Joe Burgess Brings a Youthful Perspective to County Government

When he is not studying for his bachelor's in chemical engineering or participating in the University of Nebraska curling club, Joe Burgess serves as District 5 York County Commissioner. At 19 years old, Burgess is the youngest County Commissioner in the state and one of the youngest elected officials in the country.  

“Running for County Commission became serious for me when I had to pay the $250 filing fee,”  says Burgess. “Suddenly, there was money involved. I remember going to the courthouse to file after school but before track practice. I couldn't go after practice because the courthouse would have been closed.”

Burgess received 152 votes, beating out two other candidates running for the district. In the months since his election, he has thrown himself into the job and is committed to learning how local government works. Burgess brings a young voice to the county government, but also an informed one. 

All New County Commissioners Face Learning Curves

Once selected, Burgess started attending as many meetings as he could to understand the different committees and projects the county was working on. When he started school, he continued to drive back to York County to attend meetings, even if he was just listening in. Burgess appreciates the other members of the County Commission and government employees who have helped him learn more about his job and their roles.

“Serving on the County Commission would be hard no matter what age you are,” says Burgess. “None of the people running had been a County Commissioner before, so we were all going to have to face the same learning process.”

In his role, Burgess represents York for Blue Valley Community Action and the Southeast Nebraska Development District. While he may not have heard of specific organizations or government offices before, he has seen the city and county bring in new projects as a result of their efforts. His involvement in local government helps him see how things get done.

“It's been cool to see all of the different organizations and people that try to help and build up the community,” says Burgess. 

Anyone Can Have a Voice in Local Government

People frequently ask Burgess if he has advice for other young people looking to get involved in local government. He says anyone willing to put effort into the position should consider running. It takes a lot of work and requires people to attend meetings, so he advises people to make sure they can give enough energy to the role before running.

Burgess also speaks to the accessibility of local government meeting times. He says many people who run are retired because they can attend meetings during the workday. Regardless of age, anyone with a full-time job would likely have difficulty participating in local government if all meetings are held from 9 to 5. Flexible or evening meeting times could increase local government participation. 

Burgess Sees a Future in Nebraska

In the past year, Burgess won his seat on the county commission, graduated from high school, and started college. He doesn't know where he will be in 10 years, but he says he likes living in Nebraska and sees opportunities to use his chemical engineering degree in York County and across the state.

“There are definitely opportunities for me to stay here and work in my field,” says Burgess. “There are chemical engineers involved with ethanol plants in York County.”

Burgess appreciates how everybody knows each other and how that affects local government. He uses the example of a committee discussing property values, with the board members personally knowing the people who own the houses in question. Small town life is more than just waving at your neighbors on the road, it means there are personal elements to every aspect of work and life. 

Meet the York County Residents Making a Difference 

Community members looking to get involved in York County don't have to run for local office. They can make a difference by joining local non-profits, participating in events, and creating art. Everyone has unique skills and a voice that contributes to the beauty and diversity of York County.

Follow along as the York County Development Corporation (YCDC) profiles residents who are helping to improve the region. Joe Burgess is just one example of a York resident using their skills and energy to shape the county's future. See why more people are moving to York County and why those who stay here think it is a wonderful place to live.