2026 NCCAE Federal-State Policy Exchange

The Big Squeeze: Federal-State Policy Trends, Preemption and Association Priorities
Opening Roundtable Strategy Discussion on Shared Priorities

1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Current trends in state and federal policy signify a squeeze on the finances and authority of local governments as states preempt local decision-making in areas of land use, energy, elections and others. This first session will be a targeted roundtable discussion among participants, allowing time for collaboration on shared priorities, trends in state happenings and successful advocacy messaging.

Key Takeaway: Successful messaging and advocacy strategies to address overlapping policy priorities across states.

Opening Dinner

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Reflections on the Big Squeeze
Coffee and Conversations

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Property Tax Reform and Repeal
Research Presentations and Collaborative Messaging Discussion

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

County governments rely on property taxes as our top source of revenue, yet the property tax remains one of the most unpopular and politically vulnerable taxes, making it an easy target for state legislators. This session will include a readout from the Conference of Southeastern County Associations’ Property Tax Fly-in and a few brief presentations in property tax research before transitioning to a discussionof how to leverage the data for advocacy messaging.

Key Takeaway: Coordinated message for state associations and partner organizations to use when advocating for county property tax authority.

Networking Lunch

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

“We Are Counties” at the State Level: How to Tell the County Story to Policymakers and Constituents
Collaborative Discussion

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

NACo’s We Are Counties campaign highlights the essential role counties play across every part of community life. Join NACo’s public affairs team to discuss what makes a successful public affairs strategy, and how state associations can use the We Are Counties campaign to elevate counties in all states.

Key Takeaway: Public affairs tools and strategies to use at the state level to promote the role of counties.

State Association Show & Tell: County Storytelling and Advocacy
Rapid Fire Presentations

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Building on the previous discussion, join this special “Show & Tell” session where attendees will take turns presenting programs or initiatives which have helped to tell the story of county governments to state policymakers and the public.

Key Takeaway: Public affairs tools and strategies to use at the state level to promote the role of counties.

Networking Event + Happy Hour

3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The County Landscape Project and Civic Education
Brainstorming Session

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Counties are a crucial – yet too often neglected and misunderstood – part of the intergovernmental system. The long-term solution hinges on effectively incorporating counties into civic education curricula, as well as building partnerships with schools, universities and civil society. Join NACo’s research team to hear how the County Landscape Project is building a foundation for county-focused civic education across states, then provide feedback on the future of the project and brainstorm how to better incorporate counties into educational spaces.

Key Takeaway: Tools and strategies for incorporating county government education into schools and academia, plus a plan for NACo and NCCAE to collaborate on developing and expanding the County Landscape Project.

The State and Future of Federalism
Moderated Discussion

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

The realities of federalism today look vastly different from 10 or 15 years ago, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization and recent changes in the federal role. Trends in shifting demographics, technology and fiscal policies, too, necessitate a framework of new principles for federal-state-local engagement. Join the Bipartisan Policy Center to reflect on their recent roundtables with state and local officials and to discuss how counties can best engage with intergovernmental partners moving forward.

Key Takeaway: A blueprint of common goals and principles to structure how counties and county associations engage with intergovernmental partners in our nation’s current and future iterations of federalism.

What’s Next for the FSPX?
Closing Discussion

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Discussion to close the event will solicit reflections and feedback about the event itself, as well as ideas to improve for next year.

Key Takeaway: Ideas to improve next year’s event.

Forum Ends

12:00 p.m.