I’m excited to announce that a new booklet is available in the School of Government’s Local Government Board Builders series. Social Services and Public Health: The Role of the Board of Commissioners is intended to help county commissioners understand their role and responsibilities with respect to county social services and public health functions. In North Carolina, county governments play a significant role in providing and administering social services and public health services at the local level. Social Services and Public Health: The Role of the Board of Commissioners introduces county commissioners to the legal framework governing social services and public health in North Carolina. The booklet also explains organization and governance options for local health and human services agencies authorized under North Carolina law.Â
This new publication is an installment in the School of Government’s Local Government Board Builders series, which offers local elected leaders practical guidance on how to effectively lead and govern. Each booklet in the series provides an overview of a different topic relevant to local governing boards, such as selecting and appointing committees and advisory boards, strategic planning, making better decisions, improving accountability, and effectively engaging stakeholders in public decisions. Many of the booklets offer specific tips on effective practices, worksheets, and reflection questions to help local elected leaders improve their work. The Board Builders series, which first launched in 2009, is now being updated with revised editions of older booklets and new installments addressing topics not previously covered in the series.
Recently released titles in the series include:
- Social Services and Public Health: The Role of the Board of Commissioners, by Kristi A. Nickodem
- How Are We Doing? Evaluating Manager and Board Performance, Second Edition, by Kimberly L. Nelson
- Strategic Planning for Elected Officials, Second Edition, by Obed Pasha
Forthcoming publications (among others) in the series will include:
- Handbook for North Carolina Mayors and Council Members, Second Edition, by Rebecca L. Fisher-Gabbard
- Council-Manager Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships, by Rebecca L. Fisher-Gabbard and Colt Jensen
- Building Better Boards: A Retreat Guide for Local Governments, by Kimberly L. Nelson
Stay tuned for more Board Builders books coming soon. In the meantime, local government officials who are interested in social services and public health topics can find more information on The North Carolina Human Services Hub, a School of Government website featuring resources regarding social services, public health, and consolidated human services agencies and boards.
