Deschutes County kicks off free 10-week government course for residents

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and County Administration welcomed the Deschutes County College Class of 2026 yesterday. The free, 10-week program provides local residents with an inside look at county government operations.

Classes take place on Tuesday evenings from August through October. The curriculum covers a broad range of county services and operations, including roads, elections, public safety, public and behavioral health, land use planning, solid waste, recycling and the county budget process.

During the course, participants meet with county staff members and elected officials to learn how local services operate. The program includes guided tours of several county facilities, including Deschutes 9-1-1, Knott Landfill, the elections office and the road department.

To qualify for admission, applicants must live, work full time or own a business in Deschutes County. Candidates are also required to pass a background check before being accepted into the course, where space is limited.

Applications for the 2026 session are no longer being accepted, as the application deadline was July 10. Any submissions received after July 10 will be considered for the 2027 program cycle. You can apply here.