County College: An Overview of County Government in Oregon

Brought to you by Oregon State University Professional and Continuing Education and the Association of Oregon Counties

Understand County Government in Oregon Like Never Before

Newly elected official? County employee? Aspiring public servant?
County government touches nearly every part of our daily lives—from roads and public safety to health services and natural resources. But most people—even those working in county roles—don’t fully understand how all the pieces fit together.

County College is your fast-track overview.
Developed by the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) in partnership with Oregon State University, this self-paced online training series delivers the same core content provided in the AOC’s respected in-person County College program—used for years to train newly elected county commissioners, judges, and chairs.

Who Should Enroll

This program is ideal for:

Newly elected county commissioners, judges, or chairs preparing for public service
County employees seeking cross-training or leadership readiness (e.g., clerks, treasurers, HR staff, administrators, counsels, sheriffs)
Community members interested in understanding local government, or preparing to run for office
Civics/government educators who want to supplement instruction with Oregon-specific content

Whether you're shaping policy or just starting out, County College gives you the tools to lead with confidence.

Bonus: The course content may also be suitable for high school government and civics courses. It aligns with Oregon Social Studies Standards, including HS.C.PI.3 (civic participation) and HS.C.IR.9 (intergovernmental relationships), making it a valuable resource for educators looking to provide real-world examples of county government in Oregon.

What You’ll Learn

Through 8 on-demand modules, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of:

The roles and responsibilities of Oregon counties and county officials
Oregon’s county governance structures, including home rule and legal authorities
Essential public services: public safety, community development, transportation, and more
County finance and revenue systems, including taxes, budgeting, and fiscal constraints
How counties support citizens through health and human services
The evolving relationship between state, federal, and local governments

Each module is approximately 1 hour. Learn at your own pace.

Explore the Full Porogram

Introduction to County Government
Discover the origins, purpose, and core duties of Oregon’s counties.
Community Development
Examine land use, planning, and economic development responsibilities.
County Revenue
Unpack how counties generate and manage public funds.
County Governance
Learn about charters, board structure, public meetings, and ethics.
Public Safety
Dive into the critical functions of sheriffs, emergency services, and justice systems.
Health and Human Services
Explore county support for mental health, public health, and social services.
Natural Resources
Understand how counties manage forests, water, and environmental stewardship.
Transportation and Public Works
From potholes to public works, explore how counties keep Oregon moving.

Why County College and PACE?

✔ Trusted by County Leaders
Built on the proven County College curriculum offered by AOC since 2006. Used to onboard new elected officials across Oregon.

✔ Self-Paced and Flexible
Each module takes about 1 hour. Complete one—or all eight—on your schedule.

✔ Oregon-Specific Expertise
This isn’t generic training. Learn the policies, systems, and governance that are unique to Oregon counties.

✔ Affordable and Accessible
Each course is just $15, or get the full 8-course series for $75—a cost-effective way to empower your public service team or prep for civic leadership.

Get Started Today

Gain the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively in county government.

Enroll in the full County College series or select the course that fits your needs.

In Partnership with the Association of Oregon Counties

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course only for county employees?
Not at all. While designed with county staff in mind, it’s also valuable for educators, citizens, and anyone interested in understanding how Oregon’s county government functions.

Can I use this for professional development?
Yes! Many counties use this series to onboard new employees and offer leadership training. Educators may also use it to support Oregon Social Studies Standards such as HS.C.PI.3 and HS.C.IR.9.

What’s the best way to start?
We recommend enrolling in the full 8-course bundle to get the most value. But if you’re interested in a specific topic like public safety or county revenue, you can purchase that module individually.