies established by school board Analyzes, prepares,

Ann Clark recommends info for school superintendent@ board approval cms.k12.nc.us – School calendars – Budgets – Appointment of principals and top staff

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BUDGET Annual Budget = Over $1 Billion in operating funds State Meck. County Federal 58% 30% & other funds General Revenue 12% Property Taxes (NC taxes, fines, etc.) Grants, aid programs, Lottery Proceeds Other sources School lunches, afterschool

Remember, city and county governments are not the same. The City of Charlotte has NO responsibility to fund CMS!

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5 HOW IS EACH $1 USED?

 80 cents - People People • Salaries and benefits – Teachers, principals, bus drivers, 80% custodians, others

 20 cents – Things • Purchased services – Electricity, water, consultants, professional services • Supplies and materials – Textbooks, paper, software, school bus Things tires, fuel • Furniture, equipment, charter schools 20% – Equipment, furniture, computer hardware, payments to charter schools *Approximate breakdown

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GET INVOLVED CMS School Board www.cms.k12.nc.us/boe/Pages/default.aspx NC Board of Education www.ncpublicschools.org/state_board U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council Student advisory council www.GenerationNation.org

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Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education (School Board) #cmsbd

Mary McCray Chair At‐Large [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county

Elyse Dashew Vice‐Chair At Large [email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county Vice‐Chair=leads if Chair’s away

Ericka Ellis‐Stewart At‐Large ericka.ellis‐[email protected]

At‐Large=represents entire county

More about Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools and Board of Education www.generationnation.org/learn

Visit www.GenerationNation.org for curriculum, activities and more ways to put civics and leadership into action!

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District 1 Rhonda Lennon [email protected]

North Mecklenburg including Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Univ. City, Mt Island

District 2 Thelma Byers‐Bailey [email protected]

West and SW Charlotte and Mecklenburg

District 3 Ruby Jones [email protected]

North, Northeast and downtown Charlotte

District 4 Tom Tate [email protected]

East Charlotte

District 5 Eric Davis [email protected]

South Charlotte (north of highway 51) including Southpark area

District 6 Paul Bailey [email protected]

South Charlotte/Mecklenburg (south of highway 51) including Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Ballantyne

Approximate representation areas listed. View list of schools by school board district (click on district #1-6) http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/boe/Pages/District1.aspx View election district map: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOE/candidate/Documents/2013SchoolBoard.pdf

www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation Mecklenburg Towns

Cornelius The Cornelius Town Board meets each month on the first and third Monday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall. www.cornelius.org/index.aspx?NID=27 www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Cornelius.pdf

Davidson The Davidson Town Board meets each month on the second and fourth Tuesday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall. www.ci.davidson.nc.us/index.aspx?nid=75 www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Davidson.pdf

Huntersville The Huntersville Town Board meets each month on the first and third Monday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall http://www.huntersville.org/TownGovernment/ElectedOfficials.aspx www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Huntersville.pdf

Matthews The Matthews Town Board meets each month on the second and fourth Monday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall. www.matthewsnc.gov/TownGovernment/TownBoard.aspx www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Matthews.pdf

Mint Hill The Mint Hill Town Board meets each month on the second and fourth Thursday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall. www.minthill.com/index.aspx?nid=54 www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Mint%20Hill.pdf

Pineville The Pineville Town Council meets each month on the second Tuesday in the evening. Meetings are at Town Hall. www.townofpineville.com/town‐government/ www.generationnation.org/documents/YouthCivics_Pineville.pdf

Visit www.GenerationNation.org for curriculum, activities and more ways to put civics and leadership into action!

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Town of Cornelius

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The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

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1 Cornelius Incorporated in 1905 – Economy: Mills and farms – Impacted by closing of mills, creation of Lake Norman, building of I-77 and growth of Charlotte Population – 25,000 citizens today Area – 15 square miles

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Government Town Board – Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Town Board sets policies – Professional Town Manager administers policies and manages town government  Code of Ordinances (local laws/rules) http://www.cornelius.org/index.aspx?NID=176

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2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

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Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Board Town Manager

Anthony Roberts and • Hired by Town Board • Responsible for daily operations of the town

Elected, nonpartisan •Mayor and Town Board • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Board Meetings Town Board Meetings –1st and 3rd Monday each month • 7PM at Town Hall – Who can attend? Anyone Website: www.cornelius.org Follow town government – Meeting agendas and minutes http://corneliuspublic.novusagenda.com/ –News http://www.cornelius.org/CivicAlerts.aspx

8 GenerationNation.org

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  Town of Davidson

This is a PDF. Contact us for editable presentation document.

