MSU Extension Launches Midterm Essentials for County Commissioners

County governance demands continuous adaptation, prompting new initiatives to support elected officials. Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), launches a new one-day professional development program: County Commissioner Midterm Essentials. This program aims to strengthen the capacity of county officials as their responsibilities continue to expand.

The program will offer two distinct sessions this year. The first session takes place on June 10 in Grayling. A second opportunity is available on October 7 in East Lansing. Both sessions will cover critical areas such as state and county fiscal outlooks, including the implications of recent state and federal policy actions.

Registration for the program features a tiered cost structure. Participants registering more than 30 days in advance pay $75. Registration within 30 days of an event costs $100. This fee includes lunch, snacks, and program materials, designed to support an intensive learning experience.

Attendees will earn two credits toward the MAC County Commissioner Academy for 2026. This credit system underscores the program's value in ongoing professional certification and development for county leaders. The curriculum also focuses on best practices for intergovernmental collaboration, drawing on experienced county officials' insights into building and sustaining effective partnerships.

County Commissioner Midterm Essentials specifically targets officials in their midterm, building on prior training like the New Commissioner School. It recognizes the practical lessons learned during a commissioner’s initial two years in office. The program strengthens participants' skills, knowledge, and networks. It enhances their capacity to lead effectively within the current complex fiscal and political environment. Officials will leave better prepared to navigate budgetary pressures, manage intricate intergovernmental relationships, and meet the growing demands of public leadership.

Watch for the impact of this targeted professional development on the effectiveness of local governance and the ongoing adaptation of support programs for Michigan's county officials.