In a recent meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, discussions centered on enhancing community engagement through potential internship opportunities for college students. The proposal, initially brought forth by Commissioner Jen, aims to involve students from Central Oregon Community College (COCC) in local governance, providing them with real-world experience while also benefiting the county.

Commissioners expressed support for the idea, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful internship roles that would not only help students build their resumes but also contribute positively to the county's operations. However, concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of such internships. Commissioner Chang highlighted the need for a clear scope and budget to ensure that the program is both valuable for participants and cost-effective for the county.

The board also discussed the formation of a committee tasked with redistricting, a significant step as Deschutes County prepares for its first district-based elections. The commissioners debated how much discretion to grant this committee in determining its criteria and structure. Commissioner Chang stressed the importance of ensuring that the committee is representative of the county's diverse population, including geographic and political diversity. This discussion reflects a broader commitment to fair representation in local governance.

As the board moves forward, they plan to refine the details of both the internship program and the redistricting committee, with the goal of fostering greater community involvement and ensuring equitable representation in decision-making processes. These initiatives are seen as vital steps in enhancing civic engagement and addressing the needs of Deschutes County residents.