About the Symposium

County officials interested in exploring county sites in Sonoma County, Calif. and engaging in discussion inspired by President Gore’s “We…” spotlight are invited to join NACo’s Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and Rural Action Caucus (RAC) at the County Crossroads Symposium.

This event will feature five mobile workshops over three days, enabling participants from all counties to gain hands-on experience and explore the role of counties and county leaders in building the future We imagine – one where local government is empowered by engagement, collaboration and innovation and fueled by an exceptional county workforce.

Join us as we embark on this immersive exploration of Sonoma County, a microcosm of America offering insights from urban, suburban and rural landscapes.

LUCC, RAC, and NACo’s Board of Directors will also conduct business meetings at this event – check the schedule for details.

Register Today

Registration for the symposium is free but required. You can register yourself and one guest here.

Register Today

Schedule

Wednesday, Dec. 4

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Registration & Corporate Resource Fair

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Mitote Food Park Experience
Lunch option of fiesta and food trucks in Santa Rosa for early arrivals. Buses will loop to and from hotel during this two-hour period for those interested in this food experience.

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

County Crossroads Symposium Kick-Off: Opening Remarks by NACo President James Gore
Hyatt Regency Courtyard

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Mobile Tour Breakouts

  • Group A: Bridging Care: Exploring Sonoma County's Human Services Continuum
    Representatives from Eliza’s Village Homeless Shelter, Sonoma County Juvenile Hall and Valley of the Moon Children’s Center will lead attendees through the county’s human services continuum, highlighting how these programs address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Through site visits and discussions, participants will gain insight into the collaborative efforts supporting those facing homelessness, juvenile restoration, and involvement in the foster care system.
  • Group B: Critical County Connections: Reinvigorating the Russian River Valley
    Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is a picturesque haven where rolling vineyards meet towering redwoods, creating a landscape rich in beauty and history. Unfortunately, this same area is prone to devastating disasters, including fires and flooding, making the ability to communicate with family, friends and local officials critical for county residents. Learn more from local officials about challenges and opportunities facing the valley in deploying broadband, addressing homelessness, improving economic development and more. 

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441

Thursday, Dec. 5

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration, Breakfast, Corporate Resource Fair

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

LUCC Business Meeting

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Morning Mobile Tours

  • Group A: County Innovations in Water Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
    Symposium attendees will tour the picturesque Lake Sonoma Overlook in Dry Creek Valley, where they will explore the future of sustainable water management. The tour will provide insights into Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), an innovative approach to managing water resources. Participants will also learn about Sonoma County’s collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions to develop effective water conservation strategies for extreme climate conditions. At the Vista Overlook, attendees will enjoy breathtaking views while listening to a presentation from the National Marine Fisheries Services about the Dry Creek Valley fish restoration initiative, highlighting the benefits of public-private partnerships in supporting these efforts.
  • Group B: Following the Fire: 2017 Sonoma County Resiliency Tour
    In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 6,000 structures. Most significantly, the lives of 22 people and countless animals were lost. Residents who did survive became homeless overnight. In the wake of the fire, Sonoma County has implemented state-of-the-art disaster management systems that have mitigated impacts and saved lives. Join this tour to follow the path of the 2017 fire and hear from Department of Emergency Management officials about how the county is continuing to improve disaster resilience.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Joint Luncheon at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon Mobile Tours

  • Group A: Following the Fire: 2017 Sonoma County Resiliency Tour
    In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 6,000 structures. Most significantly, the lives of 22 people and countless animals were lost. Residents who did survive became homeless overnight. In the wake of the fire, Sonoma County has implemented state-of-the-art disaster management systems that have mitigated impacts and saved lives. Join this tour to follow the path of the 2017 fire and hear from Department of Emergency Management officials about how the county is continuing to improve disaster resilience.
  • Group B: County Innovations in Water Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
    Symposium attendees will tour the picturesque Lake Sonoma Overlook in Dry Creek Valley, where they will explore the future of sustainable water management. The tour will provide insights into Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), an innovative approach to managing water resources. Participants will also learn about Sonoma County’s collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions to develop effective water conservation strategies for extreme climate conditions. At the Vista Overlook, attendees will enjoy breathtaking views while listening to a presentation from the National Marine Fisheries Services about the Dry Creek Valley fish restoration initiative, highlighting the benefits of public-private partnerships in supporting these efforts.

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Crossroads Symposium Reception
Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 

Friday, Dec. 6

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration, Breakfast, Corporate Resource Fair

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

RAC Business Meeting

9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Joint Mobile Tour: Savoring Sonoma: A Tour of Food and Farming for County Leaders
The agriculture industry is vital to Sonoma County residents and holds a broader significance for communities across the country who enjoy the region’s many exports. During this tour, participants will gain firsthand insights into farming practices, economic impacts and challenges facing the industry, emphasizing the need for informed policy decisions to support and preserve this critical sector. 

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Joint Luncheon & Plenary Session (sponsored by Nationwide)
Hyatt Regency Wine Country

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

NACo Board Meeting Part 1

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

NACo Board Dinner and Reception (NACo BOD and Guests only)

Saturday, Dec. 7

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Board Networking Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

New Board Member Orientation

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

NACo Board Meeting Part 2

12:00 p.m.

Departure (box lunches)

Travel

Airports

STS – Charles M. Shulz, Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa. This small airport offers non-stop service with the following airlines from:

  • Alaska Airlines: Burbank (BUR), Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Los Angeles (LAX), Orange County (SNA) and San Diego (SAN)
  • American Airlines: Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW)
  • Avelo Airlines: Burbank (BUR), Las Vegas (LAS), Palm Springs (PSP) and Bend/Redmond

SFO – San Francisco International Airport – GROOME Transportation offers shuttle service to/from SFO to STS (shuttle service can be 2 hours)

OAK – Oakland International Airport – GROOME Transportation offers shuttle service to/from SFO to STS (shuttle service can be 2 hours)

Flying into SFO or OAK? View GROOME's airport shuttle schedule here.

NACo Members at HQ
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Get Involved

NACo members have the opportunity to serve on 31 committees, caucuses, task forces and advisory boards to inform national policymaking and help solve problems impacting counties, boroughs and parishes.

For more information about NACo committees, click here. If you have any questions about getting involved, please call us at 888.407.NACo (6226) or email committee@naco.org.