On June 4, the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) recognized the dedicated county officials who successfully completed the County Official Online Learning Network (COOL Network).
In collaboration with the University of Nebraska Extension, the COOL Network provided participants with an opportunity to connect with fellow county officials, university professors, and local government experts in a three-week online unit followed by an in-person session.
“The COOL Network isn’t just a training program — it’s a catalyst for stronger local leadership across Nebraska,” said Jordan Rasmussen, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator who helped facilitate the course. “By investing in our county officials through relevant, timely education, we’re empowering them to better serve their communities and shape the future of our state.”
During the online training portion, topics covered included: the purpose, structure, and funding of county government, government finance, expenditures, and mandates, courthouse infrastructure, Information Technology risk management, visioning and strategic planning, and much more. The course was especially geared toward those relatively new to their role in county government.
“The COOL Network helps county officials grow as leaders by building knowledge, skills, and connections. We’re proud to provide accessible, practical education that supports their success and benefits the counties they serve,” said Education & Community Engagement Specialist Riley Sigler.
NACO prioritizes providing comprehensive continuing education opportunities like the COOL Network for county officials in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain efficient and effective local governments.
While the COOL Network has concluded for 2025, Rasmussen said, “In August we will conduct another great training for county officials — the Institute of Excellence — which builds upon the COOL Network by deepening the leadership skills of elected officials.”
For more information about registration for the Institute of Excellence, visit:
Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s leadership development webpage
The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) is a non-profit organization that serves to represent the interests of all elected and appointed county officials in the state. NACO was organized in 1894 and is composed of 93 member counties. The association's membership includes, serves, and represents all 15 offices within county government.
