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

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.

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