Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to represent NACo at Governing magazine’s Outlook 2016 State & Local Market Forecast event at the National Press Club, where I discussed the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering services to our residents. 

Counties always seek ways to deliver cost-effective programs, and our collaboration with private and public sector partners, including states and the federal government, is the key to our success.  It is important to acknowledge these partnerships and our joint successes as we recognize the vital role we play in residents’ lives.

An outstanding opportunity to feature our role in building a stronger America is National County Government Month (NCGM).  An annual event for the past 25 years, NCGM provides an opportunity every April for us to highlight effective county programs, raise awareness about county-provided services and increase public understanding about the pivotal role we play in our communities. 

This year’s NCGM shares its theme with my 2015–2016 Presidential Initiative: Safe and Secure Counties. To learn more about how you can engage your community, download NACo’s NCGM 2016 Toolkit at www.naco.org/ncgm2016.

I hope you find these resources useful for highlighting how your county serves residents, not only in April, but every month of the year.And thank you for serving NACo through your membership and active involvement in issues that impact counties throughout the nation. 

I look forward to seeing you soon at NACo’s Legislative Conference Feb. 20–24, where we will focus on federal policies that impact our counties and residents.  Learn more about what’s in store, and if you haven’t already registered, please do so here.