Twenty-six students from diverse backgrounds in county government gathered at Reser Stadium and the Alumni Association building at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis mid-January for the Association of Oregon Counties’ (AOC) revered new member program, County College. County commissioners, judges, staff; OSU Extension staff; and partners make up the 2023 cohort.
The January session kicked off the first of five educational sessions in 2023 aimed at providing new commissioners, judges, chairs, and high-level staff a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and authorities of counties and county elected officials.
The program, designed in partnership with OSU Extension Service, offers sessions led by professionals in core county service areas, including: community and economic development, finance, human services, infrastructure and public works, public safety, leadership, and management.
During the first training, participants gained insights on broad programming information about AOC and its federal partner, the National Association of Counties (NACo); government ethics; the history of counties and county structures; duties and responsibilities of county administrators; public records; risk; legal considerations; and partner organizations, OSU and CIS.
“This first session of county college has been terrific both to learn new aspects of our role in government, and to connect with new commissioners from across the state,” commented Baker County Commission Chair Shane Alderson. “To serve our constituents to the best of our ability means that we must always be willing to learn.”
Eleven instructional years into the program, participants are finding content to be as valuable as it was in its first year, in 2006. Originally offered annually, the program shifted to a biennial offering in 2009.
“AOC is proud to continue offering this critical service to our members. We enjoy seeing our members build strong relationships in their cohorts, and developing curriculum that benefits members, counties, and Oregonians from here into the future,” commented AOC Executive Director Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D.
The 2023 County College class will meet next at the AOC offices February 16-18 and will cover a range of topics including: the AOC legislative process, advocacy, and transportation and natural resources policy portfolios.
For more information on County College visit: https://oregoncounties.org/education/county-college/ or reach out to program administrator: Kristen Paul.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate