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

Related Topics

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

Community development is an essential component of county Extension education. To successfully incorporate community development into their programs, county agents and their supervisors need to recognize and define what is- and what is not-encompassed in community and economic development. Agents and specialists encourage broad participation as communities define and implement improvement strategies. They may also […]

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.

All Community Development & Government Publications

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.

All Community Development & Government Programs

Courses

Course

The county tax office serves almost every resident of their county – every property owner, every auto owner, and many others. Providing effective customer service to all taxpayers promotes the public’s trust in the tax office as the first point of contact for the taxing entities they serve. (TDLR #28345)

Course

This course is designed to help supervisors and managers understand key components of personnel management. Topics examined include employer/employee communication, personnel policies, legal concerns, and best practices related to hiring, performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, and termination. (TDLR #28910)

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 Community Development & Government Courses

All Resources on Community Development & Government

  • Course

    This course is designed to explain the purpose of Special Inventory and give an overview of the process.

  • Course

    County budgets can be complicated but provide for county services for citizens. Tax Assessor-Collectors and their staffs will understand the basic responsibilities of a budget officer, recognize the procedures for planning a budget and identify the fees, expenses, and methods of collecting costs for providing services.

  • Course

    This course is designed to guide participants in the essential functions of the county tax office. Upon completion, participants will earn 2 hours of continuing education credit from the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

  • 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.

  • Course

    County Tax Assessor-Collectors, Deputies and their staff must continuously work to promote an ethical environment in the county tax office to avoid negative perceptions. This course defines ethics, reviews basic terms, ethical conduct and consequences of unethical behavior.

  • Course

    The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be difficult to administer. Employee situations can vary greatly and FMLA laws change frequently. This course provides an overview of the FMLA, the roles and responsibilities of both employers and employees, military leave and FMLA enforcement. (TDLR #28911)

  • Course

    Explore the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to employment. Included in this 1-hour course are definitions, non-compliance, and accommodation requirements. Upon completion of the course, participants will earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. (TDLR #28912)

  • Course

    Employers and supervisors are tasked with keeping their organizations in compliance with employment laws. Designed for the general public, this course provides an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and sexual harassment. (TDLR #28909)

  • 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

    This 2-course bundle provides students access to both courses in the Texas Citizen Planner Program at a discount. Each unit includes reading materials, case studies, and engaging instruction from planning leaders, practitioners, and researchers.

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

Find your county agent

Domain Knowledge & Topical Expertise

Talk to an extension specialist

Media Inquiries & Resource Scheduling

Contact Media Relations
Back to top