GenerationNation.org

The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

2 GenerationNation.org

1 Davidson Settled in mid-1800s – Davidson College and farms Incorporated in 1879 – Town name: Davidson College – Changed to Davidson in 1891 Population – Over 9,000 citizens today Area – 5 square miles

3 GenerationNation.org

Government Town Council – Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Mayor and Town Board set policies – Professional Town Manager administers policies and manages town government – Codes and ordinances (local laws/rules) http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/index.aspx?nid=478

4 GenerationNation.org

2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

5 GenerationNation.org

Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Board Town Manager

Jamie Justice and • Hired by Mayor and Town Board • Responsible for daily operations of the town

Elected, nonpartisan •Mayor and Town Board • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Board Meetings Town Board Meetings –2nd Tuesday of each month • 6PM at Town Hall – Who can attend? Anyone Website: www.ci.davidson.nc.us Follow town government meeting agendas, minutes and news – http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/index.aspx?NID=73

8 GenerationNation.org

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  Town of Huntersville

This is a PDF. Contact us for editable presentation document.

GenerationNation.org

The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

2 GenerationNation.org

1 Huntersville Settled in 1700s Incorporated in 1873 – Cotton, farms, trains, commerce Population – Over 40,000 citizens today Area – 31 square miles

3 GenerationNation.org

Government Town Council – Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Mayor and Town Board set policies – Professional Town Manager administers policies and manages town government – Code of Ordinances (local laws/rules) http://www.huntersville.org/TownGovernment/CodeofOrdinances.aspx

4 GenerationNation.org

2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

5 GenerationNation.org

Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Board Town Manager

Greg Ferguson and • Hired by Mayor and Town Board • Responsible for daily operations of the town

Elected, nonpartisan •Mayor and Town Board • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Board Meetings Town Board Meetings –1st and 3rd Monday of each month • 6:30PM at Town Hall – Who can attend? Anyone Website: www.huntersville.org Follow town government meeting agendas, minutes and news – http://www.huntersville.org/TownGovernment/AgendaMinutes.aspx

8 GenerationNation.org

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  Town of Matthews

This is a PDF. Contact us for editable presentation document.

GenerationNation.org

The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

2 GenerationNation.org

1 Matthews Residents and businesses settle in 1800s Town incorporates in 1879 Population – 191 citizens in 1880 – 30,000 citizens today Area – 13 square miles

3 GenerationNation.org

Government Town Council – Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Town Council sets policies – Professional Town Manager administers policies and manages town government Town Ordinances (local laws/rules)

– http://matthewsnc.gov/TownGovernment/TownOrdinances.aspx

4 GenerationNation.org

2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

5 GenerationNation.org

Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Council Town Manager

and

Hazen Blodgett

Elected, nonpartisan • Hired by Town Council •Mayor and Town Council • Responsible for daily • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, operations of the town establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Council Meetings Town Council Meetings –2nd and 4th Monday each month, 7PM at Town Hall – Who can attend? Anyone – At each meeting, you can speak for up to 4 minutes on a topic. Sign up in the lobby before the meeting. Website: www.matthewsnc.gov Follow town government meeting agendas, minutes and news – www.matthewsnc.gov/TownGovernment/TownBoard.aspx – select Agendas and Minutes

8 GenerationNation.org

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  Town of Mint Hill

This is a PDF. Contact us for editable presentation document.

GenerationNation.org

The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

2 GenerationNation.org

1 Mint Hill Residents and businesses settle in 1700s Town incorporates in 1971 Population – 3,000 citizens in 1971 – 22,000 citizens today Area – 25 square miles

3 GenerationNation.org

Government Town Council – Mayor and Town Board of Commissioners – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Town Council sets policies – Professional Town Manager administers policies and manages town government  Codes and Ordinances (local laws/rules) – www.municode.com/library/nc/mint_hill/codes/code_of_ordinances

4 GenerationNation.org

2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

5 GenerationNation.org

Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Board Town Manager

Brian Welch and • Hired by Town Council • Responsible for daily operations of the town

Elected, nonpartisan • Mayor and Town Board • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Council Meetings Town Council Meetings –2nd and 4th Thursday each month – 7PM at Town Hall – Who can attend? Anyone Website: www.minthill.com Follow town government meeting agendas, minutes and news – www.minthill.com/agendas_minutes.php

8 GenerationNation.org

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  Town of Pineville

This is a PDF. Contact us for editable presentation document.

