Community Development & Government

We provide educational resources, workshops and technical assistance to communities throughout Texas, promoting the development of individual abilities and community support for creating and growing businesses, jobs, wealth and income.

Related Departments: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

Flags flying in front of Texas Capitol building

Texas 4-H Leadership & Citizenship Program

In the Leadership and Citizenship project area, our young Texans gain the experience necessary to become the informed and capable leaders and citizens of tomorrow. With multiple opportunities in global education, public speaking, community service, and more, all youth can find a fit in Texas 4-H.
5 children attending 4H Day at the Capitol

Learn About
Community Development & Government

Publications

Publication

Mobility is important for older rural adult populations, but options are limited in certain communities. Improving public transportation in rural communities allows older adult populations mobility and independence. (2 pages)

Publication

Transit agencies play a crucial role in improving community resiliency, including communities’ ability to respond to natural hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.

Publication

Citizen science, also known as community and participatory science, is a term used to describe the participation of volunteers or any non-professional in scientific research.

Programs

We offer numerous free and affordable programs on agriculture and natural resources, family and community health, economic health and youth development. We also offer many volunteer opportunities. Browse the list below.
Program

The V.G. Young Institute of County Government, part of The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, provides continuing education for elected county officials across Texas.

Program

Texas Rural Leadership Program provides adult leadership and community development for rural individuals, communities, organizations, and regions.

Program

TALL is a comprehensive, two-year leadership enhancement study program of agricultural policies and environmental issues for emerging leaders in Texas agriculture.

Courses

Course

This course is for anyone working with the general public and has been approved by the Texas State Association for Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) for 1 hour of continuing education credit. Participants will review the basics of ethics and receive guidance to base decisions upon when faced with ethical issues.

Course

Elected and appointed government officials are required by state law to receive training in Texas open government laws within 90 days of taking their oath of office. The V.G. Young Institute of County Government offers this online course, which has been approved by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, to meet this mandate. (TDLR #28346)

Course

Did you know that email, internet posts, instant messages, and text messages are all subject to open records requests? This basic course in records management will help you understand public information requests, rights of requestors, your responsibilities of response, and the management duties of the county tax office.

All Resources on Community Development & Government

  • Publication

    Mobility is important for older rural adult populations, but options are limited in certain communities. Improving public transportation in rural communities allows older adult populations mobility and independence. (2 pages)

  • Course

    This course is for anyone working with the general public and has been approved by the Texas State Association for Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) for 1 hour of continuing education credit. Participants will review the basics of ethics and receive guidance to base decisions upon when faced with ethical issues.

  • Course

    Did you know that email, internet posts, instant messages, and text messages are all subject to open records requests? This basic course in records management will help you understand public information requests, rights of requestors, your responsibilities of response, and the management duties of the county tax office.

  • Course

    Elected and appointed government officials are required by state law to receive training in Texas open government laws within 90 days of taking their oath of office. The V.G. Young Institute of County Government offers this online course, which has been approved by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, to meet this mandate. (TDLR #28346)

  • Course

    The New County Tax Assessor-Collector & Chief Deputy Orientation Course is approved by the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas for 2 hours of continuing education, and if successfully completed within 90 days of taking office, this course satisfies the requirement to complete constitutional and statutory training.

Have questions? We can help!

As part of our extension mission of Serving Every Texan, we aim to make contacting our experts easy. Find the best fit for your needs:

Localized Information & Resources

Domain Knowledge & Topical Expertise

Media Inquiries & Resource Scheduling