The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) kicked-off its 2021 County College program, welcoming a cohort of 37 students that include newly elected county commissioners, county staff, and Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service team members. The 2021 program is being conducted as a hybrid model, providing five of the sessions virtually and closing the program with an in-person session in September.
The County College program began in 2006 in partnership with the Oregon State University Extension Service, and for four years, ran every year. Since the 2009 class, it has run every other year in odd years. Designed primarily for new commissioners and high-level staff, County College offers a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and authorities of a county, and a county commissioner, chair, or judge, including legal, government ethics, public meetings and records, parliamentary procedure, and much more. The class also covers the primary service areas of community and economic development, finance, human services, infrastructure and public works, and public safety, in addition to sessions on leadership and management.
Two sessions have already been held. During the January session, the 2021 cohort reviewed the history of county government ethics, risk management, legal provisions of county government, and higher education programs and partnerships. Curriculum for the March session provided an overview of AOC’s legislative process and county engagement in advocacy as well as a high level review of county finance and natural resource policies. For a complete schedule of County College programming, click here.
For more information on the AOC County College Program contact public affairs associate, Kristen Paul.
Contributed by: Kristen Paul | Public Affairs Associate