One week not enough for national celebration of county government

More counties will have the opportunity to participate in National County Government Week activities in 2010, when the observance expands from a single week to the entire month of April – henceforth to be known as National County Government Month (NCGM).

NACo's Executive Committee decided to expand National County Government Week to a month to give counties more options to schedule activities that raise public awareness and understanding of county government. NCGM will be held in April in 2010 and in future years. The theme for NCGM in 2010 is "Healthy Counties."

"By designating each April as National County Government Month, counties will have greater flexibility to plan and schedule their own county government activities," said NACo President Valerie Brown, a Sonoma County, Calif., supervisor. "Counties aren't expected to hold public awareness activities throughout the month, but can schedule activities any time during the month."

Brown urged county leaders to begin planning now for the April 2010 celebration. Her suggestions include holding open houses or public tours of county facilities, visiting local schools and business groups to discuss available county services, and highlighting exceptional county services and programs.

"County governments are integral to America's health system and provide many essential services for their residents," Brown said. "I know counties are most proud of their healthcare services and healthy living programs."

First celebrated in 1991, National County Government Week was created by NACo to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's 3,068 counties. The community outreach events help residents and businesses better understand how counties serve the community.

A booklet of ideas and suggestions on how to celebrate NCGM will be available in January. For more information about NCGM, click here.