National County Government Month, held annually in April, provides an opportunity to recognize the vital work of counties. As part of this celebration, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) launched a social media campaign spotlighting the critical services that counties provide to their residents. Over the course of the month, we highlighted several core services counties deliver, including:
- Managing 62% of the state’s non-federal public road system
- Operating recycling programs and educating residents and businesses about waste reduction
- Protecting our residents and communities by administering immunizations, managing communicable diseases, providing behavioral health and substance use services, and supporting first-time mothers
- Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our democracy by maintaining ассurаtе vоtеr rеgіstrаtіоn records and ensuring thаt аll eligible voters аrе registered, preparing and mailing ballots, and collecting and counting all votes
- Operating and maintaining county detention and court facilities and responding to disasters and emergencies
Thank you to members who joined this year’s celebration and engaged with our social media content. Your collaboration helps improve the public’s understanding of the value of county government and the essential services it provides. We also would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our members and county staff for the critical work you perform every day.
Although National County Government Month has come to a close, we are committed to highlighting the vital role counties play in shaping healthy, vibrant, and safe communities across Oregon. Moving forward, we will continue this effort by advocating for county interests, communicating their impact, and educating the public and our members on the crucial work counties perform.
Want to help elevate the important work happening in all 36 counties? Below are some helpful resources for counties to use in your storytelling efforts.
- Role of Counties Flyer (PDF) provides a snapshot of county services
- Shared State-County Services and Functions Chart (PDF) outlines the collaborative relationship between state and county governments in delivering services
- County Structures Chart (PDF) lists the governing structure of each Oregon county
- Video: Oregon Counties: Providing Vital Public Services Since 1906
In addition, the National Association of Counties offers tools to help counties communicate the importance of county government.
- “We Are Counties” Campaign
- A three-year campaign to highlight the role counties play across every part of community life. NACo’s participation toolkit features ready-to-use “Did you know” graphics, sample social media posts, press release templates, and more.
- County Explorer Data
- An interactive mapping tool featuring the latest available data for all 3,069 U.S. counties across 14 categories, more than 100 datasets, over 1,000 indicators and more than 10 types of county and state profiles.
- County Governance Project
- A comprehensive guide to county government structure, authority, services and finances. Dig into individualized state profiles and the national database to learn about the intricacies of county governance by state, share information with policymakers and educate the public on the importance of counties.
- County Landscape Project
- Whether examining the organizational structures, financial frameworks, services or intergovernmental roles of counties, the project serves as a critical reference for understanding county government at its core.
- Counties Work Educational Game and Curriculum
- NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game and curriculum to educate students grade levels 6-12 about the important role and functions of county government.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator