Essentials of County Government
- Asheville, NCDecember 17 - 18, 2026
- New Bern, NCJanuary 14 - 15, 2027
- Raleigh, NCJanuary 21 - 22, 2027
Newly Elected County Commissioners
Congratulations on your election as a county commissioner! The UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners have partnered to offer a new, year-long education and support program to help you move from campaigning to governing.
The program begins with a free Zoom session on the essentials of your first 30 days in office, followed by a two-day, in-person orientation. The orientation is the start of a year-long opportunity to keep learning, build relationships, and get support as you settle into your role.
Start here: Free Zoom session on your first 30 days
From Campaigning to Governing: What a Newly Elected Commissioner Needs to Know in the First 30 Days
This free, one-hour session is open to all newly elected county commissioners and to experienced commissioners who would like to join. We’ll cover key responsibilities, practical first steps, and resources to help you get started.
Date: December 11, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Sign up for the Free Zoom session
Then join the two-day orientation program
The in-person orientation program explores the purpose and functions of county government and the commissioner’s role. Topics include:
- Working as a board and building relationships with fellow commissioners
- Working with the county manager, other elected and appointed officials, and staff
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Open government, including public records and open meetings
- Required ethics training
The program includes interactive activities, time for reflection and discussion, and opportunities to get to know fellow commissioners from your county and across North Carolina.
Registration is required.
Choose one of these sessions:
- December 17–18, 2026: Asheville
- January 14–15, 2027: New Bern
- January 21–22, 2027: Raleigh
The program runs approximately 8:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. the first day and 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the second day. The cost is $385 per participant. We encourage newly elected commissioners to attend with their county manager, county attorney, and/or county clerk. More seasoned county commissioners are welcome, too!
New this year: A year of learning and connection
The two-day orientation launches a year-long cohort experience designed to help commissioners stay connected and supported beyond the initial training. Throughout the year, participants can:
- Join free Zoom sessions on current topics, including emergency management, financial condition, and board relations
- Reconnect with the cohort at the NCACC Annual Conference in August
- Receive emails every other month with topics of interest and additional resources
You’ll leave the orientation with connections to commissioners across the state—and opportunities to continue learning together throughout your first year.
- Asheville, NCDecember 17 - 18, 2026WCU at Biltmore Park
28 Schenck Parkway
Asheville, NC 28803View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before December 09, 2026 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after December 10, 2026, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.View Hotel InformationOptional Hotel Block Information: Hilton @ Biltmore Park
$149/night, free parking, walking distance to WCU conference facility, rate good until Dec. 4th.
$385
$385.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414. - New Bern, NCJanuary 14 - 15, 2027Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County
203 S Front St
New Bern, NC 28560View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before January 06, 2027 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after January 07, 2027, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.View Hotel InformationOptional Room Block Information: DoubleTree
$179/night, free parking, neighbors the Riverfront Convention Center, rate good until Dec. 24.
$385
$385.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414. - Raleigh, NCJanuary 21 - 22, 2027Quorum Center
323 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC 27603View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before January 13, 2027 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after January 14, 2027, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.View Hotel InformationOptional Hotel Room Block: Longleaf Hotel
$131/night, free parking, rate available until Jan. 7th.
NOTE: This location is not handicapped accessible.
$385
$385.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.
Presentations and Handouts
Program materials will be available in CANVAS as they are received from instructors. Instructions for accessing or creating a log-in to CANVAS can be found on the program materials site. If you have trouble with your Canvas account, please contact Instructional Support for assistance.
The agenda for the current program is pending approval. There will be changes this year, but you may refer to the previous agenda for an idea of what this program includes.
Bryan Matthews
