Teaches county commissioner roles and responsibilities and the structure of county government; Explore the basics of county finance; Learn best practices for leading and participating in public meetings; Network with other elected officials.

MSU Extension provides educational opportunities for both new and veteran commissioners to strengthen their knowledge and skills to serve their community.

To help new county commissioners achieve success we encourage you to attend the New Commissioner School, designed to help them learn about the challenges and responsibilities of this new role.

For more than 50 years, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Association of Counties have offered this workshop series and other educational opportunities for new and returning commissioners, administrators and county officials.

Participants in the New Commissioner School:

  • Explore the complexity of governance in today’s world.
  • Learn more about their roles and responsibilities.
  • Gain an initial understanding of county finance.
  • Learn the questions to ask when making decisions on policy issues.
  • Network with other commissioners.

For 2024 program information and dates, click the button below: 

Click here for more information on New Commissioner School 2024

For other programs related to county government, click the Events button above.