In preparation for the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 Annual Conference & Exposition, NACo members are invited to submit policy resolutions and platform changes to be considered during the conference. The deadline to submit resolutions is Wednesday, June 21.

The NACo resolutions process provides members with the opportunity to participate in national policy decisions affecting county governments. During the Annual Conference, NACo’s 10 policy steering committees, Board of Directors and the general membership consider proposed policy resolutions and platform language that will guide NACo advocacy until the next NACo Annual Conference in July 2024.

The American County Platform and the association's policy resolutions are carefully considered statements of the needs and interests of county governments throughout the nation. These federal policy statements serve as a guide for NACo members and staff to advance the association's policy agenda before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. Please refer to the comprehensive overview of NACo's policy resolution process here.

HOW TO SUBMIT AND FORMAT RESOLUTIONS

When submitting resolutions and platform changes, please work with the appropriate steering committee staff liaison to adhere to the following guidelines:

All policy resolutions must be submitted electronically (preferably as a Word document) via email to resolutions@naco.org by June 21, 2023. Submissions MUST identify the title and issue area in the email subject line (e.g. Social Services Block Grant, Human Services and Education).

• CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE RESOLUTION

• Issue: Short sentence stating the purpose of the resolution and how the issue impacts counties
• Proposed policy: Concise statement specifying a position or action by NACo and/or other entities
• Background: 1–2 paragraph statement clearly outlining the county interest in the particular issue
• Fiscal/urban/rural impact: Short statement addressing the potential impact(s) for counties in the specific issue area
• Sponsor: Name and contact information of NACo member sponsoring the resolution. It is important to include contact information so that the NACo staff can follow up if there are any questions or additional information required

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you plan to submit a policy resolution, you (or a designated representative) must be present in person during the steering committee meeting at the 2022 Annual Conference to introduce and explain the resolution.

PLATFORM CHANGES AND EXISTING RESOLUTIONS

Platform changes may also be considered at the Annual Conference. All resolutions previously passed, both at last year’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting and at NACo’s 2023 Legislative Conference, expire at this conference and must be resubmitted as either a resolution or platform change in order to continue as NACo policy.

QUESTIONS

Have a question? We are happy to help. Please contact Mark Ritacco, chief government affairs officer, Eryn Hurley, director of government affairs & federal fellowship initiative, or the appropriate steering committee liaison. Please also refer to the comprehensive overview of NACo's policy resolution process here.