2023 Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference

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ConferenceJoin us in for the 2023 Western Interstate Region ConferenceWashington County, Utah2023 Western Interstate Region (WIR) ConferenceWashington County, UtahMay 17, 2023May 17, 2023, 8:00 am to May 19, 2023, 5:30 pm
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Event
2023 Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference
Join us in for the 2023 Western Interstate Region Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
- Register today
- Preliminary schedule
- Travel & housing
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Health & safety
Registration
Registration Rates
Early Bird Postmarked by 4/6 Advanced 4/6 – 5/11 Onsite After 5/11 NACo County Member $475 $515 $645 NACo Corporate Member $475 $530 $660 County Non-Member $565 $615 $745 Corporate Non-Member $610 $660 $790 Spouse/Guest $140 $140 $140 Registration fees include all sessions and functions that are part of the official program. Registration includes a ticket to the Thursday all-conference luncheon and reception, as well as the Friday box lunch. Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations or transportation to/from the hotel.
Travel & Housing
All conference activities (except for off-site evening receptions and mobile tours) are taking place at the Dixie Convention Center. Discounted housing rates have been established at the four hotels closest to the convention center and rooms will fill up quickly.
Hotel Block Rate Fairfield Inn $154/night Hyatt Place $174/night Hilton Garden Inn $174/night Holiday Inn $174/night Washington County, Utah/St. George/Greater Zion
With striking red rock cliffs, towering, carved canyons, sweeping vistas and deep, cool waters, Washington County and Greater Zion are a colorful adventureland brimming with over 2,400 square miles of epic outdoor pursuits. Here, the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin converge to make for some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Immerse yourself in natural wonders and be reminded of what it’s like to be curious, carefree, and completely in awe of the world around you. Home to Zion National Park — the second most visited National Park in the United States — Greater Zion begs to be explored. While simultaneously immense and intimate, Greater Zion pushes the boundaries of possibility. It’s a destination where beauty meets luxury, where urban elegance complements feats of unparalleled human achievement and wild and kaleidoscopic landscapes paint the background.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
Located about 20 minutes from the Dixie Convention Center and conference hotels, SGU has daily direct flights from Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver and Dallas. Ride shares are available at the airport as well as taxis and on-location rental cars.
Mobile Tour Options (Pre-conference events - Tuesday, May 16)
Participants may select one of three mobile tours to attend on Tuesday, May 16. Each tour is capped to accommodate the tour location.
Zion National Park Tour (This tour is now at capacity.): Congress designated Zion National Park in 1919 as the first national park in the state of Utah. In 2021, more than five million visitors from around the world came to Southwest Utah each year to see this true gem of the American West. This tour will feature visits to famous sites within the park, discussions on its history and ecosystem, and dialogue with local and federal leaders on resource management coordination and the delivery of emergency and critical services to residents and park visitors. Lunch will be provided.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Tour (50 participants): Located near Kanab in Kane County, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary was founded in 1984 to find homes for unwanted pets and to advocate for no-kill policies in animal shelters. Best Friends is currently the largest sanctuary of its kind in the United States - home to 1,600 household pets, farm animals and unique wildlife. On this tour, you will learn about this unique organization’s advocacy efforts to protect homeless animals nationwide and meet some of its friendly residents. Lunch will be provided.
Padre Canyon Hike (25 participants): Located near St. George, Padre Canyon is a 2.5-mile hike climbing up mountains through the Snow Canyon. After the summit, the trail descends into the Red Mountain Wilderness, where it eventually connects with the Snow Canyon trails. Keep an eye out for exceptional desert wildlife, including Gila monsters. This excursion is for experienced hikers - the trail consists of a steep incline and is considered moderately difficult.
Steering Committee Mobile Tours (Pre-Conference Events – Wednesday, May 17)
Members of three of NACo's policy steering committees are invited to attend one of two additional mobile tours on Wednesday, May 17. These tours run from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Policy steering committee members are given preference for joining these tours, followed by a first-come, first-serve basis for additional attendees. To join a NACo steering committee, please indicate your interest to your state association of counties!