GenerationNation.org

The Town Municipality = city, town, village In Mecklenburg County • One city - Charlotte • Six towns - Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville No legal difference between a city, town or village – is preference of the residents

2 GenerationNation.org

1 Pineville Settled in 1700s – President James K. Polk born in 1795 Town incorporates in 1873 Population – 585 citizens in 1900 – 7,500 citizens today Area – 3.5 square miles

3 GenerationNation.org

Government Town Government – Mayor and Town Council – Nonpartisan election every 2 years Council-Manager Government – Elected Town Council sets policies – Professional Town Administrator manages town government  Town Ordinances (local laws/rules)

– http://townofpineville.com/town-ordinances/

4 GenerationNation.org

2 Town services Planning • Zoning, planning and land use Public Works • Sidewalks, streets, garbage, recycling, stormwater Parks & Recreation and Cultural Services • Parks, athletics, arts programs, festivals Public Safety • Police, Animal Control •EMS/Fire Town Government • Operations, Finance

5 GenerationNation.org

Who runs the town?

The Mayor and Town Council Town Manager

and Haynes Brigman • Hired by Town Council • Responsible for daily operations of the town

Elected, nonpartisan •Mayor and Town Council • Establishes priorities on community needs, sets policy, establishes the budget, levies taxes, creates ordinances

7 GenerationNation.org

3 Town Council Meetings Town Council Meetings –2nd Tuesday each month, 6:30PM – Pineville Hut Meeting Facility, Johnston Road – Who can attend? Anyone Website: www.townofpineville.com Follow town government meeting agendas, minutes and news – http://townofpineville.com/category/agendas-and- minutes/

8 GenerationNation.org

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Talking with Adult Leaders

Let leaders and decision makers know what you think about an issue, policy or decision that is important to you. Ways to do this include:

• Sending an email or talking to them on the phone • Connecting on social media • Meeting with public officials and policy makers • Speaking at a public hearing • Inviting public officials and decision makers to your school or organization

Things to keep in mind • Know your target – do your homework to find out which level of government, which department, which policy or decision maker you need to talk with • Remember that you provide a valuable perspective that leaders need to hear • Listen – to everyone in the room, especially people you disagree with • Be open‐minded, respectful and polite – treat people as potential allies, not enemies • Build relationships – don’t only communicate to complain. • Think critically – connect what you hear with what you know • Think like a leader – how does this issue impact others? The future? What can I do to make things better for the most people? • Look for facts and figures – passion helps, but facts win and change opinions • Identify the intent – don’t like a policy? try to see where the official was going with the idea

Communicating • Mention that you are a student – you can use this to your advantage • Ask questions and/or state your opinion • Get your facts straight • Make your comments short and to the point…focus on what’s important first • Offer suggestions and solutions • Ask for specific action • Relate to your personal experience • Use your own words • Don’t waste time on the obvious • Ask if you can help be a part of the solution • If you are speaking, be confident and clear…and smile • If you are writing, spell and punctuate correctly

www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation © 2006 Civic Education Consortium

MY WISH FOR AMERICA/MY COMMUNITY

Kids, adults, leaders and officials work together to solve school, community and national challenges.

My name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I have a wish for: (check one)

………………… MY SCHOOL ………………… CHARLOTTE/MY CITY ………………… MY NEIGHBORHOOD ………………… AMERICA

My big issue is about: (circle one) ANIMALS HEALTH SCHOOLS CHILDREN AND YOUTH HOUSING SIDEWALKS AND STREETS COLLEGE JOBS SPORTS CRIME LAWS AND RULES TECHNOLOGY ECONOMY POVERTY TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION RECYCLING OTHER………………………………..… ENVIRONMENT SAFETY

The problem is: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..

My wish to make it better or different: …………………………………………………………………..……………....

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

My wish can be possible if: (solution) ……………………………….……………...... …………………………......

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

© GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org

MY WISH FOR AMERICA/MY COMMUNITY (for younger children)

Kids, adults, leaders and officials work together to solve school, community and national challenges.

