Plain-language guides, crash courses, and workshops explaining how local government works—and how to influence it.
Civic education, made practical.
Understanding how local government works shouldn’t require a law degree. That’s why Mansfield Muniversity exists: to help everyday residents learn the rules of the game—and how to change them.
We’re building a series of plain-language guides, crash courses, and interactive workshops designed to take the mystery (and fear) out of civic engagement.
What We Teach
- How Mansfield government works
Council, boards, commissions, zoning, and city staff—who does what and why it matters. - How to show up effectively
Tips for public comment, how to track agendas, and how to write emails that get read. - How to run for office—or support someone who should
Filing deadlines, ethics rules, voter outreach strategies, and how to build community support. - How school boards really work
Understand the power (and limits) of trustees, how budgets are set, and how to track policies that affect your kids. - How state politics shape our local lives
What’s coming down from Austin, and what to do when state agendas collide with local values.
Built for First-Timers
You don’t need political experience to enroll here. In fact, we prefer you don’t. Muniversity is designed for renters, working parents, students, elders, and anyone who’s been told “this isn’t your lane.”
This is your lane. And we’ll help you drive it.
What’s Next
We’re currently developing:
- A rotating workshop series across different neighborhoods
- Printable toolkits for civic groups and classrooms
- Video explainer content
- A searchable online glossary of local governance terms
Want to bring Muniversity to your organization or school?
Reach out here—we’re building this to travel.
Donate now to help grow Muniversity
Every resource we build is free to the public—and your support makes that possible.