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (Public Lands Policy Steering Committee): The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) comprises nearly 46,000 acres at the convergence of the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. Located just outside of St. George, the NCA encompasses critical habitat for the Mojave Desert tortoise and other vulnerable species. Learn how Washington County worked with federal agencies to better manage this NCA to benefit the species, environment and local community.
Washington County Water Conservancy District (Environment, Energy and Land Use and Agriculture Steering Committees): Founded in 1962 at the request of local property owners, the Washington County Water Conservancy District manages, conserves, develops and stabilizes water supplies within this rapidly growing county. With the county’s water supply limited to the Virgin River, the District’s work and mission are critical to the present and future economic and conservation needs of Washington County. This tour will include visits to some of the critical diversion dams and reservoirs that produce more than 60 million gallons of water per day for 200,000 residents in rural and urban communities.
Conference Schedule
All times are listed in Mountain Daylight Time. The schedule is subject to change without notice, so be sure to check back frequently.
- PRINT SCHEDULE
HEALTH & SAFETY
NACo is offering in‐person attendance at its 2023 WIR Conference pursuant to local government orders and public health guidance on such gatherings. NACo is committed to hosting a safe event for all participants and to this end requires all members, guests, staff and supplier personnel to comply with safety precautions specified for Greater Zion, the Dixie Convention Center, and CDC guidelines and recommendations.
Learn More: 2023 Western Interstate Region Conference Waiver of Liability and 2023 NACo Conference Code of Conduct.
Join us in for the 2023 Western Interstate Region Conference2023-05-17Conference2023-03-13
Join us in for the 2023 Western Interstate Region ConferenceThe NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges. |
RegistrationRegistration Rates
Registration fees include all sessions and functions that are part of the official program. Registration includes a ticket to the Thursday all-conference luncheon and reception, as well as the Friday box lunch. Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations or transportation to/from the hotel. |
Travel & HousingAll conference activities (except for off-site evening receptions and mobile tours) are taking place at the Dixie Convention Center. Discounted housing rates have been established at the four hotels closest to the convention center and rooms will fill up quickly.
Washington County, Utah/St. George/Greater ZionWith striking red rock cliffs, towering, carved canyons, sweeping vistas and deep, cool waters, Washington County and Greater Zion are a colorful adventureland brimming with over 2,400 square miles of epic outdoor pursuits. Here, the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin converge to make for some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Immerse yourself in natural wonders and be reminded of what it’s like to be curious, carefree, and completely in awe of the world around you. Home to Zion National Park — the second most visited National Park in the United States — Greater Zion begs to be explored. While simultaneously immense and intimate, Greater Zion pushes the boundaries of possibility. It’s a destination where beauty meets luxury, where urban elegance complements feats of unparalleled human achievement and wild and kaleidoscopic landscapes paint the background. St. George Regional Airport (SGU)Located about 20 minutes from the Dixie Convention Center and conference hotels, SGU has daily direct flights from Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver and Dallas. Ride shares are available at the airport as well as taxis and on-location rental cars. Mobile Tour Options (Pre-conference events - Tuesday, May 16)Participants may select one of three mobile tours to attend on Tuesday, May 16. Each tour is capped to accommodate the tour location. Zion National Park Tour (This tour is now at capacity.): Congress designated Zion National Park in 1919 as the first national park in the state of Utah. In 2021, more than five million visitors from around the world came to Southwest Utah each year to see this true gem of the American West. This tour will feature visits to famous sites within the park, discussions on its history and ecosystem, and dialogue with local and federal leaders on resource management coordination and the delivery of emergency and critical services to residents and park visitors. Lunch will be provided. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Tour (50 participants): Located near Kanab in Kane County, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary was founded in 1984 to find homes for unwanted pets and to advocate for no-kill policies in animal shelters. Best Friends is currently the largest sanctuary of its kind in the United States - home to 1,600 household pets, farm animals and unique wildlife. On this tour, you will learn about this unique organization’s advocacy efforts to protect homeless animals nationwide and meet some of its friendly residents. Lunch will be provided. Padre Canyon Hike (25 participants): Located near St. George, Padre Canyon is a 2.5-mile hike climbing up mountains through the Snow Canyon. After the summit, the trail descends into the Red Mountain Wilderness, where it eventually connects with the Snow Canyon trails. Keep an eye out for exceptional desert wildlife, including Gila monsters. This excursion is for experienced hikers - the trail consists of a steep incline and is considered moderately difficult. Steering Committee Mobile Tours (Pre-Conference Events – Wednesday, May 17)Members of three of NACo's policy steering committees are invited to attend one of two additional mobile tours on Wednesday, May 17. These tours run from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Policy steering committee members are given preference for joining these tours, followed by a first-come, first-serve basis for additional attendees. To join a NACo steering committee, please indicate your interest to your state association of counties! Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (Public Lands Policy Steering Committee): The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) comprises nearly 46,000 acres at the convergence of the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. Located just outside of St. George, the NCA encompasses critical habitat for the Mojave Desert tortoise and other vulnerable species. Learn how Washington County worked with federal agencies to better manage this NCA to benefit the species, environment and local community. Washington County Water Conservancy District (Environment, Energy and Land Use and Agriculture Steering Committees): Founded in 1962 at the request of local property owners, the Washington County Water Conservancy District manages, conserves, develops and stabilizes water supplies within this rapidly growing county. With the county’s water supply limited to the Virgin River, the District’s work and mission are critical to the present and future economic and conservation needs of Washington County. This tour will include visits to some of the critical diversion dams and reservoirs that produce more than 60 million gallons of water per day for 200,000 residents in rural and urban communities. |
Conference ScheduleAll times are listed in Mountain Daylight Time. The schedule is subject to change without notice, so be sure to check back frequently. |
HEALTH & SAFETY
NACo is offering in‐person attendance at its 2023 WIR Conference pursuant to local government orders and public health guidance on such gatherings. NACo is committed to hosting a safe event for all participants and to this end requires all members, guests, staff and supplier personnel to comply with safety precautions specified for Greater Zion, the Dixie Convention Center, and CDC guidelines and recommendations.
Learn More: 2023 Western Interstate Region Conference Waiver of Liability and 2023 NACo Conference Code of Conduct.
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Basic page
Western Interstate Region
The Western Interstate Region is affiliated with the National Association of Counties and is dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo. These interests include public land issues (use and conservation), community stability and economic development, and the promotion of the traditional Western way of life. Its membership consists of fifteen Western states, (Alaska, Hawaii, Wash., Ore., Calif., Idaho, Nev., Ariz., Mont., Wyo., Colo., N.M., Utah, N.D., S.D.) with membership funded through the individual state associations.
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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All Day Mobile Tours (Zion National Park, Animal Sanctuary, Padre Canyon Hike)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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WIR Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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Steering Committee Mobile Tours (Public Lands, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environment, Energy and Land Use Committees)
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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NACo Board and WIR Board Reception
(Invitation Only)
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
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General Sessions and Workshops
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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NACo Board of Directors Meeting
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Conference-wide Reception
8:30 am to 9:00 am
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WIR Annual Business Meeting
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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General Session and Workshops
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
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NACo Board of Directors Orientation
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Blog
White House to Establish New National Monuments in Nevada and Texas
On March 21, President Biden issued proclamations creating two national monuments in Nevada and Texas. -
Blog
White House announces preservation of 16 million acres of land and water in Alaska
On March 12, the White House announced that it will take action to extend preservation protections to 16 million total acres of land and water in the Alaskan Arctic. -
County News
County officials hear from Forest Service, Interior representatives
Intergovernmental partnerships are crucial in public lands management. -
County News
County officials stress importance of funding PILT, SRS
County officials advocated to Congress for mandatory funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program. -
County News
PILT is no four-letter word for counties
Funding and fairness are frequent topics when debating PILT's equity for public lands counties. -
County News
WIR grows during Anchorage conference
The Western Interstate Region took a trip to the largest state for its conference and came home with its largest membership.
Upcoming Events
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24Mar2023Webinar
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Breaking Down USDOT’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Discretionary Grant for Counties
Mar. 24, 2023 , 11:00 am – 12:00 pm -
29Mar2023Webinar
County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces
Mar. 29, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
5Apr2023Webinar
County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
Apr. 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm