Why the change?

On May 14, the University of Minnesota Extension Service announced structural changes in response to declining state, county, and federal budgets.

Extension currently is funded from three main sources: the State of Minnesota (42%), the state’s 87 counties (26%), and the federal government (17%). Counties, facing their tightest budgets in decades, are finding their 26% share of Extension’s support is more than they can afford. They have asked for, and Extension has provided, a new organizational structure that provides counties flexibility in selecting the programs and positions they most want and can afford.

What will the new structure be?

As of January 1, 2004, there will be 18 to 22 new Regional Centers for Extension. These centers will be funded by state and federal dollars. A Regional Director, 5-10 Regional Educators, and 2-3 support staff will be housed at the Centers. The locations of the Regional Centers will be announced in July.

Regional Educators will still provide programming in the five capacity areas:

• Youth Development & 4-H
• Family Development
• Agriculture, Food, & Environment
• Natural Resources & Environment
• Community Vitality

What happens to local county offices?

Counties and other local agencies, including non-profits, may choose to contract with Extension for additional positions, programs, and services to augment the regional programming. Options include contracting for local Extension Educators or Technical Advisors within a capacity area, Program Coordinators for 4-H or volunteer programs like the Master Gardeners, or an Education Assistant such as the Nutrition Education Assistant position. Counties would be responsible for providing local support staff and funding for local operations.

Now is the time for input!

To meet county budget deadlines, decisions on county funded Extensions positions need to be made during July. We encourage you to provide input to your local County Extension Committee on how your county should invest in Extension programs.

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