Clay County Offers Free Civic Academy for Residents

Clay County is giving residents a unique opportunity to learn more about their local government with its free six-week Civic Academy. The program, which will run in both the spring and fall, is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of how county government operates, including decision-making processes and budget management.

The Civic Academy is open to all Clay County residents who can commit to two hours per week for the six-week course. Sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the Spring and Fall terms. Participants will gain insights into the workings of county departments, the role of elected officials, and how the county is adjusting to becoming a Constitutional County. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Clay County commissioners and department heads.

This program is aimed at fostering greater communication between local government and the community, ensuring residents have a clear understanding of how county operations function.

Applications for the upcoming Spring 2025 session are now open, with the following dates scheduled:

  • Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

  • Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

  • Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

  • Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

There are only 20 spots available for the Spring session, and applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Those chosen will be notified of their acceptance upon submission.

Interested residents can apply now at ClayCountymo.gov to secure their place in this exciting opportunity to learn more about their local government and engage with county officials.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

County Administrator Announces Retirement

After a distinguished career in public administration spanning over three decades, Clay County Administrator Dianna Wright announced plans to retire in February 2025. During her tenure, Dianna has worked alongside the Commission and county staff guiding the implementation of the new charter form of government, leading numerous initiatives focused on enhancing services, developing workforce talent, and strengthening partnerships with local communities. Wright worked closely with the Commissioners to adhere to and advance their primary missions of investment in public safety and infrastructure.

Clay County Administrator Dianna Wright

Significant milestones accomplished during Wright’s tenure include the adoption of Clay County’s Strategic Plan, adoption of the Clay County 2040 Compass Comprehensive Plan, the implementation of the County’s 5-year capital improvement plan, preparations for the launch of the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program, and the establishment of a countywide in-house GIS department, just to name a few. Wright has been committed to transparency and enhanced communication.

In 2024, she initiated the Citizens Academy, a strategic overview of County departments, operations, programs, and services. The bi-annual six-week academy provides participants with an understanding of how their county government operates.

Reflecting on her time with the County, Dianna Wright said, "It has been my great honor to serve Clay County and to work with such a dedicated team of public servants. Together, we’ve achieved many accomplishments, from improving infrastructure to ensuring that our services meet the evolving needs of our residents. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition as the County takes its next steps forward.”

Wright became Clay County Administrator on February 14, 2022. Prior to becoming County Administrator, she had extensive public sector experience serving over 30 years at the executive level, serving the City of Olathe, KS as Director for the Economy Focus Area and Resource Management for 10 years. Prior to this, she served as the City Administrator for the cities of Wentzville and Harrisonville, Missouri. She began her career in public administration in Gladstone, Missouri as Assistant to the City Manager/Administrator of Management Services. Ms. Wright is a graduate of Missouri State University and University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEADS program. Wright is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned the designation of “Credentialed Manager.”

Clay County’s Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his gratitude for Dianna’s service, stating, "We are grateful for Dianna’s leadership, which has been marked by a deep commitment to serving the people of Clay County. As we initiate a search for our next County Administrator, we remain committed to building on the solid foundation she has helped to create. We wish Dianna the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”

The Clay County Commission will be conducting a search to identify and appoint a new County Administrator, with the goal of ensuring continued strong leadership for the County’s future.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

County Receives GFOA Award

Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that Clay County, Missouri received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

- a policy document

- a financial plan

- an operations guide

- a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Press release from Clay County.