Local Government from the Ground Up
Take a deep dive into the structure, function, and challenges of local government in California. Starting with a broad overview, we’ll examine the origins and purposes of cities, counties, school districts, and special districts, and trace key developments such as the Ralph M. Brown Act and the Political Reform Act of 1974. From there, we’ll break down how cities and counties are organized, the services they provide, and how different governance models — like strong Mayor vs. Council-Manager — affect operations. We’ll also tackle timely issues, including ballot propositions that could reshape local powers. The course will then turn to the increasingly complex world of school and special districts, utility regulation, and district proliferation. Finally, we’ll follow the money — exploring how local governments are funded, how they spend, and how legislation like Proposition 13 has transformed their financial landscape.
Faculty Bio
Daren Fields served in local government for 30 years including as a department head, assistant city manager, and city manager. Daren is passionate about teaching others about local government and brings an insider's perspective to the discussion.
This is an In-Person-Only Course
- Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- Limited to 45 members
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Tuesday, June 3, and ends on Tuesday, June 24
- Classes meet for 4 weeks, two hours per session (10–noon PM)
- Course materials will remain available to view and enjoy through Aug. 31
Member Praise for Daren Fields
I took Daren Fields' course because I didn't understand how city power centers are formed, such as a strong-mayor versus a council-manager type of systems. Daren explained everything about citizenship at the local level, and how to engage in and support democracy on the ground. A great instructor and great source of information we all need to know!