Mary Ann Barton
County News Editor & Senior Writer
About Mary Ann Barton
Mary Ann is the County News editor and senior staff writer and is returning to NACo after previously working at the association. She comes to NACo after covering local news for Patch.com in Northern Virginia. Her experience also includes working as managing editor of Log Home Design magazine, reporting for the Arkansas Democrat and writing for C-SPAN.
In addition to having lived in Pulaski County, Ark., Mary Ann is a native of Hennepin County, Minn. She studied journalism and Spanish at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. and spent four years living in Lima, Peru.
Behind the scenes in Orleans Parish: Same great tours, two time slots
From flood protection and public safety to pest control and water infrastructure, mobile tours at NACo's Annual Conference in Orleans Paris, La. offer a firsthand look at local government in action — and plenty of inspiration to bring back home to your county.
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Counties must prepare for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, particularly if they still rely on aging technology systems, some decades old, which can make them vulnerable to attacks.
County officials urged to use storytelling to strengthen advocacy, public trust
“People experience these services every day, but they don’t always see the county’s role behind them.”
House Majority Whip: ‘We are all members of the same team’
While acknowledging Republican power in the Congress and White House, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called for the country’s two political parties to work together.
NOAA outlines help for counties navigating drought’s growing risks
In April, the National Integrated Drought Information System will launch the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System, which will help county officials allocate resources and attention to mitigate drought-related disasters.
NACo leaders urge new attendees to connect, engage at Legislative Conference
Nearly 300 first-time NACo Legislative Conference attendees heard from a slate of speakers welcoming them to the event and providing some guidance.