2026 NACo Legislative Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brought together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that matter most to county governments.
Attendees experienced timely, high-impact policy sessions and interacted with executive branch officials, members of Congress and their staff.
Read below for highlights from the conference and click here to explore NACo's upcoming events.
Adopted Policy Resolutions
Interim policy resolutions are submitted by NACo members to address timely federal policy issues impacting counties. During the Legislative Conference, NACo adopted 39 interim policy resolutions to shape NACo's advocacy until NACo's 2026 Annual Conference.
HHS Secretary Kennedy touts fixes for obesity, chronic illness, mental health issues
Counties can help improve health outcomes by prioritizing prevention over treatment, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told NACo Legislative Conference attendees.
House Agriculture Committee chairman targets Easter farm bill passage
House Agriculture Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.): “Let’s face it — the 2018 policy was really great for 2018, but it’s no match for the challenges of 2026.”
Congress seeking ‘common-sense solutions’ to unmet mental health needs
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.): “Right now, it is too difficult to access providers … and get mental health care in a facility that is the right size and also the appropriate acuity level to meet patients’ needs.”
Proposed bill ties Social Security funding to public lands activity
An Arizona congressman hopes to link Social Security funding and public lands policy.
HUD seeks cross-agency approach to homelessness
"Self-efficiency" is in and Housing First is out at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Federal-level child welfare priorities center on supporting foster youth, families
Child welfare experts outlined current priorities at the federal level, including better supporting foster care youth who age out of the system and recruiting more foster parents, at NACo’s Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee meeting.
Prince William County transforms crisis care through "No Wrong Door" approach
Prince William County, Va.’s Crisis Receiving Center is bridging the gap between emergency room care and traditional outpatient care in behavioral crisis response and reducing burden on local law enforcement and hospitals.
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.
Information-sharing bill could protect court workers
The Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act could provide more than 30,000 state and local judges with access to security assessments, best practices and a database of threats made against colleagues in the justice field.
Next step on PILT requires more outreach
Facing headwinds on making PILT funding permanent, county veteran Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) told county officials to reach out to any member of Congress who will listen.
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.
NACo to kick off 2026 Legislative Conference, unveil ‘We Are Counties’ message
More than 2,000 county officials from across the nation are visiting Washington, D.C., for NACo 2026 Legislative Conference, at the Washington Hilton Feb. 21-24.
Featured Speakers
Hon. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Hon. Lee Zeldin
Hon. Tom Emmer
Hon. Andrea Salinas
Hon. Sam Graves
Hon. Bruce Westerman
Hon. Chuck Edwards
Hon. Celeste Maloy
Alex Meyer
Hon. Shigeo Yamada
Hon. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Conference Schedule
Explore the full schedule for the conference. Use the links below to print the latest version of the schedule or to jump to a specific conference day.
Additional Information
Questions?
We are happy to help. Contact nacomeetings@naco.org or call 202-942-4292.
NACo Support for Your Advocacy Efforts
The NACo 2026 Legislative Conference provides a unique opportunity for you to meet with your members of Congress while in Washington, D.C. By understanding who you plan to meet with, what topics you intend to raise, and any resources or guidance you may need, we can better assess where county relationships currently stand and offer targeted assistance to help you prepare.
As you work to schedule your Hill meetings, please complete this form – this allows NACo to provide timely background materials, talking points, and strategic support so counties can advocate as effectively as possible.
