New county commissioners, judges, chairs, and staff from across Oregon came together in January for the launch of a new class of County College. This biennial program, established in 2006 by the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) in partnership with the Oregon State University Extension Service, provides a platform for new members to connect and gain important insights into county government.
The 2025 cohort includes new AOC members from 20 different counties, along with staff from OSU Extension Services, which hosted the first session.
With class sizes averaging between 20 and 30 participants, one of the program’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to network and build relationships with colleagues from across the state. “AOC is proud to continue offering this essential service to our members,” commented AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “This program is truly unique, and the connections formed during class will provide members with invaluable support well into the future.”
The program 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.
This first session offered valuable information on county government, public meetings law, and the legislative process. Attendees heard presentations from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission and Benton County. In addition, OSU Extension Services Interim Director Dr. Kris Elliot and directors from all their programming highlighted their many services.
“Session 1 of AOC County College was an amazing kickoff to building important relationships with other leaders from around our great state and offered a strong foundation of partners and resources available from OSU Extension Services,” commented Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier. “ AOC County College is a safe and well-designed space for learning about my new role. I can’t wait for session 2!”
For more information on County College visit: https://oregoncounties.org/ed-events/#countycollege
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator