The 2023 NACo Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium will gather county executives, governing board members and other senior elected officials alongside national thought leaders and partners in Orange County, Florida to identify urban challenges and elevate solutions through peer-to-peer information exchanges and national policy discussions.
Registration and Host Hotel Information
Registration for the symposium is free but required. You can register yourself and one guest here.
Discounted housing rates have been established at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. You may reserve a room using this link. You may make your reservations online through September 13, 2023.
Note: All conference activities with the exception of mobile tours and receptions will take place at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista.
Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities
We are excited to offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to expand your relationships with LUCC members.
Symposium Schedule
Note: all times listed in Eastern Daylight Time, times subject to change.
Wednesday, October 4
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1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Optional Mobile Tour: Orange County Tourist Development Briefing
With over 59 million visitors a year, Orange County is easily one of the top travel destinations in the world. Tourism accounts for approximately 24% of employment in Orange County and is a $75 billion industry. The Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is funded by a 6% tax for hotel visitors and short-term rentals, and the revenue generated from this tax is used to boost the local economy and invest in county facilities that support the local community. On this mobile tour, LUCC members will have the opportunity to view two facilities that are supported by the Tourist Development Tax, and hear presentations on the TDT and how this tax revenue is reinvested back into the community. Buses will depart from the hotel at 1:00 pm EST.
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2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Optional Workshop: Unlocking Innovation-Reinventing County Human Service Delivery for the Digital Age
Picture a future where county human service delivery is seamless, efficient, and tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families. Join us for a dynamic workshop focused on modernizing human service delivery in counties, featuring real-world examples that drive efficiency, promote equity, and empower individuals and families to thrive.
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| 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Annie E. Casey Foundation Juvenile Justice Listening Session
Invite only.
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6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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LUCC Welcome Reception
Buses will depart from hotel at 6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, October 5
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8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
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LUCC Symposium Kick-Off & Opening Remarks
LUCC symposium attendees will hear opening remarks from LUCC leadership and Orange County leadership.
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9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
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Opening Plenary: Leadership through a Disaster Tabletop Exercise
Over the past 20 years, natural and manmade disasters have increased in both frequency, severity and cost. On average, 24 percent of counties have experienced at least one disaster in each of the last three years. The past three hurricane and wildfire seasons have included six hurricanes that combined to cost over $330 billion in damages and more than eight wildfires causing over $40 billion in damages. These disasters showcase the need for government officials, particularly county governments, to renew their focus on their planning and response readiness activities. This opening plenary will prepare urban county leaders for disaster events by assessing counties' current state of readiness and identifying gaps.
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9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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Coffee Break
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10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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LUCC Business Meeting
The LUCC business meeting will feature federal speakers alongside national thought leaders to discuss issues of importance to urban counties such as digital equity, financial security and continued flexibility for the use of American Rescue Plan Act funding.
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12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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All-Attendee Luncheon
Featuring a keynote address from leading industry thought leaders.
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2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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LUCC Breakout Discussion: Promoting Digital Inclusion: Broadband Access Initiatives for County Residents
In an increasingly digital world, counties have a unique opportunity to ensure that the benefits of access to technology and internet connectivity are provided to all county residents. Equity remains a big concern for ensuring the benefits of ubiquitous high-speed internet reaches families no matter their income background or living situation. Counties will learn from thought leaders, federal partners, providers and community organizations on how strategies for digital inclusion towards targeted communities can be implemented by the county and through public-private partnerships.
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2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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LUCC Symposium Breakout Discussion: Housing for Tomorrow - Implementing Affordable Housing Programs in Urban Communities
Communities around the country are confronted with a shortage of reasonably priced, fair quality housing. Join this session to discover insights from NACo Housing Task Force members on specific policy recommendations and best practices that can be tailored and implemented in your community. The session will also provide a detailed example of an innovative partnership between Comcast Universal and Orange County for a first-of-its kind approach, the Universal Housing for Tomorrow project – an affordable housing development with 1,000 high-quality apartments.
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2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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LUCC Symposium Breakout Discussion: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Landscape & Combating Mis- and Disinformation about Elections
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have catapulted the use of advanced computer technologies within society at unprecedented scale. At the same time, mis- and disinformation surrounding the administration of elections have increased and intensified over the past few years. As such, experts believe that the advancement and increasing use of AI has the potential to further create and spread harmful mis- and disinformation surrounding election administration. LUCC counties will hear from election officials and experts on information technology and AI to unpack how this emerging technology can impact public perception of elections. Additionally, attendees will discuss methods to identify and combat AI generated images and text as well as general misinformation.
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6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
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Closing Reception
LUCC will gather for a night of food and drinks at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando's main performance venue. Attendees will also have an opportunity to view a cultural performance by FusionFest, a local nonprofit that celebrates the diverse heritage of Central Florida residents. Buses will depart from the hotel at 5:30 p.m. EST.
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Friday, October 6
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8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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Mobile Tour: Addressing Mental Illness in the Orange County Justice System
LUCC members will learn about local partnerships for serving individuals engaged by local law enforcement who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis through brief presentations at the Orange County Jail and the Belvin Perry Jr. Central Receiving Center, the first acute mental health crisis assessment center in the state of Florida.
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12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Closing Luncheon
Featuring keynote speaker.
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About the Large Urban County Caucus
America’s urban counties play a prominent role in 160 million residents’ lives every day. We foster conditions for economic strength, build and maintain transportation systems and critical infrastructure, promote community health and well-being, champion justice and public safety and implement a broad portfolio of federal, state and local programs.
The NACo Large Urban County Caucus is the premier forum for urban county leaders and is the voice for America’s metropolitan counties before Congress and the Administration.