My name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I have a wish for: (check one)

………………… MY SCHOOL ………………… CHARLOTTE/MY CITY ………………… MY NEIGHBORHOOD ………………… AMERICA

My big issue is about: (circle one) ANIMALS HEALTH SCHOOLS CHILDREN AND YOUTH HOUSING SIDEWALKS AND STREETS COLLEGE JOBS SPORTS CRIME LAWS AND RULES TECHNOLOGY ECONOMY POVERTY TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION RECYCLING OTHER……………………… ENVIRONMENT SAFETY

Draw a picture about it here:

© GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org

MY WISH FOR AMERICA/MY COMMUNITY (for older students)

Students, adults, leaders and officials work together to solve school, community and national challenges.

ME CASE STUDY OUTLINE HOW A CURRENT/HISTORIC LEADER SOLVED A CIVIC PROBLEM Area of impact?

Example: School, neighborhood, community, state, country or world

What’s the problem?

Example: Kids don’t have a safe place to play

What’s your vision?

Example: Kids need access to playgrounds.

What’s your solution?

Example: Build a playground in my neighborhood

Who to influence? How? What needs to happen?

Example: The City of Charlotte works with neighborhoods. I will contact my City Council representative to outline the problem and ask for support for my solution.

My plan and timeline is…

© GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s important to My Government? Kindergarten – Grade 2 Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES K RI‐1 W ‐1 With prompting and support, ask and Use a combination of drawing, dictating, answer questions about key details in a and writing to compose opinion pieces in text. which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about RI‐10 and state an opinion or preference about Read and comprehend informational texts. the topic or book (e.g., My favorite book is...).

W‐2 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.

1 RI‐1 W ‐1 1.C&G.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details Write opinion pieces in which they Classify the roles of authority figures in the in a text. introduce the topic or name the book they home, school and community (teacher, are writing about, state an opinion, supply principal, parents, mayor, park rangers, RI‐10 a reason for the opinion, and provide some game wardens, etc). Read and comprehend informational texts. sense of closure. 1.C&G.1.3 W‐2 Summarize various ways in which conflicts Write informative/explanatory texts in could be resolved in homes, schools, which they name a topic, supply some facts classrooms and communities. about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s important to My Government? Kindergarten – Grade 2 Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES 2 RI‐1 W‐1 2.H.1.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, Write opinion pieces in which they Use timelines to show sequencing of what, where, when, why, and how to introduce the topic or book they are events. demonstrate understanding of key details writing about, state an opinion, supply in a text. reasons that support the opinion, use 2.H.1.2 linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to Identify contributions of historical figures RI‐10 connect opinion and reasons, and provide (community, state, nation and world) Read and comprehend informational texts. a concluding statement or section. through various genres.

W‐2 2.C&G.1.1 Write informative/explanatory texts in Explain government services and their which they introduce a topic, use facts and value to the community (libraries, schools, definitions to develop points, and provide a parks, etc.). concluding statement or section. 2.C&G.2.1 Exemplify characteristics of good citizenship through historical figures and everyday citizens.

2.C&G.2.2 Explain why it is important for citizens to participate in their community.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s Important to My Government? Grades 3‐5 Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES 3 RI‐1 W‐1 3.C&G.1.2 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, Describe the structure of local government understanding of a text, referring explicitly supporting a point of view with reasons. and how it functions to serve citizens. to the text as the basis for the answers. W‐2 3.C&G.2.1 RI‐10 Write informative/explanatory texts to Exemplify how citizens contribute Read and comprehend informational texts. examine a topic and convey ideas and politically, socially and economically to information clearly. their community.

3.C&G.2.3 Apply skills in civic engagement and public discourse (school, community). 4 RI‐1 W‐1 4.C&G.1.2 Compare the roles and Refer to details and examples in a text Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, responsibilities of state elected leaders. when explaining what the text says supporting a point of view with reasons explicitly and when drawing inferences and information. 4.C&G.1.4 from the text. Compare North Carolina’s government W‐2 with local governments. RI‐10 Write informative/explanatory texts to Read and comprehend informational texts. examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. 5 RI‐1 W‐1 5.C&G.1.2 Quote accurately from a text when Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, Summarize the organizational structures explaining what the text says explicitly and supporting a point of view with reasons and powers of the United States when drawing inferences from the text. and information. government (legislative, judicial and executive branches of government). RI‐10 W‐2 Read and comprehend informational texts. Write informative/explanatory texts to 5.C&G.2.4 examine a topic and convey ideas and Explain why civic participation is important information clearly. in the United States.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s Important to My Government? Middle School Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES 6 RH‐1 W‐1 6.C&G.1.3 Cite specific textual evidence to support Write arguments focused on discipline‐ Compare the requirements for (e.g., age, analysis of primary and secondary sources. specific content. gender and status) and responsibilities of (e.g., paying taxes and military service) RH‐10 W‐2 citizenship under various governments Read and comprehend history/social Write informative/explanatory texts, studies texts in the grades 6–8 text including the narration of historical events, complexity band independently and scientific procedures/ experiments, or proficiently. technical processes.

