OP-ED: Building a stronger Washington County
What does it take to build a stronger community? That’s the question leaders from across the country gathered to tackle at the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School recently. Representing Washington County, I came away with a renewed appreciation for the power of collaboration and new ideas that can help strengthen our community here at home.
What stood out most wasn’t Harvard’s reputation, it was the people. Although we came from different states and backgrounds, we shared many of the same concerns to include attracting and retaining young talent, expanding economic opportunities, supporting small businesses, addressing housing needs, and strengthening public trust.
One lesson became clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The strongest communities aren’t necessarily those with the largest budgets; they’re the ones that bring government, businesses, nonprofits, and residents together around shared goals. Lasting progress depends on collaboration.
Through case studies and discussions, we examined how effective leaders build partnerships, make difficult decisions, and earn trust by listening before acting. Leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about asking the right questions, bringing people together, and creating the conditions for good ideas to succeed.
The experience also reinforced that investing in people is just as important as investing in infrastructure. Communities thrive because people choose to live, work, volunteer, and raise families there. Developing future leaders and creating opportunities for young professionals are essential to long-term success.
I returned home with new ideas and a renewed appreciation for the role local government plays in everyday life. County government may often work behind the scenes, but its decisions shape infrastructure, public safety, human services, and economic development. Effective leadership requires transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Washington County has hard-working people, innovative businesses, vibrant communities, and enormous potential. Our responsibility is not only to preserve those assets but to build on them by embracing innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and working together across sectors and political lines.
I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Washington County on a national stage. More importantly, I look forward to applying the lessons I learned to help ensure our county remains a place where businesses grow, families prosper, and future generations choose to call home.
Electra Janis is vice chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.