7 RH‐1 W‐1 7.C&G.1.3 Cite specific textual evidence to support Write arguments focused on discipline‐ Compare the requirements for (e.g. age. analysis of primary and secondary sources. specific content. gender, legal and economic status) and responsibilities of citizenship under various W‐2 governments in modern societies (e.g. RH‐10 Write informative/explanatory texts, voting, taxes and military service). Read and comprehend history/social including the narration of historical events, studies texts in the grades 6–8 text scientific procedures/ experiments, or 7.C&G.1.4 complexity band independently and technical processes. Compare the sources of power and proficiently. governmental authority in various societies (e.g. monarchs, dictators, elected officials, anti‐governmental groups and religious, political factions).

8 RH‐1 W‐1 8.H.3.4 Cite specific textual evidence to support Write arguments focused on discipline‐ Compare historical and contemporary analysis of primary and secondary sources. specific content. issues to understand continuity and change in the development of NC and the US. RH‐10 W‐2 By the end of grade 8, read and Write informative/explanatory texts, 8.C&G.1.1

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s Important to My Government? Middle School Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES comprehend history/social studies texts in including the narration of historical events, Summarize democratic ideals expressed in the grades 6–8 text complexity band scientific procedures/ experiments, or local, state, and national government (e.g. independently and proficiently. technical processes. limited government, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, republicanism, federalism and individual rights).

8.C&G.1.3 Analyze differing viewpoints on the scope and power of state and national governments (e.g. Federalists and anti‐ Federalists, education, immigration and healthcare).

8.C&G.2.2 Analyze issues pursued through active citizen campaigns for change (e.g. voting rights and access to education, housing and employment).

8.C&G.2.3 Explain the impact of human and civil rights issues throughout NC and US history.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s Important to My Government? High School Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES Civics RH‐1 W‐1 Topics include: & Cite specific textual evidence to support Write arguments focused on discipline‐specific Federal Government Econ. analysis of primary and secondary sources, content. State and Local Government attending to such features as the date and Civic Leadership origin of the information. W‐2 Economics Write informative/explanatory texts, including Rights and Responsibilities RH‐10 the narration of historical events, scientific Public Interest Read and comprehend history/social studies procedures/ experiments, or technical Contemporary Issues texts independently and proficiently. processes. CE.C&G.2.1 Analyze the structures of national, state and local governments in terms of ways they are organized to maintain order, security, welfare of the public and citizen protection.

CE.C&G.2.2 Summarize the functions of NC state and local governments within the federal system of government.

CE.C&G.2.7 Analyze contemporary issues and governmental responses at the local, state, and national levels in terms of how they promote the public interest and/or general welfare.

CE.C&G.2.8 Analyze America’s two‐party system in terms of the political and economic views that led to its emergence and the role that political parties play in American politics.

CE.C&G.3.6 Explain ways laws have been influenced by political parties, constituents, interest groups, lobbyists, the media and public opinion.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org What’s Important to My Government? High School Correlates to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for Social Studies

GRADE READING INFORMATION WRITING SOCIAL STUDIES US RH‐1 W‐1 Multiple ways to align. Topics include: History Cite specific textual evidence to support Write arguments focused on discipline‐specific Federal Government analysis of primary and secondary sources, content. State and Local Government connecting insights gained from specific details Civic Leadership to an understanding of the text as a whole. W‐2 President of the United States Write informative/explanatory texts, including Rights and Responsibilities RH‐10 the narration of historical events, scientific Public Interest Read and comprehend history/social studies procedures/ experiments, or technical Contemporary Issues texts independently and proficiently. processes.

GenerationNation | www.GenerationNation.org